New York Jets: The Final Four Weeks of the 2014 Season

The New York Jets made some minor changes to their roster heading into the contest on Monday Night Football with the Miami Dolphins. Let’s get them out of the way first. The Jets announced they had signed tight end Chris Pantale from the practice squad, while releasing Antwan Barnes to make room. Pantale was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He saw limited action for the Jets last season, but failed to make the 53 man roster at the end of camp. Barnes started the season on injured reserve after knee surgery in the off-season. Barnes hasn’t shown much in his return, and now is evidently done with the New York Jets. These are minor changes, but the Pantale signing made me wonder about the future of Zach Sudfeld. It could signal the Jets are done with him as well at season’s end.

Nov 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach

Jim Harbaugh

stands on the sideline during action against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi

In other news this week, the Jets have been attached to rumors concerning Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco. While many fans are excited about this news, we need to remember a couple of things here. The first is that Jim Harbaugh is still under contract with the 49ers through 2015. There is no guarantee that Harbaugh is going anywhere. The 49ers organization has reportedly said they would be willing to trade Harbaugh, but no final decision has been made. The other thing we need to remember is that Harbaugh has the talent out there on the west coast to turn his unit around. Though they have been struggling, winning out very likely saves his job. Harbaugh was approached early in the season by the 49ers with contract extensions, which he refused to sign. There are a lot of mixed signals coming out of this situation, so before we get too excited, remember this is very early to appoint him our new head coach!!

I spend a significant amount of time reading and following stories concerning the New York Jets. I also read more than my share of the feedback from the fan base in the comments sections. I’ve noticed lately a growing number of beat writers, bloggers, and fans proposing that the Jets lose all of their final games of 2014 to guarantee a top five pick. We’ve all seen these propositions before, as recently as last season, but in my opinion they are ridiculous! You play the game of football to win! Anything less is unacceptable!

I only bring it up, because it concerns me that Jets fans have become accustomed to losing! It makes me cringe every time I read it! As fans we should demand our team go out there and play all out, each and every week, regardless of the circumstances!! It appears to me that a good portion of the fan base has become far too accepting of the mediocrity this organization has displayed in recent years!! The Jets organization is a proud one, with a long history of great players, coaches and staff! I fully expect this team to take the field in these remaining games and give it their all! Anything less will be a dishonor to the franchise we love!

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Greg Salas

(17) celebrates his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with New York Jets wide receiver

Eric Decker

(87) during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Down the stretch, I’d like to see the Jets play some of their depth in preparation for the 2015 season. This is NOT saying they shouldn’t play to win!! They need to get 100% out of every player on the field, but they can use this time to evaluate the young kids in real game action. If you take a look at the Jets roster at WR you will find guys like T.J. Graham, Saalim Hakim, Greg Salas, and Walter Powell. They have all had various amounts of time on the active roster this year. I propose the Jets evaluate them now. If they have no future, sign a youngster from our practice squad and be done with them.

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The Jets need to take advantage of this bad situation, and evaluate as much talent as possible in the final games of the season. Let guys like Decker and Harvin have some sitting time, keep them healthy and ready for next season! Many will think I’m crazy, but they need to do the same with the offensive line. Bring Brent Qvale off the practice squad, let him get some reps along with Aboushi and Dozier. The season is a wash, but it isn’t time to lie down and surrender, this is the time to evaluate the future! These games can prove invaluable, as we can see what is currently available on the roster in real-time game action. You send them out there to win, and you get to see them at full speed! That opportunity won’t come around again until pre-season 2015!

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank and congratulate Wayne Chrebet. The “Ring of Honor” recipient provided Jets fans with years of excitement, and we thank him for many fine moments!! Wayne became the meaning of “Play Like A Jet”!!!

Well, it has come time to hear from you guys. Have I lost my mind proposing playing backups? Should the Jets continue to play its starters to better its record? Maybe they should go out and purposely lose the remainder of these games? Who’s your favorite first round prospect for next year’s draft? Let’s talk Jets football! I want to hear what you think!

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