Tuesday, December 13, 2011

With 3 games left, streaky Jets in control of destiny

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Everything has come in streaks for the New York Jets this season.

The team has been on two losing streaks and is on its third winning streak of the year. New York (8-5) will need to keep this last one going if it wants to see its third straight postseason birth.

The Jets started the season winning its first two games before losing three in a row. New York then bounced back to win three consecutive, lost two in a row and won its last three games. Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jets seek their first four-game win streak of the season.

"It’s playoff time right now," Jets coach Rex Ryan told the media Monday. "We’ve approached it every game that we’re not looking at what’s past this week or anything else, this scenario, that scenario. We’re looking at this team and that’s it.

"We have one focus and that’s to beat the Philadelphia Eagles. We have to travel to Philly. I don’t believe the Jets have ever won in Philly, so it’s a tough place to play. We understand that. So every bit of energy is going to be focused on playing Philly."

The Eagles are coming off a victory over the Dolphins Sunday, getting their first victory over an AFC East opponent this season after losing to the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.

Despite their 5-8 record, the Eagles are dangerous. In fact, the Jets' finishing stretch consists of two other teams that are scarier than their records indicate in the New York Giants (7-6) and Dolphins (4-9).

The Jets are in control of their own destiny, as they currently have a hold of the final Wildcard spot.

"The only thing we’re focused on is us," Ryan said. "We’re not worried about anybody else. I’ve said it for the last three weeks, I know it’s a broken record, but it’s the truth. We’re not worried about anybody else because it doesn’t matter. If we don’t take care of our business, it’s not going to matter what anybody else does or doesn’t do."

Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily