The wild card hopeful New York Jets (7-5) host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-7) Sunday in what is another must-win contest for Rex Ryan’s second-place club. “We’re a team that just wants to win and get in the playoffs and see what happens,” said Ryan on Monday, according to the Jets’ website.
The Jets will need a win to get into the playoffs. They are two games and a tie-breaker behind the 9-3 Patriots with just four games to go. With Pittsburgh and Baltimore tied atop the AFC North at 9-3, the Jets are competing with three other 7-5 teams for the sixth and final playoff spot. “We don’t have any wiggle room. We have to get it done and we understand that,” said Ryan.
New York has gotten it done the past two games, as far as winning, though both contests required a fourth-quarter comeback—and a little luck—to do so.
Kansas City enters Sunday’s matchup having lost four of their previous five games putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Even so, they have the resources to field a good defense that could challenge Mark Sanchez and the offense.
“We'll see how Philly is, but this group [of defensive backs] right here is pretty darn good at corner,” said Ryan on Wednesday. “They have three of them that can really play. The Tamba Hali kid is an outstanding pass rusher. Kelly Gregg, he can still get it done as a nose tackle.”
The Chiefs have some quality depth on defense, but not as much at the quarterback position. With starter Matt Cassel (hand) now on injured reserve, Tyler Palko has struggled in his place. The 28-year old has six interceptions versus just one touchdown pass on the season and his quarterback rating of 57.7 would be last place in the league, if and when he has enough attempts to qualify.
Even with Palko’s thus-far disappointing performance, the suddenly-unlucky Chiefs will likely stick with him under center, as newly-signed backup, Kyle Orton, lasted just one snap before leaving with an injury (finger).
To beat Kansas City, the Jets should be able to bring as many defenders in to stop the run while gambling that Palko can’t beat them through the air—and hope their luck holds out.
