NFL Trade Deadline: Robert Mathis Wouldn't Fix Jets' Real Problem

The New York Jets have some issues that may well keep them from the playoffs. Still, if the Jets do indeed miss the playoffs, their defense will not be what keeps them from making it.

That's what makes Phillip B. Wilson's article in the Indianapolis Star so confusing. Actually, the article itself is not confusing. What's confusing are the statements from Adam Schefter detailed by Wilson. In those, Schefter said that he feels the Jets should trade for Colts' defensive end Robert Mathis and the Bills should make a move for receiver Reggie Wayne.

Now, these trades are just rumors. Schefter himself said on SportsCenter that they are unlikely to happen. But since the trade deadline is all about speculation, let's take a look at these moves.

First of all, would it make any sense for the Colts?

Sure, it might help them land the No. 1 overall pick, but the Colts aren't quite like your average bad team. This is largely the same team that made the Super Bowl in 2009 and won the AFC South in 2010.

The big difference is obviously that Peyton Manning was the quarterback of those teams. But when Manning comes back next year, wouldn't you think that he would want his star receiver to throw to? Wouldn't you think that the Colts would be better off with Mathis and his sacks?

I really doubt that Manning would want to walk back into a rebuilding project.

Now, as for the Bills, do they really have a problem scoring points? That's not the vibe that I get with that team. They could use some defensive help, but a trade for Reggie Wayne would only seem to bolster their strongest parts.

Now, let's shift our attention back to Rex Ryan's Jets. This team struggles when the offense can't move the ball. It's rare that you can look at a game and say that they lost because of the defense.

Even if the defensive numbers are bad at the end, it was probably in direct relation to what the offense did, or failed to do.

So, would Robert Mathis really bolster their chances? If he did, it would only be slightly. The Jets need to run the ball significantly better. To do that, they need to add depth onto their offensive line. If they can't find a way to do that, a tough season awaits them, with or without Mathis.