The Jets’ 2-8 record did not look any prettier when the team returned to work on Monday after its bye week. With six games left, the Jets are left to play out the string. The playoffs are still mathematically a possibility but not even the Jets are kidding themselves that it is a realistic one.
Instead, the Jets returned to practice Monday, vowing to play for pride and not just roll over.
“I think this is a prideful team. I know it is,” coach Rex Ryan said. “We’re going to do our very best to go out and win every game we can. We’re going to put every ounce of energy [into it] whether we’re playing for a playoff right or just playing, [like] where we are right now.”
The Jets snapped an eight-game losing streak with their win over the Steelers before the bye. As they reassembled Monday, the energy was high and the team was in good spirits despite their dismal record.
“There are always high expectations,” quarterback Michael Vick said. “Even though the playoffs are not in the picture, we understand that a strong finish is key. It’s important for the morale going into the following year or whatever it may be, or just you yourself. I think you just have to keep that right mindset.”
The high hopes of training camp have long faded away, but the Jets do have some reasons to be encouraged. They have played some of their best football in their last two games. The offense gained 364 yards in the loss to the Chiefs. It was not as effective against the Steelers after a strong first quarter, but the defense played its best game. The Jets had four turnovers against Pittsburgh after recording three in the previous nine games.
We understand that a strong finish is key. It’s important for the morale going into the following year.
- Michael Vick
The offense has been energized by the arrival of wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has opened up things for teammates as well as making plays himself. Harvin’s Jets debut came three weeks ago against the Bills, the team the Jets face again on Sunday. Harvin played a lot in that game, but was still learning on the job. He has progressed each week, and has gotten a firmer grasp on the offense.
“As far as lining up, timing, just things like that I’m way ahead of where I was,” Harvin said. “I’m not thinking as much right now, so as soon as a play is called I know exactly where I need to be, all the adjustments and audibles. I think I’ll be able to play much faster in this game.”
That bodes well for the Jets offense.
“I think we’ve improved each week,” Harvin said. “I think the sky’s the limit once we get a chance to really, really work together as far as timing, chemistry, things like that. I feel that the last three weeks, each week we’ve gotten better. You can see kind of where we’re going once we’re clicking.”
Ryan described the Jets as having “six one-game seasons.” The Jets have winnable games remaining, but four of the six come away from MetLife Stadium. The Jets are 0-4 on the road this year and 2-10 over the past two seasons.
The first of the “one-game seasons” comes in Buffalo this week. The Bills thrashed the Jets 43-23 on Oct. 26 at the Meadowlands. It’s no secret what the Jets must do differently this time. They had six turnovers in that game, three from Geno Smith and three from Vick.
“With that game, it starts with we better take care of the football,” Ryan said. “I don’t care if you run fullback dive 50 times. We’d have a better chance of winning that way than we would with how we played the last time. I think that’s going to be the important thing.”
Vick is eager for a shot at redemption.
“You’re always embarrassed when you turn the ball over three times,” he said. “You feel bad for the home fans and the people that come out to support you. You feel bad for your coaches who put the time and effort into you to try to make you the best player you can be on Sundays. You kind of let them down in that area. When you have a chance to go out and do it right, you’ve got to go out and do it right.”