N.Y. Jets practice before NFL Week 13 game in Minnesota
The Jets have been talking about playing meaningful games in December since the opening days of training camp. Well, December is here, and it doesn’t get much bigger than this: a six-game sprint to the finish to determine their playoff fate starting Sunday at the Vikings (9-2)
At 7-4, Robert Saleh’s young, still-growing team is in a position to do what few thought possible just mere months ago: end the franchise’s playoff drought at 11 consecutive seasons. But as the Jets arrive at one benchmark for this season, by putting themselves in the mix, the evolving expectations and challenges ahead of them are sure to test them in brand-new ways.
Getting into the hunt for a playoff spot means it’s going to hurt if they fall short. And if the Jets’ focus drifts to standings and scenarios, and away from the task and opponent immediately in front of them, falling short becomes a whole lot more likely.
BUY JETS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER
Saleh said that between his work obligations and an extremely full house, looking ahead isn’t something he has to worry about.
“Me, personally? Too much crap to do, man,” Saleh said with a laugh. “There’s a lot of tape to watch. And when I’m not watching tape, I’ve got seven blessings and a beautiful wife to deal with. So there’s not enough time to look at things you don’t have control over.
“It doesn’t mean that when you’re sitting there you don’t take a peek to see what’s ahead. … You acknowledge it, and it’s not like it’s an elephant in the room, it’s not like you’re not going to acknowledge it. But none of it matters at the end of the day. You’ve got to quickly refocus back to what’s important, and what’s important is this moment.”
It’s not always easy. Saleh admitted his family and friends are fully involved in projecting how the final six weeks will play out. But his message to the team has been consistent as the games get more important.
“Oh, the family? My kids? Yeah, they’re all – everyone’s excited and everyone should be excited,” Saleh said. “But it’s the hypotheticals and all the scenarios that are great talking points for the rest of the outside world. We just have to stay focused here.”
Andy Vasquez, Jets beat reporter: The Vikings’ defense is vulnerable, as the Patriots proved last week by scoring 26 points in Minnesota four days after the Jets kept them out of the end zone in New England. And Mike White looks confident and ready to build on his strong performance in his season debut last week. The Jets are 7-0 when they score at least 18 points this season, and 0-4 when they don’t. The Jets will need more this week (because as good as their defense is, shutting down Justin Jefferson is a lot to ask), and Garrett Wilson will help them get it with another command performance.
PICK: Jets 27, Vikings 24.
Darryl Slater, Giants beat reporter: Tall order for the Jets here, as they fight to stay ahead of the Patriots and in the AFC playoff race. This would be an absolutely massive win for Robert Saleh and Co., against a 9-2 team that has lost just once at home all season, two weeks ago in that dud against the Cowboys. But that was an outlier. The Justin Jefferson vs. Sauce Gardner matchup will be fascinating. Just as important: How will Mike White fare against a Vikings defense that is seventh in Pro Football Focus’ ratings? Not well enough, we think.
PICK: Vikings 27, Jets 24.
Want to bet on the NFL?
See the best NJ Sports Betting sites
Bob Brookover, Giants beat reporter: The Jets play at Minnesota and Buffalo the next two weeks and finish on the road against Seattle and Miami. Could they make their road to the playoffs any more difficult?
PICK: Vikings 23, Jets 20.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Andy Vasquez may be reached at avasquez@njadvancemedia.com.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).
Cookie Settings
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
Ad Choices
