Primary goal now is to peak into future

BRIAN COSTELLO’S GANG GREEN GAME PLAN

We have reached the “play out the string” portion of the Jets’ schedule.

The playoffs are no longer a possibility after last week’s loss in New Orleans. They are now playing for pride as the 7-7 Chargers come to MetLife Stadium on Christmas Eve.

Coach Todd Bowles said he is not worried about his players lacking motivation, even though their goal of making the playoffs is no longer out there.

“We have a lot of team leadership,” Bowles said. “Our guys understand what we’re playing for, and we go out and play for each other every day. The goal is always to win, and they don’t need a pep talk on that. They work hard every day.”

Working hard is nice. So is playing hard. But the Jets need to play really well to beat the Chargers, who have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL after a slow 0-4 start to the season. Los Angeles is still fighting for its own playoff life, so it will be plenty motivated for this game.

As for the Jets, this is now all about evaluating who should be part of the 2018 season and finding something to feel good about entering the offseason.

Bryce Petty will get his second start of the season at quarterback, hoping for a better showing than last week’s loss to the Saints.

“There’s a lot of good things to take away from that game,” Petty said. “We moved the ball well at times. We have to do better in the red zone. We have to score points, especially when our defense gets three turnovers against that group.

“Again, like I said after the game, we have to score and make those field goals touchdowns. A lot of that is on me, just knowing and being aware of situations and being able to execute. Other than that, I felt really good, I felt really confidence. It was a tough environment, so it was great for me, that being my first start [this season], being able to cross that off and it’s like any other game. [I’m] excited about the progress and excited about where we’re going.”