fuel pump/ air filter housing

I have a 93 2.5L 4cyl wrangler. Like many other owners, my jeep sputters/hesitates most of the time while driving. The problem went away for a few months, but has come back and happens almost daily. Giving it more gas solves the problem for that moment. I have changed the fuel filter and have had the fuel pump checked(fine). I just noticed that I have a panel missing on my air filter housing(lower front of the left side). Could this cause any problems that might relate to my fuel problem?

Possibly; although more air is usually good, I had a fuel injected motor that actually ran worse with the intake open like that. Try a patch to cover it; something strong enough to handle the vacuum and some duct tape should hold long enough to tell you if that's it.

I would also check for vacuum leaks, and give your Jeep a good tune-up; if it's been more than 20K since your last set of plugs, cap and rotor, then the accumulated wear on those items might be a part of the problem.