A Look Back at John Idzik’s Inaugural New York Jets’ Season: Mike Goodson and David Garrard

Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

(23) warms up before facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. The Steelers won the game 19-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Good afternoon Jets’ fans. Time to continue our series, looking back on the moves that marked the first season of John Idzik’s tenure as the general manager of our beloved team, the New York Jets. So far, we have taken a look at Idzik’s first draft. Most recently, we took a look at a major acquisition, Chris Ivory.

Now we move ahead to two guys we are going to take together, being that the fan base went through similar emotions about both of these guys.  First we have:

MIKE GOODSON: In recent memory, I can’t think of a free agent signing that ever had more of an up and down roller coaster in one season. The Jets were looking to reinvent their backfield, so one of their acquisitions was Mike Goodson. Then, just a couple of months after his signing, he was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a loaded gun and possession of a hollow point round.

Subsequently, he was suspended for four games at the beginning of the season for violation the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy. There were a lot of questions around this move, directed at John Idzik, for not scouting his personality better. Could he have shielded the team with better due diligence, and not brought a shady character onto the team?

However, when he returned, he began to make us all forget his problems. Against the Steelers, Mike Goodson ran the ball three times for 32 yards. Against the Falcons, he ran the ball four times for 29 yards. He was excelling in a supporting role at running back. However, he tore his ACL and MCL against the Falcons, ending his season.

Two games? Not enough to evaluate the move, so in a rare instance, I am going to give an INCOMPLETE.

DAVID GARRARD: The Jets wanted to bring in veteran competition at the quarterback spot, so they bring in David Garrard. I loved this move at the time. He hadn’t played since 2010, granted, but he has a good resume. He was sporting a 60% career completion percentage, and nearly two times the touchdowns to the interceptions.

The trouble was, he was never healthy. So much so, that he had to retire during training camp. He came back late in the season, but was never healthy enough to be dressed. If you wanted him in the locker room, why not hire him as a coach or a consultant? It seems silly to waste a roster spot on a guy that was never able to play. John may have been given bad advice from the medical staff, but the decision reflects back on him. So, for this one, he gets his first…..F.

Sorry, Mr. Idzik, nobody is perfect.