9 Reasons to Take New York Jets Seriously as a Super Bowl Contender

OK, the fun is over. Now, it's down to business.

As a team that just finished their bye week, the 4-3 New York Jets are ready to make their run at the Super Bowl.

Don't laugh just listen.

In a media-frenzied city and state such as New York, all three teams from the state could be vying for a playoff spot with Super Bowl intentions rolling into next year.

You gotta love the NFL.

The Jets, riding two consecutive years as the AFC runner-up, look primed to take another stab at it again. And with the tighter AFC East Division, having three teams (sorry Miami), in the fight for the division title, it should be interesting how the Jets face the improved talents of not only their division but the entire conference.

These are some reasons why the Jets should be taken seriously as Super Bowl contenders.

They Have Been to the AFC Title Game the Last Two Seasons

You have to figure this motivates the Jets like nothing else.

To be this close and then to have to ripped from their fingertips.

Athletes thrive on revenge and motivation. If losing your chance to get back to the Super Bowl does not motivate you, then you need to get out of this league.

The Third Time Is the Charm

I am not one who really thinks Rex Ryan believes in superstition, but if he does, then this one is as good as any.

Three straight years in an AFC title game says a few things about your ball club.

It also means you are pretty damn good.

And with the third time coming this year, you have to figure the chips may fall their way this time.

The Patriots Don't Have a Defense

Tom Brady and company can score points, and they proved that against these Jets earlier this season.

But when you look at the team as a whole, it would appear they cannot stop anyone.

The Jets may be able to move the ball down the field. If you can get to the second level of the Patriots defense, your chances to score are that much better.

Rex Ryan Takes on All Responsibility

Like great coaches in football or any other sport, Ryan makes himself the center of attention, which takes pressure off his players.

Imagine Mark Sanchez having to field questions all day about team play or how his performance has changed.

Ryan takes all the bullets for the team.

The Buffalo Bills Are New to This

They are exciting, but this is new territory for them.

The Bills may look like world beaters now, but they may fade down the stretch.

I think there will be three teams from the AFC East that make the playoffs, but the Jets will wind up being the stronger team.

Ground and Pound

I love this.

Running is something that wins football games. The Jets have two great runners in Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson.

The offensive line is pretty good as well.

Teams that run well in the playoffs control the clock. That wins ballgames.

Mark Sanchez Won't Be Asked to Win the Games for Them

There are other players on this team who will assume that role.

Sanchez is a quarterback manager. He will be asked to not lose the game control the clock and follow the game plan.

If he does this, then the Jets will be successful.

The Schedule Is Favorable

They will easily win five of their remaining eight games.

Games against the Eagles, Giants, Bills and Patriots are concerns, but they also play the Dolphins, Broncos and Redskins.

They win and they control their own destiny.

Their Defense Is Still Pretty Good

Wasn't that why Ryan was brought in here in the first place?

The Jets pride themselves on a good defense that helps set up field position for the offense.

The secondary is pretty good and the run defense is strong.