Where Do the Jets Turn Now?

Sept. 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

The Jets have run into hard times before, but this borders on the ridiculous. In consecutive weeks, the Jets have lost their best, and arguably the best, defensive player, and their best offensive player. If you want to talk about bad luck, this is about as bad as it gets. It’s an almost impossible situation to recover from in the short term.

But, Rex Ryan and company can not pack it in and go home. They are 2-2, and on top of the AFC East at the present time. No team is going to have any sympathy for the Jets, everyone has injuries. The test will now be on this coaching staff to bring this team through this, without the season going competely out the window. How do they do that? Let’s talk about what they can do with the guys they have.

ACTIVATE JORDAN WHITE

Unless a major roster move is made, there is no other option. To compound the fact that Santonio Holmes has been lost, the Jets released Patrick Turner to make room for Lex Hilliard, who is not a wide receiver. Currently that would leave the Jets with Stephen Hill(if healthy), Jeremy Kerley, Chaz Schilens, and Clyde Gates. They need another body.

Jordan White showed a lot of promise this preseason, so much so that many fans were not happy when White didn’t make the team out of the gate. He needs to be given his chance now.

FIX THIS RUNNING GAME NOW

This needed to happen before Holmes went down, now it is more important than ever. The Jets are distinctly lacking in experience on the outside. The Jets need their running game now more than ever, in order to open up passing lanes for Mark Sanchez and his inexperienced group of wide receivers.

This offensive line needs to step it up and open holes at the point of attack. The running backs need to get some giddyup back in their step, hit the holes, and run over some people. Get it done, and play Jets football.

Sept. 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Joe McKnight (25) returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at MetLife Stadium. 49ers won 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

GET JOE MCKNIGHT INVOLVED

The defensive experiment with Joe McKnight is over, and none too soon. This guy is one of the fastest players on this Jets offense. We have seen him make plays in the return game, the Jets need him to make plays on the offense. He needs to get touches in the ground game. Get this guy on the edge, and give him a chance to make a play.

Get him involved in the passing game as well. Short passes, screens, bubble screens, and any other types of plays that get Joe out in space. He’s quick and nimble. Get a playmaker out in space where he can make a play.

Here are some short term suggestions for the Jets to try and salvage 2012. It won’t be easy, it’s a big test for the coaching staff. Let’s see how good Rex and his staff are.