Bent, theJetsBlog.com Follow on Twitter
Other than a chance to potentially play spoiler or improve/worsen their final draft position, the final two games of the season don't have much significance for the Jets. However, for several players, these games will represent an invaluable opportunity to further their case to contribute next season.
Head coach Adam Gase has already said the team is looking ahead to next year in their assessment of many of the young players receiving extra playing time. With such a long list of injuries, the team has been forced to throw several untested players into the deep end, with some showing signs of usefulness.
Let's consider some of the main names to watch:
Blessuan Austin, CB
Having spent most of the year on the non-football injury list, Austin has already established himself to some extent. The sixth-round rookie debuted in the second half of the win over the Giants and has started every game since, with the Jets going 4-2 in his appearances.
Having showcased his length, athleticism and ball skills, the main thing left for Austin is to prove he can thrive in a more conventional defensive system rather than the zone-heavy schemes Gregg Williams has been forced to play while undermanned.
Vyncint Smith, WR
The 23-year-old Smith, who was signed off the Texans' practice squad in September, has seen an increase in his playing time recently with Demaryius Thomas out.
While he's only caught 11 passes in limited action, he's shown good playmaking abilities, as four of those have gone for 20 or more yards, including a big play to set up the winning field goal against Miami. Smith has also rushed twice for 32 yards and a touchdown on end-arounds while contributing as a gunner and return man on special teams.
Trevon Wesco, TE
Wesco is destined to get more reps as the season winds down, with Ryan Griffin having joined Chris Herndon on the IR. On Thursday night, the fourth-round rookie had one of his most effective games so far as a run blocker, doing most of his best work as a fullback. However, he's only caught one pass all year, so it would be good to see the Jets look to get him involved in the passing game.
Jordan Willis, EDGE
Willis has shown some pass-rushing potential in limited action, and has held up well against the run. However, he's been inactive a few times, so he hasn't had many opportunities to generate production.
There are a few other young edges who could also step up if they get more playing time, including Harvey Langi and Frankie Luvu. Another option could be to activate John Franklin-Myers -- who can also play inside -- from the injured list and give him some edge reps.
BJ Bello, LB
The 25-year-old Bello might not get any reps on defense, but he's showing that he could potentially be a core special teamer and the type of player who could earn a roster spot next year as a specialist. In just six games, Bello has racked up five tackles in kick coverage, which is just one behind Langi for the team lead. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt on Thursday night.
Maurice Canady, CB
Canady is a player the Jets have definitely been feeding more reps to over the past few weeks. He made his first start on Thursday night after breaking up a pass in each of the previous two games off the bench.
The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick was claimed off waivers last month. If Arthur Maulet and Brian Poole return to the lineup, it will be interesting to see if Canady still gets to play.
Josh Adams, RB
Adams, who was the Eagles' leading rusher as an undrafted rookie just last season, hasn't had many opportunities with Le'Veon Bell, Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery all ahead of him on the current depth chart.
Adams has just 12 yards on eight carries, with 10 of those coming on one play, although he had one other nice run called back due to a penalty. With both Powell and Montgomery due to hit free agency at the end of the season and trade rumors continuing to surround Bell, the Jets should give Adams more chances to show what he can do.
Kyle Phillips, DL
Finally, Phillips is another player who has already established his role within the defensive rotation. The undrafted rookie has the eighth-highest defensive snap count on the team with almost 500 snaps.
Phillips has done well against the run, with six tackles for loss, but the Jets would like to see more pass-rush production from him as he's been limited to just half a sack.