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The Jets know they put themselves in a precarious position to win the AFC East with Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, but they still feel they will make the playoffs.
“We feel like we have to get things turned around and [going] in the right direction, then we’ll be fine,” left guard Matt Slauson said. “As far as winning the division, our destiny kind of lies in New England’s hands. We feel very confident about [the] wild card. We just have to take care of business.”
The AFC playoff picture remains crowded. The Jets are one of four AFC teams with four losses and would not be in the playoffs if the season ended today. There are five other teams with three losses.
Jets coach Rex Ryan reiterated his feelings about the likelihood of catching the Patriots again yesterday.
“I still think it’s doubtful,” Ryan said. “I look at New England as an excellent football team. They’re a game ahead of us. They might as well be two games ahead of us. I look at it realistically.”
Asked if he will now look at the wild-card picture he said, “We’re looking at Denver [where the Jets play the Broncos on Thursday]. That’s the only way we’re going to get in the playoffs.
* The Jets have some injury issues to deal with. The team did not have a full practice yesterday, but released an injury report as if they had. Five players would have been unable to practice: RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), WR Jeremy Kerley (knee), S Brodney Pool (knee), WR Patrick Turner (kidney) and TE Shawn Nelson (illness).