MINNEAPOLIS — This Sunday, the Jets will play a significant game in December for the first time in years, completing one of their summer objectives. Now, they have more ambitious plans.
The Jets (7-4) will begin their playoff campaign on the road against the quality Vikings (9-2).
The Jets have overcome several obstacles this season. They are about to face a first-place squad in a difficult setting with a great deal at stake. This is an uncommon situation for a team that has often been competing for draft position at this point in the season.
This week, head coach Robert Saleh attempted to quell any talk of the playoffs and preached for his team to remain in the present.
This week, Robert Saleh, the head coach of the New York Jets, has preached for his team to remain in the present.
William Kostrou
Saleh stated, “It’s amazing to be where we are.” We expected to have a competitive football team, but we have yet to accomplish anything, as we still have six games remaining. There is still a lot of football to be played; we have six really good opponents remaining, starting with Minnesota. I always say that at the end of the year, only one team can be satisfied, and the focus must be on the present. It’s great to be where we are now, playing meaningful games, because it’s fun, it gives you a purpose, and it allows you to play for more than just a paycheck. But at the same time, we must concentrate on the present.”
A win would give the Jets their eighth victory of the season, a mark they have not reached since 2015, and it would be their most wins through 12 games since 2010.
The Vikings likewise have much to play for. With a win and favorable results in a few other games this week, they would clinch the NFC North championship. The Vikings have had a successful season without dominating their opponents. Their season point differential is plus-5, and eight of their nine victories have been decided by a single score.
Mike White will make his second start of the season at quarterback for the Jets against a Vikings pass defense that ranks dead last in the NFL. On the opposing side of the ball, the Jets’ cornerback duo of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed will go up against the Vikings’ all-world wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Jets begin their first playoff push in years.
»Jets’ playoff push begins on the road against the Vikings«