New York Jets: Last Six Games Are a Time for Evaluation

The Jets get back to work this week, following today’s bye, to prepare for the final weeks of the 2014 season.  At 2-8, the Jets are playing for pride, themselves, and the head coach that they love.  If coach Rex Ryan has any chance of saving his job for the 2015 season, the Jets are going to have to perform in these last six weeks.

But, what else needs to happen?  The Jets need to start evaluating for next year.  In the preseason, the team is evaluating every position to see who should be kept around for the season.  Similar evaluation has to take place now.  The Jets are going to have a lot of questions to answer during the upcoming off-season, and at 2-8, there is no time like the present to start coming to some answers, even partial ones.

Here are just a few key positions for the Jets to keep an eye on as the season comes to a close:

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(10) catches the ball to score a touchdown as New York Jets cornerback

(39) defends in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

We know how bad the Jets defensive backfield has been. For the last two years, it has been one of the major liabilities on this team. It’s time that the Jets take a look at what they have, especially at the safety position. Antonio Allen has been a failed project as a cornerback. Rex and company have bounced him back and forth between safety and cornerback, and he hasn’t played well at either, despite showing potential at safety. The Jets need to let him play, and see if he can.

The Jets need to give Jaiquwan Jarrett more time as well. Was his performance last week a fluke? Can he be a consistent starter at the position? It’s time to find out. They should also take some time to allow Calvin Pryor to play the more suited for him position of free safety. What do the Jets have there? Let’s really see over the last six games, and decided on a structure at the position moving forward.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(1) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

We talked about this earlier in the week, but the Jets need to see if Michael Vick is worth keeping next year. Vick has given the Jets offense a spark. Whether they keep Geno Smith around or not, the Jets are going to need a veteran that a young quarterback can learn from. Michael Vick has proven he can be that guy, if he can allow that same quarterback to sit while he wins games, the Jets have a great scenario on their hands.

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker

(97) tries to get past Oakland Raiders tackle

(69) at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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The Jets have a great young core on defense, specifically on the defensive line. But when we look at the linebackers, we have a different story. Demario Davis is going to be a star for the Jets for years to come. However, they also have some age, with David Harris and Calvin Pace both over that magic number of 30.

Quinton Coples has showed signs in 2014, the Jets must see if those become more consistent. Maybe it’s time to see if Nick Bellore can make an impact as well. The Jets are going to have some work to do at linebacker.

What do you think are the most important positions for the Jets to evaluate the rest of the way?