Maybe Tannenbaum IS Setting Mark Sanchez Up for Failure

Feb 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum does an interview in the hall after a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

During the offseason, I wrote a piece about Mike Tannenbaum, addressing some comments that he made proving that he is setting Mark Sanchez up for failure (check it out by clicking here).  Well, talk about foreshadowing………

It’s all coming to a head with Jets fans and Tannenbaum these day. The recent play of the Jets, combined with the injuries have shown the world how little the Mike has done to improve the depth of this football team. We don’t have to rehash the details of the performance, we all saw it.

I’m not normally a conspiracy theorist, and I usually think people are crazy that are. But, in this situation, it’s proving to be a little bit different, isn’t it? Mark Sanchez, other than the Buffalo game and moments in the Miami game, has not played well, no argument there. But what has Mike Tannenbaum really done to put him in a position to succeed? Has he really done ANYTHING? Let’s think about it.

First, the offensive line. What has Mike Tannenbaum done for it? The Jets couldn’t run the ball last year, behind this offensive line. Did they address it? Not really. They drafted a lineman, Robert Griffin, but he didn’t make the team. They acquired Jason Smith in the Wayne Hunter trade, but he is a stop-gap player that comes in for jumbo sets only. He is not a regular contributor. Austin Howard has been pretty good so far, surprising to some, but we still don’t know if he is the long term answer or not, it’s too soon to tell. Fact is, this line is not any better than it was last year, and to run the football, it HAD to be better than it was last year.

Thank your GM, fans! “Thanks Tanny!”

Sept 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs with the ball during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

What about this running game? I am also a big Shonn Greene supporter, and have been, but he needs help. The years that the Jets’ running attack has been successful, Shonn Greene had help, from Thomas Jones, or an effective LaDainian Tomlinson. They are gone, so what did Tanny do? He drafted Terrance Ganaway, but didn’t keep him. Anything else? How about Cedric Benson, or Ryan Grant? Nope. He leaves the group alone, until this week. Who is this great piece that Mike Tannenbaum added this week? Lex Hilliard?! Seriously? A guy that played for Miami, and that Tony Sparano didn’t trust to carry the football? Is this the answer? I think not. How is Mark Sanchez supposed to succeed, if you don’t take steps to improve the running game?

Thank your GM, fans! “Thanks Tanny!”

Sept. 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) takes the snap from center Nick Mangold (74) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

The non-attention to this passing game are obvious, and it has gone on through Mark Sanchez’s entire career. Not giving a quarterback his same weapons, or at least a majority of the same weapons, from year to year, is a recipe for failure. Yes, quarterbacks can make receivers better, but it’s a two way street. The passing game is about chemistry. The more time a quarterback spends with his receivers, the more effective they are going to be together. But what does Tanny do? Change at least one of his weapons every year, except for Dustin Keller. Makes sense. Or not.

For example, Braylon Edwards. He had wonderful chemistry with Mark Sanchez. He did have the dropsies every once in a while, but as we all know, that is all too commonplace in the NFL, but that is for another discussion. He and Mark had great chemistry, it was obvious to all of us that watched them play together. But Mike let him go. Yes, he was hurt last year, and hasn’t been used much in Seattle, but that is meaningless. When you have someone who is clicking in your offense, you do what you have to in order to keep him. Tannenbaum is an “expert” at the salary cap. Make it work.

Look at this year. They bring in Stephen Hill. A whole lot of talent within this young man, there is no doubt. Heck, there is a lot of speed. But, they are counting on him to be Mark’s number 2 threat, and THAT isn’t reasonable for a young player. With the group that they had, and not keeping Mark’s weapons together, the alternative would have been to bring in a talented veteran wide receiver that is reliable. They are still out there now. Greg Camarillo had his best success in the NFL with Tony Sparano. He would be a great fit, but Tannenbaum does nothing. Jabar Gaffney was available, Tannenbaum does nothing. Even at tight end, Kellen Winslow is available. He certainly would be a viable alternative as a receiving tight end, with Keller out. Tannenbaum again does nothing.

He brings in guys that are physically talented, but unproven, like Chaz Schilens. He played well on Sunday, but he has had such trouble staying on the field for his entire career. Heck, he DIDN’T see the field in the preseason were surprised he even made the team. And then this week, Jason Hill? Seriously? Is adding another journeyman, underachieving player going to be the difference in what helps Mark Sanchez succeed? How about Clyde Gates? Big factor that guy has been so far.

Thank your GM, fans! “Thanks Tanny!”

Mike Tannenbaum has basically written a textbook on how to ruin a young quarterback. He pays no attention to this offense, at all. Oh he makes a couple of moves, just to make moves. But to make it better? I just don’t see it. Is Mike Tannenbaum setting Mark Sanchez up to fail?

It sure is hard to say that he isn’t.