New York Jets: Quick Fixes to Improve in 2015

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) calls a play in the huddle during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets fans watch the Super Bowl, and frankly become jealous. No, not of cheating allegations of course, but of continuous success. Over the last few years, the Seattle Seahawks have set themselves up to be a dominant franchise going forward. They have been to the last two Super Bowls, as we know, and have a roster that is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Unfortunately, at least to us Jets fans, the Patriots aren’t showing signs of slowing either. They may have just won their first Super Bowl in several years, but the fact remains that all they do is win games. They set themselves up with a system that has continuously filled their roster with players that allow them to continue their winning ways.

Jets fans want this in the worst way, and are praying that Mike Maccagnan and company are the ones to finally make that happen.

But, Jets fans want to see some success now as well. We are going to have a tough time if we endure another losing season. Even if it’s back to seven or eight wins, we will see progress. We want to know that our Jets are moving in the right direction. A magical Super Bowl run in 2015 would be nice, but I don’t think anyone is expecting that. But, we need to see progress.

Here are some quick fixes that the Jets can put into place next season, that should give us what we want, progress.

Next: Wide Receiver

Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Sammie Coates (18) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Point one would be to find a wide receiver, somewhere. It doesn’t have to be with a high choice in the draft. The Saints did quite well with Brandin Cooks, for example. The Jets can choose a Sammie Coates (above), for example. There are many wide receivers they can bring in from this draft class that would make an immediate impact.

Or, it could be through free agency. The Jets are likely going to have to move on from Percy Harvin, unless he makes the decision to restructure his contract. We know that Eric Decker has been recruiting his buddy, Demaryius Thomas. There is a lot of fan interest in Randall Cobb, and there is the pipe dream of Dez Bryant having a chance to come to town. However they get it done, the Jets must bring another wide receiver in here immediately. With it will come increased success.

Next: Cornerback

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback

Antonio Cromartie

(31) looks on before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

The Jets have no choice but to bring in a veteran cornerback. The Jets spent last season being torched on the outside, as we all watched with horror. They couldn’t stop anybody. The days of shutting down a big wide receiver feel like they were long ago.

Kareem Jackson is a good young option at corner, but the Jets should not ignore the opportunity to bring back Antonio Cromartie. Yes, as many have pointed out, Cromartie is a band-aid solution. He will not be with the Jets long-term. But, as I said on social media last night, band-aids are important. They cover up the problem while it gets better. We don’t wear band-aids forever, we wear them until the situation improves.

Cromartie never wanted to leave, he already knows Dee Milliner, and can help teach the techniques of Todd Bowles. He is a fan favorite, and would be welcomed back to the Jets with open arms.

But either way, if it’s not Cromartie, the Jets need to find SOMEONE. We don’t know Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle‘s long-term worth, yet. Bringing in a veteran will improve the Jets immediately, and will help the Jets to improve in the long-term as well.

Next: The Pistol

Nov 3, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands off to running back

Chris Ivory

(33) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Whether you like him or not, there is a good chance that Geno Smith will be here in 2015. It’s also not out of the realm of possibility that he will win the starting job coming out of training camp, although the Jets will bring in real competition this time.

With that, the Jets will need to feature Geno Smith’s abilities better than they have so far. Geno Smith can make plays with his legs, actually posting more touchdowns on the ground in his first two seasons than Russell Wilson did. He has had moments of great accuracy, although not enough of them so far. The Jets have a power running back named Chris Ivory. Doesn’t this seem like a perfect fit for the “pistol”?

With the threat of Chris Ivory pounding it on the inside, or Geno Smith taking off around the outside, the Jets would add a dimension on offense that would open up the playbook. With that simple philosophy change, the Jets offense becomes more formidable, and it does so immediately.

They say Chan Gailey can adapt to anything. Let’s see him adapt to Geno Smith.

Next: A Stud Tackle

The Jets need to bring in a stud offensive tackle. First of Breno Giacomini was a disaster last season. He was brought in to replace Austin Howard, and he did anything but. He and Willie Colon were leading the charge as the Jets offensive line deteriorated, despite a great season from Nick Mangold. No matter who is playing quarterback, if you don’t have an offensive line, the offense is not going to improve.

More from The Jet Press

The Jets need to bring in several offensive linemen for depth. But, they need a stud tackle now. They need a right tackle to step in and play. They also need a guy that could potentially be the heir apparent to D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who is 31 and declining. Bring in a stud tackle, be it La’el Collins or somebody else, and the Jets line will improve right away.

These are just some quick fixes that the Jets can employ in 2015 to show us immediate progress towards our ultimate goal.

Next: Fansided Mock Draft Review

Home/Jets News