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BUFFALO — The Jets’ miserable 2012 season finally comes to an end today against the Bills.
The game is like an appetizer for the main event, which could come as early as tomorrow. Whom will owner Woody Johnson keep? Whom will he fire? What changes need to be made to his team that will have its first losing record since 2007?
Johnson isn’t saying.
He has not been seen around the Jets headquarters recently. The last time reporters saw him was in Nashville after the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Titans and Johnson said he would talk to reporters after the season.
There is little to be determined by today’s game between the 6-9 Jets and 5-10 Bills. Johnson probably has his mind made up what he wants to do already. Sources say neither coach Rex Ryan nor general manager Mike Tannenbaum have been given any indication on their futures. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano looks like a one-and-done goner. Ryan is believed to be safe.
The most interesting question is whether Johnson decides to fire Tannenbaum and go in a different direction. Tannenbaum has run the Jets since 2006, and has received most of the blame from fans and media for the talent deterioration of the roster this season. Tannenbaum has declined interviews for weeks.
If Johnson opts to keep Tannenbaum, it would be because he sees value in continuity and sees Ryan and Tannenbaum as partners in the Jets’ decision-making. The Jets have won 61 games in seven seasons (including playoffs) under Tannenbaum’s watch with three postseason appearances and two AFC title games.
His drafts have come under fire, but he looks as though he hit on 2011 first-round pick Muhammad Wilkerson and Jeremy Kerley, Kyle Wilson and Quinton Coples have shown promise this season.
There is also the injury factor. Johnson could look at a team that lost Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes to season-ending injuries in September and cut Tannenbaum some slack. The Jets have had players miss 58 games because of injury this season, compared to 23 last year. Holmes, No. 2 receiver Stephen Hill and tight end Dustin Keller played just 13 snaps together.
The Jets don’t have anything to play for today. It will be interesting to see if they have packed it in already.
“I think the big thing about motivation is you have an opportunity to go compete,” Ryan said. “You’re in the National Football League and obviously, that’s your job. But besides that, it’s more about this is an opportunity for you and, shoot, nothing’s ever guaranteed, whether it’s a player, coach, whatever. For some guys in our locker room, it could be the last game they ever play in the National Football League. The last game they could ever play, you never know. But also, it’s just a chance to compete with your teammates and I think that’s a big thing. It’s about being professional and finishing the year no matter what.”
The game might not be entertaining today. What follows could be fascinating.
A look inside the game:
MARQUEE MATCHUP
Bills RB C.J. Spiller vs. Jets LBs David Harris and Bart Scott
Spiller (left) has had a big season for Buffalo. He has 1,185 yards and is averaging 6.5 yards per carry. The Jets are 27th against the run and have been susceptible to the big play. If Spiller gets into the Jets secondary, he could break a long one just like Chris Johnson did for the Titans two weeks ago.
ON THE MARK
Mark Sanchez is back as the Jets’ starting quarterback after a one-week hiatus. He got the job back after Greg McElroy revealed he had a concussion in the middle of the week. Sanchez has had a terrible 2012 with 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He is almost certainly will be back in 2013 because his $8.25 million guaranteed salary next year makes him tough to move. This is a last chance for Sanchez to get something positive out of this lost season.
QUEST FOR 1,000
Jets running back Shonn Greene is just 11 yards shy of 1,000 for the season. It would be the second straight season Greene hit the mark. Greene will be a free agent after the season and the team faces an interesting decision with him. He has not proven himself as a back that can carry the load during his two years as the primary ballcarrier. But can the Jets find a better alternative?
The Bills have the worst rushing defense in the NFL. If Greene can’t get 11 yards today, forget about it.
THE LAST DANCE
The Jets are going to look vastly different in 2013. They have several free agents and will have to release a number of players to get under the salary cap.
Veterans who could be playing their final games for the Jets include: Bryan Thomas, Brandon Moore, Greene, Matt Slauson, Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Mike DeVito and Eric Smith.
A SPECIAL GOODBYE
Longtime special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff is retiring after today. He has had a rough final season with several special-teams breakdowns. Last week, his unit gave up a punt-return touchdown to the Chargers, the latest mishap.
The Jets would love to send Westhoff off with a good day on special teams. Joe McKnight has been close to breaking a kickoff return. Maybe today is the day.
brian.costello@nypost.com