Breaking down how Jets coach Todd Bowles gets to keep his job

Todd Bowles Paul J. BereswillThe Jets find themselves in familiar territory as October comes to an end. The key question for them and head coach Todd Bowles is, will they be in familiar territory when New Year’s Day arrives?

The Jets are 3-4, the same record they had last year through seven games, and one better than their 2-5 in 2016. There was a thought in both of those years at this time that maybe the Jets could stay in the playoff race. Instead, they fell on their faces and finished 5-11 in both seasons.

Now, they are at that crossroads again. Will they stay in the race or fall on their face?

For Bowles, this is crunch time. He can’t survive another 5-11 season. The Jets gave him a…