Percy Harvin Re-Energizing New York Jets Fan Base
By Paul Newbold
Sep 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Percy Harvin(11) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
I’m an internet junkie, I read blogs, sports columns, opinion pieces, and virtually everything I can concerning the New York Jets. I’m an older fan, so I’m not sure exactly when this all came about, but it did and now I’m hooked. What I like about the internet sites is they are a great way to keep a pulse on where the fan base sits on each and every move the team makes. Yes, some of the comment sections can get a little absurd at times, but generally you can feel the vibe from the base. Everyone has an opinion, and with a little respect for each other, the fan base gets to express their feelings, and it’s one of the great features that can be utilized to stay up on the team happenings.
This year, like most, has brought out a lot of critics of the team. The lack of wins have not helped the cause, as fans began to question the leadership and generally vent their frustrations. It hasn’t been a year for a lot of pro Jets talk, the fan base has been frustrated, they’ve been irate, and they are losing patience. That has been the “pulse of the fan base” for weeks now. That is up to this week, when John Idzik went out and made a trade for Percy Harvin. It was an interesting acquisition, but more interesting to me as an observer, was how quickly the fan base embraced this move!
Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans cheer during the second quarter of a preseason game against Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
As most of my readers already know, I’ve been a critic of this franchise for several years. I love the New York Jets organization, but over the years, I’ll admit there have been times when I have been a disgruntled fan. I’m not an apologist, I critique the team’s personnel and performance as I see it, and will be the first to admit when I’m wrong in my assessments. Everyone knows I’m wrong quite a bit! So, when I read about the Percy Harvin trade, initially I looked for the problems that might arise. I was wrong in doing so, and after looking a bit deeper into the transaction, I came around and saw the positives this move could bring.
The fan base has been re energized! This mid-season acquisition has caused quite the stir. With the easier part of our schedule ahead, fans have begun to talk about this team “turning things around”. They’ve begun to talk about the Jets making a “playoff run”! Folks have even gone so far as saying that the combo of Decker/Kerley/Harvin, could be the greatest receiving corp in Jet shistory! While I think its way too early for all those proclamations, Harvin has certainly added some enthusiasm to a season that was looking like a lost cause! The critics are still out there; I’m among them. Percy Harvin won’t fix his team by himself. but the signing finally gave the fans something to be excited about again.
Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) warms-up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
On the other big news that came out this week, the Jets extended Jeremy Kerley’s contract. He signed a deal for four years for a reported 16 million dollars, with a little over 5 million guaranteed! This news has lit up the comment sections as well, fans are excited about keeping what many see as the Jets most reliable receiver! Kerley has been a fan favorite since his appearance on the scene. Jets fans are looking to Kerley with high expectations. I for one think Kerley has earned this contract.
The Jets face a divisional rival in the form of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. They are coming off a six game losing streak, and are hungry for a victory. The fan base has been re-energized and the addition of Harvin and the resigning of Kerley has them excited! It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Harvin can pick up the west coast system, and how much difference he can make at this early stage. It’s been a good week for the fan base, people are excited again, now its on the team to bring home a win to keep it going! This season isn’t a total waste just yet, fans have something to look forward to again! Here’s hoping! Go Jets!!
As always, let us here at the JetPress know what you think. All Jet related topics are fair game. Let’s discuss the Jets!