New York Jets Control Their Playoff Destiny
The New York Jets entered Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots needing a win and a little help to make the playoffs. They now control their own postseason destiny.
47. Final. 26. 30. 20
It’s not often that New York Jets’ fans get exactly what they need. Earlier in the week, we discussed how the Jets could control their on-field destiny only. Well, they did that, taking down the Patriots in an overtime thriller, 26-20 on Sunday. Add that to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss, and the Jets are in control of their playoff destiny. All they need is a win over Buffalo next week, and the Jets will secure the final AFC wild card spot.
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What a difference a few weeks make. A little over a month ago, the Jets were 5-5, and we were wondering what the future holds. Now, they are one win away from the future holding a playoff spot.
The man of the hour was Eric Decker, although he only posted three catches, he posted the biggest one, capping an overtime drive that went 80 yards over five plays. Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Decker in the end zone from six yards out to give the Jets the much-needed win.
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end
(91) sacks New England Patriots quarterback
(12) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
New England fans can put a lot of blame on the overtime coin toss, which would be the natural thing to do. Matthew Slater electing for the team to kick in overtime obviously surprised a lot of people. But the game didn’t have to come down to that. Give a lot of credit to the Jets’ defense on Sunday, holding the Patriots to 1-of-10 on third down. That is a number that is unheard of from a Tom Brady-led team.
The Jets offense did nothing in the fourth quarter, but the defense kept them in front until late. The Patriots were not able to take the momentum, and the credit belongs to the Jets’ defense.
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver
(15) makes reception and carries the ball in for touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Can enough be said about the connection between Ryan Fitzpatrick and this guy, Brandon Marshall? Eight more catches on Sunday puts him at 101 for the year, to go along with a career high of 13 touchdowns after two more on Sunday. Acquiring Marshall for a fifth-round draft pick may qualify Mike Maccagnan for sainthood with some Jets’ fans, and it’s easy to understand. He was blanketed all day, but still managed a game-high 115 yards on those eight catches.
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The excellent sign for the Jets was the ability to get it going in overtime. How many times in the past would the Jets have lost a game like that? What typically happens when they dominate most of the game and lose their lead late? Not this group, however. Todd Bowles’ club has had the ability to get the momentum back, and it put together the drive they needed to win the game.
All the Jets need is a win over Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. It’s safe to say it is going to be pretty exciting next week.