New York Jets: The reality of the situation is the tank is off

The New York Jets are proving a true reality around the team. The tank is off.

The worst roster in a decade. Terrible. No talent. These are the things we heard the “experts” say about the New York Jets heading into the 2017 season. Many sources were calling for an 0-16 season, making the Jets actually worse than the Cleveland Browns. There was no way they were going to be anything but a laughingstock, and were guaranteed the number one pick in the draft.

Look at how that turned out. A three-game winning streak made them relevant. And just when we thought the Bills were going to send them back into the tank, the Jets destroyed them. The Jets didn’t just beat the Bills, they pushed them all over the football field. They ran their record to 4-5, right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

At the beginning of the year we talked about the possibility of the tank. Would the Jets simply play for next year? Were they going to play for the top pick and have their choice of players in this deep quarterback class? The situation for this team has changed. It has actually done a complete reversal. The reality of this situation right now is that the tank is off.

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At 3-5, it felt like the tank was on the verge of going into full swing. Granted, coach Bowles stated his feelings about the young quarterbacks. That topic, however, is for a different discussion. If the Jets had lost, that thought could have changed.

Now, the Jets are 4-5 with a legitimate shot at moving to 5-5. The Buccaneers are next up for the Jets and they have been underperforming significantly. Jameis Winston also left the game against the Saints with an injury and did not return. He may not be able to go on Sunday.

This next game could be Ryan Fitzpatrick against Josh McCown. The way McCown has played all season, combined with my last memories of Ryan Fitzpatrick, leaves me liking the Jets chances. At 5-5 heading into the bye, there is no way that coach Bowles is going to start sitting people for the tank. Anything can happen and the Jets will be right in the middle of things.

Next: Jets week nine report card

Even at 4-6, the Jets will still be right in the mix. They will be more on the outside of it, but it will by no means be time to end the season. Like it or not, ladies and gentlemen of the Gang Green, the tank is off.

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