Biggest Game of the Third Quarter of 2012 for the New York Jets

Jan.1, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Woody Johnson, Mark Sanchez, and the rest of the New York Jets have a big season coming up in 2012. They are coming off an 8-8 season, and their first time outside of the playoffs since 2008. Outsiders aren’t expecting a lot, but the organization is expecting big things from itself.

We are taking an early look at the upcoming schedule, and where the biggest games fall. So far:

We have looked at the biggest game in early 2012(click here to read)

and the biggest game of the second quarter of 2012 (click here to read)

Now, I am going to reveal the choice for biggest game in the third quarter of 2012. Actually, for this choice I couldn’t decide between two, so we will talk about both:

WEEK 10: AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AND WEEK 12: VS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Turn the page, and we will talk about each game.

First, the more obvious choice, New England.

There are a lot of reasons for this, first of all, the division. As we have seen in years past, this series decides the AFC East more often than not. The Jets and the Patriots move towards the front of this division, and by the time their second battle comes around, they are battling for a stranglehold on the division.

The winner moves on to win the division, and the loser is fighting for a wildcard berth.

Another major reason is the record in general. With a tough early schedule, the Jets could be coming into this game in need of the win.

With games against the Steelers, 49ers, Texans, the Patriots on the road, the Dolphins, and the Bills, it is not impossible that the Jets come into this game at 6-5. The Jets run into trouble with Miami down there, and the Bills will be much improved with the likes of Mario Williams. 6-5 is quite possible.

They could be coming into this one in desperate need of the win, because 6-6 would be a tough way to make the playoffs. In the alternative, as stated earlier, they could be fighting for the division lead, as they have in the past at this point.

Besides anything else, the Jets need to get over the hump of winning the season series against New England. They want a home playoff game, taking two games from New England will be the best way to get that done.

Turn the page, and we will talk about the less obvious choice, the Seahawks game.

So, why is the Seahawks game so important?

First of all, it is coming out of the bye week. It’s always important to set a good tone for the rest of the season, by winning the first game after the bye.

Secondly, it’s important because of the slate of games that come immediately after it. Coming out of the bye, the Jets play Seattle, St. Louis, New England, Arizona, and Jacksonville. Other than New England, they are entering a softer section of the schedule, wouldn’t you say?

I would. It is not impossible that the Jets could win four out of five of those games. As such, starting off a weak section of the schedule with a win is a must. Coming out of the bye, and heading into a soft schedule, they must begin with a win. If the Jets play down to their competition and lose, it could really set the down in the opposite direction, for a steak that goes the wrong way.

So, there are two huge games in the third quarter of the upcoming season. Check back for the biggest game of the final quarter.