Has Mike Tannenbaum Lost His Vision for the Jets Offense?

Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Tannenbaum is a wanted man with Jets fans these days. After watching the preseason, seeing the offense score 1 touchdown, and nearly get their quarterback killed thanks to Wayne Hunter, it’s understandable. People are genuinely worried about where this team is going, especially offensively. Many people want Mike out of town.

His career has not been all bad as general manager of the New York Jets, as we have outlined on this site before. Guys like Nick Mangold, David Harris, and Darrelle Revis, among others, would not be New York Jets if it wasn’t for Mike Tannenbaum. People forget that when assesing his time with the Jets. However, sports are a “what have you done for me lately” business. As a general manager, you are only as good as your last move.

After looking at this roster, especially after yesterday’s moves, you have to wonder. Has Mike Tannenbaum lost his vision for the Jets offense?

Oh, Mike hasn’t lost his vision for the Jets defense, that is for sure. The Jets needed to improve the pass rush and the safety position, as well as overall team speed. From what we saw in the preseason, Tannenbaum accomplished that goal. Antonio Allen was a curious choice to be waived, but Quinton Coples is turning out to be quite the beast. Yes, it is preseason, but being tied for the league lead in sacks can’t be a bad sign.

May 24, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis (49) during organized team activities at their training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Demario Davis will be quite the addition at the linebacker spot, some say the steal of the draft. The other safety they drafted, Josh Bush, has earned his stripes and will see time in nickel and dime packages as well. The defense got pressure without crazy blitzes, and when you talk about the addition of Laron Landry, there is a new sheriff in town. If he can stay healthy, nobody is going over the middle against this guy. Not without worrying about losing their head, that’s for sure.

But, what about the offensive side of the ball? Where is the vision to build the offense to the image that they have?

First, think about the offensive line. The Jets want to get back to their run first identity, this is no secret. The offense had no identity last year, and they need one. The running game was nowhere near as dominant as it was in the past under Ryan, and needed to get better in order to return to their previous success. But yet, the offensive line didn’t change at all from last year? The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing and expecting different results. Wouldn’t that be how the Jets handled the offensive line? Yes, they addressed the Wayne Hunter situation now, but what about six months ago? Was it news to Mike Tannenbaum that the Jets had a bad right tackle? If it was, I don’t know what game he was watching, because it sure wasn’t news to the rest of us.

And where is the depth on the offensive line? When Nick Mangold went down last season, it all fell apart like a house of cards for the Jets offensive line. The backup center was barely good enough to make a practice squad, and we aren’t even talking about Vladimir Ducasse. Dan Koppen was released by the Patriots, and would be a very able-bodied backup. But yet, he is not inquired about. Strange.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) comes out of the pocket looking to hand off during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Met Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

Then, you have the curious case of Mark Sanchez. Everybody knows that the Jets need this guy to take the next step in 2012. He threw far too many interceptions, and he needs to be more accurate with the football to become the quarterback that everybody expects him to be. But, where are his weapons? A quarterback needs to develop chemistry with his guys on the outside, and they have changed on Mark Sanchez every year. And the guys they have? Only one is proven, Santonio Holmes. Who will step up to number 2? Stephen Hill? Patrick Turner? Chaz Schilens, by some miracle since he hasn’t been on the field? Kerley? All of those answers are maybe. In order to be successful on offense, you need someone where the answer is yes.

There are cuts that are out there, that we have outlined. Greg Camarillo would be a perfect fit. You could make the argument that Deion Branch would be worth a look, to a degree. Both of these guys have ability that we have all seen. What do the Jets do? Sign Clyde Gates, who had 2 catches in his rookie season. Did the Jets need another unproven guy? Don’t think so.

The running back depth chart is still thin as well. You need good depth at running back if you are going to do something called “Ground and Pound”, don’t you think? But yet the Jets release the only running back, the only player for that matter, that scored an offensive touchdown, Terrance Ganaway. Shonn Greene needs a quality backup. Joe McKnight hasn’t proven to be that player, and we don’t know if Bilal Powell can do it. Tannenbaum has not yet made a move for a proven running back. It’s hard to understand.

It just makes you wonder where the vision is for the Jets offense. You could make the argument that Mike Tannenbaum has lost his way with a little, and that is scary.