The optimistic, unstressed view: We're going to have a high draft pick, 80 million in cap space and a relatively easier schedule next year by virtue of coming in 3rd or last and cycling to the NFC east and AFC south.
The problem with this is that, even if we get our act together and start playing up to our "potential" (whatever you believe that to be), we are extremely unlikely to sweep the division. Even if we have our heads on straight, we simply aren't that much better (if, at all) than either Buffalo or Miami (and right now, we are worse than both). And we still aren't as good as NE. The absolute BEST we could ever hope for in the division is something like 4-2 (In other words, we split with two of the three teams and somehow sweep the other). But, I see 3-3 as much more likely. So, accounting for all division games, we are already looking at 6 or 7 losses, depending on how delusionally optimistic you are. This means that we basically can't afford to lose any of the following: Denver, @KC, Pittsburgh, @Minnesota, @Tennessee. Yeah fucking right. It's over, dude. It's so over. Edit: As many people pointed out before the season started (myself included), we really needed to, at the very least, win one of the two home games against either Chicago or Detroit. In all actuality, we probably needed to win both.
Well we do play Tom Brady twice alone and you're only looking at the defensive side of the ball: we still need to put up points. As the only team this season to be shut out and having the worst red zone percentage in the league (or close to it) that's far from a given. Plus, last game we let a relative unknown run for well over 100 yards. Even though it is our strength we still have games were we drop the ball on that portion as well. You really, really need to look at this objectively and realize what a pile of garbage this team is this year. Honestly, at this point, best case scenario is we win as few games as possible. There's no chance we make the playoffs so whats the point in finishing with 6 or 7 wins? It just gives us worse drafting position and nothing else. Based on what we've seen so far I think we're at best a 5 win team this year.
Optimistic up until the point you realize Idzik would be the one responsible for making that pick and spending, or not, that cap space.
Realistically there is only one wildcard spot available in this "weak" conference. Rex would have to move heaven and earth to make that happen at this point. If I'm Rex, I spend this week starting over... Week 6 training camp. This team is going to get him shit canned, so he should go down swinging. Start benching players who don't perform permanently. It's easy to bench a young guy like Geno, that proves nothing. Send a real message: Bench Colon. Bench CJ2K.
Best thing in this thread, by a mile. From now on, we have a receiving corpse. We should win some games, but I think .500 is the best we can achieve and that is a big ask considering our injury situation and QB play. Our playoff chances were squashed with those losses to the Pack, Bears and Lions - We couldn't afford to give away all three of those games.
I don't think Idzik will be here come draft time. Just my personal opinion. I think the Jets are headed towards a blow up year and Johnson will hire a new GM/HC combo in the offseason.
Here is my unstressed perspective. My aspirations have gone from all that offseason and preseason buildup, thinking and scheming and rationalizing in my mind how we could possibly contend for a wild card spot/be a possible playoff team, stressing out before every game, getting all charged up in the parking lot or in front of my TV, seeing that light at the end of the tunnel during the Raider game, to going crazy pulling my hair out during a game, enduring unspeakable losses, schlepping back through the garbage strewn parking lot (or my family room) muttering incomprehensibly to myself "wtf, wtf, wtf" to a calm cool acceptance of what my football season has become. A big fat waste of emotional energy. Now I'm just going to go and watch and enjoy football for the sake of watching my team. No expectations, no hope, no emotion, no stress. Surrender. _
I tend to agree with you more than most here, but my my aren't you the closet optimist! I suppose if the Jets continue flat out sucking the rest of the way, Woody might feel forced to take those steps. Maybe. But it would go against his nature, and imo is very unlikely.
I also would add here that I am a football fan in general. Last night's game was too boring during the first 20 minutes, so I decided to see what the wife was up to. Heh. But there are plenty of great games on the NFL, even if I get bored watching the Giants. And then there is life in general. I might spend more time in it. Probably should.
I've found myself getting interested in other players--especially the QBs that I've seen a lot in college. Can't wait for Manziel to get his chance--he may flame out but it'll be fun. I hope Carr heals up soon, hope Mettenberger gets his shot, even Garappolo--but I really can't wait to watch Bridgewater over the rest of this season. Also the Red Zone has made watching football on Sunday so much more enjoyable. _
