Marty Mornhinweg Takes Accountability for New York Jets’ Unfortunate Timeout

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(11) reacts to missing a pass in the end zone during the second half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

It was a missed opportunity for the New York Jets on Sunday. The Jets couldn’t put away the Packers, and ended up falling by the score of 31-24. But, they nearly tied it up at the very end. Unfortunately, “Timeout gate” (yes I made that up) took that tying score away from the Jets.

Since the game ended, we have seen the passing of the responsibility for the timeout fiasco. We know Rex Ryan didn’t make the call. The video showed Marty Mornhinweg walking towards the ref, but Sheldon Richardson leaned in and ultimately made the ill-fated call.

After the game, Sheldon Richardson owned up to the fact that he walked up to the referee. It turns out that he heard coach Mornhinweg asking for the timeout, so he wanted to make sure the coach was heard. As much as we want Sheldon to sit there and be quiet, it’s hard to give him grief. Sheldon was helping coach Mornhinweg out, and the team concept that Rex preaches was definitely in full force.

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But Mornhinweg changed his mind.

Like a good coach should, Mornhinweg took responsibility for what occurred:

“I want to make it crystal-clear, everything that goes on offensively is my responsibility. Period,” Mornhinweg said, “So I’ve got to do a better job of communicating. And then trusting Big Geno. I’ve got to trust Geno to get everything fixed before the 40-second clock (expires).”

Geno did make the adjustment that was needed, and that is why coach Mornhinweg changed his mind about the time out. Coach is right, he needs to let the quarterback do his job. If needed, run to Rex and have him take a timeout at the last second, but give your quarterback a chance to make the correction. Obviously, it can be costly.

And Shelon, thanks for being helpful. Now, stop that. Sit on your helmet until it’s time to hit the field. OK I am exaggerating but be more careful if you are trying to help.