New York Jets: 5 Reasons Jets Could Miss Playoffs

Although the New York Jets are riding a two-game winning streak into Week 9 of the NFL season, it is possible—and even likely—that Gang Green will miss the playoffs.

The fates of most teams are decided as the regular season winds down in December, but the Jets (4-3) play their most important games a month early. There are adjustments that must be made immediately for this third-place franchise.

New York overcame flaws in 2009 and 2010 to make the postseason.

However, there are a handful of potential obstacles that could prevent the Jets from making a third consecutive playoff appearance.

Shonn Greene Isn't Who We Thought He Was

Running back Shonn Greene emerged as a star during the Jets' run to the AFC Championship Game two seasons ago.

With the signing of veteran LaDainian Tomlinson in 2010, he continued to split carries.

Now in 2011, Greene is clearly being treated as the No. 1 back but simply is not performing like it.

He is averaging fewer than four yards per carry and that was far uglier before his 100-yard performance in Week 7. He isn't much of a factor in the passing game and none of his touches this season have gone for more than 24 yards.

Shonn Greene's greatest assets are his thickness and physicality. He doesn't need to be a primary receiver or speedster to be valuable in this offense.

My point, though, is that Shonn Greene is currently the face of the NFL's 28th-ranked rushing attack.

For the Jets to improve, they will need to give him more opportunities, but to deserve more opportunities, Greene must be more effective.

Poor Pentration by Defensive Line

The Jets' defense has rightfully garnered most of the accolades for the team's success since 2009.

As expected, the secondary has done well against opposing passers, but what is going on with New York's defensive line?

By design of the 3-4 formation, the majority of sacks come from Jets' linebackers, but it's obvious that the big men up front are struggling.

This team has yet to adequately replace its massive former defensive tackle, Kris Jenkins.

Rookie Kenrick Ellis has a similar build, yet he has been unable to stay healthy in 2011.

For now, the Jets will lean on Mike DeVito, Sione Pouha and Muhammad Wilkerson. Under their watch, though, this defense has surrendered nearly 127 rushing yards per game!

Lingering Injury to Nick Mangold

All-Pro center Nick Mangold has already missed two games this season after making 80 consecutive starts prior to 2011.

Not surprisingly, the Jets lost both contests while he was inactive.

Without Nick Mangold, quarterback Mark Sanchez was sacked more often and the running game was particularly pathetic. Remember Week 4 against the Ravens?

Anyway, despite three straight games for Mangold, he enters Week 9 with a nagging ankle injury.

He has every intention of playing, but if his ankle worsens, the Jets can kiss their playoff aspirations goodbye. Nick Mangold's primary replacement, Colin Baxter, was recently waived by the organization.

Mark Sanchez's Inaccuracy

Third-year passer Mark Sanchez is thus far having his best statistical season.

However, it would be a stretch to claim that he's an elite player.

Sanchez has completed fewer than 56 percent of his passes in 2011. This is unacceptable considering that he is surrounded by such luxuries as stud tight end Dustin Keller, deep threat Santonio Holmes, red-zone target Plaxico Burress and the always reliable LaDainian Tomlinson.

His misfires haven't resulted in too many turnovers, but they are certainly responsible for the Jets' mediocre ability to convert on third downs.

Strength of AFC East

Lastly, the New York Jets might miss the playoffs because of the strength of their divisional rivals.

The New England Patriots (5-2) lead the AFC in scoring and lit up the Jets in Foxboro in Week 5. They have an experienced roster and players who I'm sure are still upset about losing to New York in the playoffs last year. These teams will face off on Nov. 13.

Then there are the Buffalo Bills (5-2) who have yet to play the Jets in 2011. The Bills have found their long-term quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick. Right now, he looks capable of leading the franchise out of its darkest days.

Although the AFC South and West divisions are unlikely to produce any Wild Card teams, the Jets may fail to take advantage.

Three of their four November games are against either New England or Buffalo. The fourth is against the Denver Broncos, but on the road where New York is winless this season.

Even if the Jets play well into December, they will be hard-pressed to clinch a playoff berth. The AFC North has three contenders in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore, all of which enter Week 9 with better records than Gang Green.

With so much football still to be played, I don't feel comfortable making a prediction. Simply, I want you to realize that Rex Ryan's swagger can't carry the Jets to the postseason every season.