Jets Still have Work to do

After several weeks of convincing performances and thoroughly emphatic wins, the NYJ once again proved this week that they are still a team only a few wins removed from a 3-3 start. While the bangwagon fans and the Subway super bowl talk will now gladly fade to oblivion, the recent loss to Denver serves in much the same way as the Jets win over Tennessee did for the Titans, as a wake up call and a need to return to fundamentals.

Coming off of the past few victories, the Jets were clicking on all cylinders.  The secondary was creating turnovers, the run defense was stout, and most importantly the offense seemed to be gaining a rhythm that was exciting to watch. The sky was the limit, and for the first time this season we were seeing what a fully integrated Brett Favre was capable of. It was official; the Jets had the potential to be a very good team.

But this past week, it became very apparent that while the Jets certainly have the potential to be very good, they still have a good amount of work left.  And Favre, for as much veteran leadership, excitement, and play making ability he has brought to the Jets, has also brought some of the same flaws that have made him the NFL’s career interception leader.  

During the Denver game, several other flaws became apparent, and will certainly be addressed by coaches in the coming weeks.  The pass rush has been disappearing in recent weeks, adding more pressure to a secondary that at times struggles to defend the pass. And the quick strike offense that worked so well was not nearly as crisp as it has been in previous weeks.  Combined with some very costly turnovers, extremely poor play calling on both sides of the ball, and the strangely reoccurring Denver Bronco injuries during the two minute offense, and the recipe is a 34-17 beating.

All is not lost however.  With the Patriot loss the Jets still remain atop the AFC East, and now turn to the final ¼ of the season, which provides a relatively forgiving schedule.  Next week consists of a trip to struggling SF, followed by a home game against the even more so struggling Bills, and finally rounding out the season with Seattle and Miami. With a return to form, the Jets are looking at a very strong chance of making the playoffs, with the outside chance of earning a buy in the first round.

With an eye on the future, it is also becoming apparent that the Jets have several holes that could be upgraded via this coming years draft. On defense, the DE position could use an infusion of youth and talent.  And while Barton has played well and Bowens has filled in admirably for Harris, the need for an ILB is becoming more and more important, especially with Barton’s pending FA approaching. Additionally, the secondary could use another shutdown corner opposite Revis, or another safety to provide depth behind Rhodes and the often inconsistent Elam.

On Offense, the Jets could use a big play skills player and some depth along the Oline. And with Favre not getting any younger and the constant possibility of retirement, the QB position may also be a position interest in this coming years draft.

But for now, the Jets have bigger things to worry about than the draft.  Next week it’s off to San Francisco, to play an offensively struggling team that is 4-8 on the year.  If they can take care of business like they could and should, the Playoffs are only a few wins around the corner