Bye Week Comes At Perfect Time For New York Jets
By Tyson Rauch
What a wild and wacky season it has been for the New York Jets. Gang Green entered the 2013 season as a team many considered to be one of the worst teams in the National Football League. Now after nine weeks of the season and a 5-4 record the Jets are believed to be an organization on the rise with a chance to make a run for the playoffs.
Time to regroup
The New York Jets enter the bye week a battered and bruised team following a tremendous victory over the highly touted New Orleans Saints. The Jets played very well in all three facets of the game and displayed resiliency, as they once again had to overcome significant injuries. The bye week could not come at a more perfect time for Gang Green, as the team needs a chance to regroup and get healthy.
The return of some weapons
The Jets offense has been decimated by injuries as receivers and tight ends were continuously coming in and out of the lineup. Following the bye, Gang Green's offense should get a substantial boost with several playmakers returning to the lineup.
Santonio Holmes, the Jets best pass catcher, is on track to play against the Bills in week 11. Holmes will provide Geno Smith with a reliable set of hands and can help offset the loss of Jeremy Kerley who is dealing with an elbow injury.
The Jets should get both of their starting tight ends back after the bye as Kellen Winslow returns from suspension and Jeff Cumberland recovers from a concussion. The return of these playmakers will give offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg a full slate of weapons that he has not had in several weeks.
Geno gets a breather
As expected rookie quarterback Geno Smith experienced several highs and lows through the first nine games. The break will give Smith some time to study film, learn from his mistakes, and work on fundamentals. In addition Geno will get some time to get reacquainted with some of his receivers and tight ends that have been missing from the lineup.
Time for defensive adjustments
The Jets defense has been excellent against the run (first in the NFL) but has had some issues against the pass (ranked 21st). The bye week should give Gang Green time to clean up some of their coverage issues in the secondary while getting some players back to full strength.
Defensive back Antonio Cromartie will look to bounce back from an average start to the season while rookie Dee Milliner gets a chance to breathe after a disappointing start to his Jets career.
Rex can rally the troops
Entering the season head coach Rex Ryan used the "us against the world" approach to get his team prepared for their opponents. Now that the team has experienced some success Ryan can start dangling a playoff berth as motivation. Rex will have to walk a fine line to prevent his team from becoming overconfident.
Exciting times for Jets nation
It is truly an exciting time to be a fan of the New York Jets as the team is exceeding the expectations of most. Gang Green plays hard and with passion and has given themselves a chance to play meaningful games late in the season. What else could you ask for from a young team that has undergone roster/coaching changes?
For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.
Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
