4 Reasons We Shouldn't Count out the New York Jets Just Quite Yet

While the Jets don't have a lot of help in terms of tiebreakers, they are still a force to be reckoned with in terms of the AFC playoff race. This team has a lot of talent and is capable of beating any team in the NFL. 

It certainly helps that their schedule is among the easiest of the AFC playoff contenders. But each game must be taken with a playoff attitude if they plan on winning out to match last season's record. As I said, this team can beat anyone the league, but they are certainly capable of losing to anyone as well. 

Without further ado, here are four reasons Jets can still make the playoffs this year. 

Defense Is Coming Around

They have gotten better against the run, and players like Kyle WIlson are playing much better. However, the best thing to happen to the Jets this season so far has been Aaron Maybin. 

When you watch Maybin, he is not a technically sound player. Most of his sacks come from him just running around a tackle. But for the Jets, that's all they need. Injecting some much-needed speed into this aging front seven is exactly the dimension they have been lacking. 

Now, the issue for the Jets is to stop starting so slow on defense. On several occasions, the Jets have fallen asleep against inferior offenses on early drives. 

Running Game Findhing Its Rythym

The most promising improvement in the Jets is their improved running game. Even Wayne Hunter, who has been terrible in pass protection, is coming around, especially in the run game. 

Shonn Greene is the kind of back that needs to be fed carries in order to be effective. As the season wears on and he wears down tired defenses, the more effective he is. 

Sanchez Plays His Best When It Matters Most

Now, I am not one who believes a quarterback is a "winner." I do believe, however, that there is something to mental toughness and having composure in pressure situations, and Sanchez possesses that trait. 

Sanchez is very inconsistent, which means that with all the bad plays he makes, he makes his share impressive throws. 

If Sanchez can keep playing his best when it matters most, the Jets have to like their chances to get a playoff spot. 

Coaching

Rex Ryan makes headlines for what he says to the media, but behind it all, the man can coach. 

His defense is built to be game plan-specific and can adjust to any offense in the league. He gets the most out of his players and puts them in a position to be successful—just look at how Aaron Maybin and LaDainian Tomlinson has looked so far in their roles.

The rest of the way, no matter what happens, Ryan is going to do whatever it takes to put his team in a position to win, and that's all you can ask of a coach.