The New York Jets' Playoff Hopes Will Succumb to Strong AFC

May 27, 2009

           Playoff prospects for the 2009 New York Jets is largely hopeless.  The Jets have a new coach in Rex Ryan, a battle for the starting quarterback position, and a defense weakened by maneuvers to attain first round draft pick Mark Sanchez.  Even if the coaching staff and front office can solidify all of these issues, they still face tremendous opposition from other teams in the AFC.

            In order for the Jets to win their division they will need to overcome the always dominant New England Patriots who will have multiple Super Bowl winner and eventual Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady back under center.  The Buffalo Bills have also improved themselves by adding Terrell Owens to their offense.  I look at the Miami Dolphins to slide a bit this year compared to last, but will be no less of a threat to the Jets.

            Furthermore, those fans of the green and white cannot ignore the remaining obstacles in the AFC.  The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers will be as good as ever and the battle for first in the AFC South will be relentless.  The San Diego Chargers have too much talent to stay silent forever and look for them to make noise in the playoffs this year.  I predict Denver, Kansas City, and Oakland to be irrelevant and the wild cards in the AFC to come from the East and the South.  This however, does not include the New York Jets.  With a new coach, a new system, and rookie or unproven quarterback, the Jets stand little chance of playing past their sixteen scheduled games. 

--Gregory Joss