New York Jets: Jeff Cumberland must step up in 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Jun 26, 2015

When it comes to the premiere starting tight end of the New York Jets, Jeff Cumberland doesn’t exactly scare defenses away. While he’s been a decent starting option for the Jets over the past few years, his inconsistency of the past will no longer be tolerated. Thanks to a new leadership regime in place for the Jets, Cumberland must step up in 2015 or he’ll end up being demoted in favor for someone that has more upside in Jace Amaro.

Last season with the Jets, Cumberland posted pretty low numbers. In 2014, he contributed only 247 yards on 23 receptions for 3 touchdowns. While the Jets will definitely want some more production out of Cumberland, if he struggles again this upcoming season, the Jets will not hesitate to give more starting time to Amaro and hope he can develop quicker in his sophomore season.

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Cumberland’s problem is that he fades out during the regular season and is sometimes a non-factor on offense. With new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey installing a new spread offensive system for the Jets, it’s a perfect opportunity for Cumberland to breakout and be a true force to reckon with.

There are no more excuses since this new system puts players in a position to succeed due to how simple it is to execute.

Entering his sixth season in the NFL, he’s expected to be the starting tight end for the Jets to start the regular season. He has the potential to deliver and should definitely be playing with the motivation that if he fizzles out this time around, his starting job will be in jeopardy.

Hopefully, Cumberland delivers big time for the Jets since they will do their very best to have a rebound year in 2015. If not, the Jets will either go “all-in” with Amaro in 2016 or possibly find another high-level tight end in next year’s offseason and free agency period.

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