New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson shouldn’t play vs. Falcons

bowlesThe New York Jets shouldn’t let Muhammad Wilkerson play in their Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

The injury report comes out after Friday’s practice every week, and for the New York Jets, Muhammad Wilkerson has been on it for most of the season. He’s been gutting it out for this team, and his performance reflects his injury. The fact that he’s been playing hurt probably affects the team significantly, because opponents don’t have to double-team him and can focus double-teams elsewhere.

I hate to regurgitate stats that you’ve probably seen elsewhere, but,the defensive line has yet to record a sack. That’s part in parcel due to Wilkerson playing hurt. Him playing hurt definitely affects the game plan of their opponents. Offensive linemen now can more easily focus on linebackers, and blitzes become less efficient.

Another reason they shouldn’t play Wilkerson is that this game isn’t as meaningful in the playoff picture for the Jets. All of the Jets brass from Woody Johnson down to Todd Bowles has said this team isn’t tanking and will play to win. In the long-run, winning a game against the Bills is more important than defeating the Falcons.

While defeating the Falcons is a common opponents for the AFC East, it’s not going to be for other conference foes. Winning a non-conference game is good for the confidence. However, it’s not important to make the playoffs. The Jets are only one game out of the last Wild Card spot in the AFC.

This team has enough fight and is good enough, in a parity filled NFL, to make the playoffs. Developing a winning mentality is important for a young group. Making the playoffs is the first step in building a winning foundation.

Given Wilkerson’s health, their capable of defeating the Falcons without Wilkerson, because it’s not the Falcons of last year. The Jets should sit him this week and save him for the Bills on Thursday.