Jets know they're no lock for playoffs

The Jets would be wise to continue investing in cotton balls or whatever else they're using to drown the chatter slowly growing about their supposedly improved playoff chances.

Three weeks ago, after two consecutive losses punctuated by a dose of Tebowmania, the Jets were a down bunch, unsure of their postseason possibilities. Now, after having things fall their way in domino fashion Sunday, the Jets (8-5) control their own destiny.

If they can beat the Eagles, Giants and Dolphins, they're assured of being playoff bound for the third straight season since Rex Ryan arrived.

Some observers already are thinking the Jets are a near lock for the playoffs, unimpressed with any of their rivals for the second AFC wild card. But the Jets say they are being smart and not taking the bait.

"Our approach doesn't change," cornerback Antonio Cromartie said. "We're still in a fight for the playoffs. I mean, one game could change everything for us."

"I don't believe the Jets have ever won in Philly [0-4], so it's a tough place to play. We understand that. So, every bit of energy is going to be focused on playing Philly."

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Rightly so, given the tenuous hold the Jets have on the last wild-card spot, a grip that could slip with safety Jim Leonhard's season over because of a torn right patellar tendon. The Jets, who are 0-8 against the Eagles (5-8), sit two games behind the Steelers (10-3), who lead the wild-card standings.

The Jets easily could lose any of their final three games. Philadelphia has Michael Vick back, and he shook off the rust last week after missing three games with broken ribs, throwing for 208 yards and a touchdown in a 26-10 win at Miami. The Giants (7-6) could be riding high off back-to-back wins when they meet the Jets on Christmas Eve, and the Dolphins (4-9) won't be an easy out if they take the field New Year's Day knowing they could spoil the Jets' postseason plans.

And when you examine the schedules of the teams the Jets are jockeying with for that final spot, none faces a particularly daunting road. Each has its share of winnable games.

The Bengals (7-6) are at St. Louis (2-11) this week, followed by home dates with the Cardinals (6-7) and Ravens (10-3). Baltimore could have its seed sewn up by Week 17, and if so, advantage Cincinnati.

The 7-6 Raiders may be forced to go the wild-card route because of the magic the AFC West-leading Broncos and Tim Tebow are creating. Oakland hosts the Lions (8-5) this week. After that, it's a trip to punchless Kansas City (5-8) before hosting the Chargers (6-7) in Week 17.

Got all that, Jets?

"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."

It sure better be.

In Week 8, Rex Ryan’s twin, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob, faced the Eagles, whom he had called the “All-Hype Team,” and got drubbed, 34-7. So, will Rex dial up Rob this week?

“I’ll certainly talk to my brother,” Rex said. “I don’t know if he’ll be answering the phone after what happened. I may talk to him about some things, but we’re a lot different than they are defensively.”

With Jim Leonhard suffering a season-ending injury for the second straight year, Brodney Pool must step into his shoes again. But because of Pool’s experience (12 starts last season) and how the Jets use their safeties, Ryan doesn’t think it will be a tough transition. “The way we play our safeties, they are basically interchangeable,” he said. “Brodney and Eric \[Smith\] can handle both roles.”