New York Jets and the Importance of Continuity

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan walks the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

As we head into 2014, we know a few things about our team. They have a quarterback to move into the season with. The Jets’ coach is staying. His staff is staying. There is a core on both sides of the football that will be here.

What am I saying? For the first time in a while, the Jets are going to have some continuity. It is important, and don’t underestimate the importance.

We have seen the results of not having continuity in the coaching staff. Including 2013, the Jets had three offensive coordinators over three years, and it showed. They may be professional football players, but there is still a learning curve with a new system. There was when Tony Sparano came in, and the same with Marty Mornhinweg.

It takes time to learn a new system, even for professionals. When the system stays the same from year to year, the players can get deeper into that system. They know how it works, so they can get better and better at it.

Continuity benefits the coaching staff as well. When the group of coaches stays intact from year to year, they are able to better assess the players they have. What does that do? It gives them a better chance to put the players in a position to succeed. They understand what the players do well, what they do not so well, and how to get the best out of them.

Plays are not just plays. They are different depending on who is running them. A seven yard out route doesn’t look the same run by Jeremy Kerley and David Nelson. They run at different speeds, one may cut harder than the other…etc. Same goes for any wide receiver. The more they are on the field together, the better Geno Smith can be at hitting those players with the ball, where they like it. Geno can have a feel for how they run their routes. It can’t happen if players are cycled in and out.

The offensive line, as another example, is the same way. Playing offensive line is all about timing and footwork. Each person needs to know not only what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to be, but where everyone else needs to be as well. If there is one error, it ends in a sack, a loss, or even an interception. They more these five guys play together, the more they will understand what , the others are doing. Therefore, the more they play together, the better they will get.

That can’t happen without the use of continuity.

That is why we are excited. Team continuity will be a major concept for the New York Jets.

Here is hoping that it works out.