New York Jets: Off-Season Looms as a Crossroad for Future

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner

Wood

y Johnson talks to Mitt Romney before the game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets are 2-11 heading into the final three games of the season. We know a few things. We know that a high draft pick is coming, though we don’t know the specific pick they will have as of yet. The Jets could finish anywhere from 2-14 to 5-11. But likely, the Jets will be choosing within the top ten, possibility with the top five, and maybe even the first pick.

The Jets have been in this type of spot before. Most of us remember the team going 1-15. We don’t want to remember it, but we do. But this Jets team is a little bit different. The Jets had very little in place going into 1997, but they have some pieces in place going into 2015. Or do they?

We do know that for Jets owner Woody Johnson, he has some big decisions to make, and they will have long-term effects as this team his a major crossroads during this off-season. What does he do with the Jets general manager? What about head coach? It will determine some key cogs in the team going forward.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) looks over at quarterback

Michael Vick

(1) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, we have the quarterback situation. The last three games will do a lot in determining what the Jets do here. Does Geno Smith get enough on tape to prove that he can get the job done? Who is making that decision?

The Jets are likely to fire Rex Ryan on black Monday. John Idzik, however, is not so obvious. Does Woody Johnson give him another chance? It will make a difference, as Idzik has been around Geno Smith for quite a while. If he stays, he might be willing to give Geno another chance to be the Jets starter. A new general manager, however, might not be interested in giving Geno Smith anymore chances.

Whether Michael Vick is back or not, this is the biggest decision the Jets have to make for 2015.

Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass against the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) after defeating the Missouri Tigers 42-13 in the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

This decision will decide how the Jets proceed in the first round of the draft. If whomever is running the Jets believes that Geno Smith can move forward as the quarterback, the Jets can look elsewhere in round one. Maybe they look at a big play wide receiver like Amari Cooper in the first round. I am not saying they would IGNORE quarterback, but they could look at someone like a Sean Mannion later on, in that scenario.

But if Geno is done, the Jets need to look at a guy like Marcus Mariota, or Jameis Winston in the first round. The Jets need to get the quarterback situation right, and they need to do it this year. This off-season is huge.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Percy Harvin

(16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback

Josh Robinson

(21) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

What about Percy Harvin? Percy Harvin will play a great deal into the Jets plans as well. He showed last week, prior to leaving the game with injury, that he has a lot left. Percy Harvin can be a threat in multiple ways, on special teams or on offense. When healthy, Harvin works as a great complement to Eric Decker on the other side. Maybe the Jets don’t need to choose a guy like Cooper?

But what about the injuries? Harvin has had trouble there. Maybe with a new general manager, Harvin is not worth the Jets money.

Either way, getting this wrong will set the Jets offense backwards. They must get it right.

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Headshot of New York Jets cornerback

Dee Milliner

(27) during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports