Is Rex Ryan Auditioning for His Job Tomorrow?

Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik before the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

At 6-8, and the playoffs out of consideration, much of the talk has been directed towards John Idzik, and what his next move is going to be. Specifically, what his next move is going to be regarding head coach Rex Ryan. Has a decision already been made? Will he be back?

Most of the world believes that coach Ryan is auditioning for his job over the final two games. You all know my opinion by now, I believe that coach should be extended, and should be back for the 2014 season to continue progressing with Geno Smith.

This afternoon, I am taking a different perspective. That perspective is a potential one taken by general manager John Idzik. If you look back at 2013 to date, and then look ahead at the final two games, you could make the argument that the game against the Browns is THE game that will determine Rex’s fate, irregardless of the Miami game. This would essentially mean that coach is auditioning in full for his job, tomorrow.

Look at how the Jets have performed on the road all season long. The team is 1-6. Granted, the one win is against Matt Ryan and the Falcons, but it is still one win. Overall, the Jets have been pretty bad on the road in 2013, we can all agree on that. If Idzik was deciding coach Ryan’s fate based on the team’s road play, he would be out already.

The Jets have not been great against the Dolphins during the Rex Ryan era. They have won some, but lost more. To put it simply, they have always had a tough time against the Dolphins under coach Ryan. So, the Dolphins always play the Jets tough, and the Jets haven’t played well on the road. So, if the Jets don’t play well against the Dolphins in the final week of the season, is that really evidence that he has lost the team? Not really. It has been par for the course.

However, in 2013, the Jets head into this week with a 5-2 home record. Those five wins include wins over Tom Brady and Drew Brees. 2013 has been a tale of two different teams. The Jets have done a good job at home. 5-6 wins at home is typically the record that accompanies a good overall season.

Think about it. A 5-2 home team is getting ready to host a team with a 4-10 overall record. Judging by the numbers, the Jets should win this one, fairly easily. If the Jets play poorly tomorrow, in a game that they “should” win, isn’t that more evidence that the coach has lost his team? Isn’t that proof that the team has stopped playing for their coach? You can make the argument that the answer is yes, and far more than the final game.

So, maybe tomorrow’s game against the Browns is for all the marbles for coach Ryan. We will never know for sure, but it’s possible.