Schwartz: With Jets Heading Into Bye, Say Bye-Bye To Their Playoff Hopes
By Peter Schwartz
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Earlier in the week, Rex Ryan wanted an apology from Reggie Bush for his comments about Darrelle Revis.
Now, Ryan and the Jets owe Dennis Byrd an apology for a disgusting performance on a day when No. 90 was retired.
As the Jets head into their bye week, you know what you can say about Gang Green's playoff chances?
Bye Bye!
Sunday's deplorable 30-9 loss to the Dolphins -- their fourth loss in five games -- drops the Jets to 3-5. Ryan and the Jets' coaches now have two weeks to try to fix everything that's broken before the Jets head out to visit the Seahawks.
We heard all week about how the Jets were going to empty everything in their tank and do everything to win the game and get to 4-4.
I guess they left the tank in the locker room.
"To say I never saw this coming is an understatement," said Ryan. "We had a great week of preparation and practice. This one is a tough one to accept. We have to find a way to get better. I'm blown away by it."
As Hurricane Sandy made its way towards our area during and after the game, the Dolphins dumped their own tropical storm on the Jets, and it was embarrassing. Not to say that the Jets were going to beat out the Patriots for the division or even get a Wild Card spot, but they had a chance to be relevant for a few more weeks.
And they blew it.
"At home, (a) divisional opponent, before the bye week, you name it," said Mark Sanchez. "It was set up for us to really go into this bye week feeling good, getting back to .500, being right where we want to be in our division. And now, we made things difficult for us, and there's a light at the end of the tunnel."
But that light is flickering, and it's not because people are losing their power because of the storm.
I don't know if the Jets can get this turned around. There's only so much that they can do in terms of changes. Ryan said he will not make any coaching changes and he insists that Sanchez will remain the starting quarterback.
Ryan heard the fans booing and calling for Tim Tebow, but he stuck with his guy.
"I never felt it was the time to do it," said Ryan of making a change. "Mark is our quarterback. I just thought he gave us the best chance to win. I believe in all of our players, and I believe in Mark. I think Mark has proven that he can win in this league. I think he gives us our best chance to win. That's my opinion and that's the one that matters."
Tebow was a non-factor in the game. He had just one rush for two yards and was on the field when the Dolphins blocked a punt. This has to be frustrating for him. He was a starting quarterback in the NFL last season and now he's just a glorified backup and punt protector.
He can hear the crowd calling his name, but just stands on the sideline waiting for a chance to play.
"I'm just ready and willing," said Tebow. "Whenever they call my number, I go out there to help the team, and (I am) not listening to what the crowd is saying."
I think Tim is fibbing a little there, but there's nothing that he can do about it. It's really clear that maybe Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano don't know what to do with him. And maybe they really didn't want him, and the trade was a complete Woody Johnson production.
Sure, the Jets could replace Sanchez with Tebow down the road, but will that really make a difference? I doubt it. If the Jets are going to make a chance at quarterback, they might be better off finding out what they have in Greg McElroy.
On defense, the Jets should just let Quinton Coples loose. The first-round pick should play every down and get the experience he needs. Also, Demario Davis should be a starting linebacker for the rest of the season. The Jets have nothing to gain from Bart Scott, even if his toe gets better.
The special teams are supposed to be special, but they allowed the Dolphins to recover an onside kick, block a punt for a touchdown and block a field goal.
This debacle was a total team effort, including the coaching staff.
I don't think that Johnson will fire Ryan, even if the Jets don't win another game the rest of the season. However, I do think that Rex has to show that he hasn't lost his team, because things could get ugly in the second half. As the losses mount, so will the public pressure that a change has to be made.
Like I said, I don't think Ryan will lose his job, but some assistants could pay the price. Maybe Sparano is one and done as offensive coordinator, and maybe, just maybe, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine pays the price.
General Manager Mike Tannenbaum will certainly receive plenty of criticism, and I believe it would be well-deserved. The personnel on this team has declined since Ryan's first year in 2009. Plenty of draft picks haven't panned out, and in fact, the Jets cut four of this year's picks after training camp.
Mr. T might be running out of time.
And I think the clock is ticking on the Jets' season, and then they'll be on the clock for a high draft pick. The time may be coming for somebody else to make that pick.
JET LINERS
* Byrd's #90 was retired at halftime. Wearing a Jets throwback jersey from his playing days, Byrd was announced as the final member of the Jets defense during pregame introductions and was an honorary captain for the coin toss.
* The National Anthem was performed by the fans.
* Pink penalty flags were used in the game to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 11-year-old Dante Cano of Marlboro, NJ sent the suggestion to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and he presented the flags to the officials before the game.
A PRIVATE SIGNING WITH BROADWAY JOE
Legendary Jets Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath will be conducting a private autograph signing in early November. The event is being conducted by KZ Sports Marketing and Finest Sports Collectibles. For more information, please contact Kenny Zore of KZ Sports Marketing at 516-996-7616, or send an email to kzsm2010@gmail.com.
That's all for now, Jets fans! The Jets have a bye and are off this week! Check back next week as the Jets begin preparations for their next game on November 11th in Seattle.
What do you think, Jets fans? Do you have any hope left that the Jets can make the playoffs? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
