This is the weekend for making New Year’s resolutions. While regular working stiffs focus on earning money and losing weight, it’s an appropriate time for the Jets to pause and reflect on how to improve as individuals and as a team.
At least that’s what have been hearing from the coaching staff all week as the Jets
(10-5) approach today’s essentially meaningless game against the Bills (4-11) at the Meadowlands. The Jets already have a playoff berth clinched, so if they need a list of resolutions for added focus and motivation, here are a few suggestions:
Stay healthy: Quarterback Mark Sanchez is expected to start today’s game, but should be handled as if it were a preseason game.
Herm Edwards said, “You play to win the game.” But you also play to keep your quarterback healthy for the playoffs. The Jets gain nothing by risking further injury to his already banged up shoulder; same with Sean Ellis (back), Santonio Holmes (turf toe) and anyone else nursing injuries.
The Jets don’t need to hurt their chances of winning next week’s game this week.
Count your blessings: Since losing the AFC Championship to the Colts last year, the Jets have acted as if returning to playoffs was a birth right.
Because of overtime wins at Detroit and Cleveland and nail-biters against the Broncos and Texans, the Jets managed just enough wins to get in. Now they must conjure that same underdog mentality that fueled them last year when they upset the Bengals and the Chargers.
Stick to basics: Coach Rex Ryan spent much of the week reviewing the fundamentals of tackling and footwork, hoping it will improve a defense that has allowed 55 points in its last two games and an average of 27.5 over its last four. Shoulder-pad level, footwork and separating from blocks were discussed.
“We’ve got to get better from a fundamentals and technique standpoint,” Ryan said on Friday. “We’ve got to get back to being who we are.”
Invest wisely: The Jets must establish their Ground and Pound identity, which they surely will need in the playoffs. They have averaged 139.9 yards rushing this year, sixth in the NFL, but well below the 172.2 yards they averaged last season. Investing and being committed to the running game would be the best thing to happen to Sanchez.
Reduce stress: The Jets have been a high drama team all season with wins over the Vikings, Lions, Browns and Texans coming on the final series of the game. It would be good for their mental health if they could chill today with a comfortable victory or even an energy-conserving defeat.
Forgive yourself: Let’s face it. The Jets have been a mess off the field this year with a succession of incidents that have put Ryan and the franchise in a poor light. From eating cheeseburgers at practice to inappropriate conduct in the locker room toward a female reporter to Braylon Edwards’ DWI to Tripgate to Footgate, it has been one thing after another. During the offseason, the Jets brass needs to figure out a way to avoid such negative attention. But for now, it’s should be all about the playoffs.
Enjoy the moment: Ryan is 2-for-2 as a head coach when it comes to making the playoffs. That’s not bad. But he has raised the bar so high that only a Super Bowl win will suffice.
Nevertheless, the Jets shouldn’t be burdened by the pressure of living up to Ryan’s bold predictions. The Jets were an easy-going group for most of the year, but had their confidence shattered by their 45-3 loss at New England.
It’s time they conquer their fear and embrace the moment. They may not have won the AFC East. But at least they’re not Buffalo.
george.willis@btc365-futebol.com