No way around it, fair or unfair, the public/media perception of the Jets largely hinges on this game.
I understand that Bowles is playing down the importance of this game and from the teams perspective I think its the right approach. I like that Bowles is creating an even keeled, one game at a time, every game is important, don't get too high or too low approach. For the team that is a healthy approach in my view.
But then there is the outside perception and there's no doubt this game has massive implications from that perspective.
If the Jets can upset the Patriots at Gillette they will ascend to a whole n'other level in the media and public consciousness. They immediately put themselves in the discussion with the handful of teams people genuinely view as Super Bowl contenders, right there with the elite undefeated and one loss teams in virtually everyones power rankings.
And if the Jets lose they will be viewed pretty much the way they are viewed now, as a second tier team, wildcard contenders, but not ready to join the tier one ranks.
Come Sunday evening the consensus perception of the Jets will be one or the other.
