New York Jets, What Needs To Be Done

Most Jets followers have come to the conclusion that the 2014 version of our team, is not a very good one. They stand at 2-8, having just snapped a seven game losing streak. The defense has given up a whopping 31 TD’s overall, while our offense has only managed 18! Not a very successful recipe for success! Things must change, the fan base is disgruntled and I’d have to believe players are to some degree as well. What needs to be done? There is much discussion going on about this question among fans, and I’d like to take a few minutes to put my ideas out there and see what you folks think.

The top priority for this team in my opinion has to be a housecleaning of its management. Many disagree with me here, but as I see it, this needs to done sooner than later. Woody Johnson needs to make major changes in management because as a group they have failed this franchise. Our scouting team is questionable at best. Can someone explain how Terry Bradway is still on the Jets payroll? As a top personnel guy, this guy has to take the blame eventually! Fire him immediately!! Next up is embattled GM John Idzik.

Much has been written about his successes and failures in handling personnel, but it has become apparent, to at least this fan, that his failures outweighs his successes. The guy has little eye for talent beyond the second round, and I hold him responsible for the bulk of the Jet shortcomings this year. John needs to go and Woody would be wise to hire a personnel guy the next time around. The Jets have had two consecutive GM’s with contract experience, and the team roster has regressed as a result.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan talks with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The coaching staff will likely be gone when the Jets fire Rex Ryan at season’s end. Now, that may appear on the surface as a disturbing development, but really what have these guys actually accomplished? David Lee was brought in to “fix” Mark Sanchez, and he has now had two years with Geno Smith. He’s failed to get much development out of either, so he won’t be much of a loss. Of course we have our illustrious WR coach in the form of Sanjay Lal. This guy hasn’t produced an NFL quality receiver in his career, never mind with the Jets!

Rex will take the fall here, and I see no way the Jets can keep him on any longer. He’s four yrs removed from the playoff and is fielding a 2-8 team this year; that will cost any coach his job, regardless of the circumstances. I’ve never been a Rex Ryan fan as a head coach, but I think over the years he has improved.

I actually believe this was his best season as a head coach, as keeping this rag-tag bunch of talent in games has been a major coaching job for the Rex. Rex certainly doesn’t take all the blame for our record, but he will take the fall! Before letting him go, the new GM should at least consider offering him the DC job, he more than likely won’t, due to the disruption it might cause in the locker room, but we all know he’s a defensive guru! Thanks for the play off years Rex!

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

The roster needs a major overhaul as we all know by now. I’m not going to get into the individual failures, but I think we all can agree that this team just doesn’t have enough NFL talent to succeed. Another rebuild is in order, and it is likely to be a lengthy one. The Jets have some pieces, but they still possess holes at QB,OL,CB and LB. Both sides of the ball are needing an influx of talent to fix the shortcomings. The question then becomes how do we fix this mess going forward?

At QB, I’d suggest the Jets bring in a veteran free agent to start 2015. There is talent to be had via the draft, but I, for one, don’t want to see another rookie under center for the Jets next year! Bring in a veteran, sign him short-term (two years) and pay him what you must! The Jets have some pieces on offense and with a veteran QB, at least fans will have something worth watching on Sundays in 2015.

In my opinion, it’s too early to just walk away from a second round pick. No, Smith hasn’t been good, but considering the circumstances and the personnel available to him, I think he is worth keeping as a backup. Let’s see if he can develop from there. Since the Jets apparently aren’t very high on Matt Simms, I suggest they take a chance on a mid round QB in the draft and dismiss Simms entirely. The Jets need to look at the future at QB, and a veteran acquisition now, will buy them time to find the right guy going forward. Whatever they decide to do at the position next year, it absolutely needs to be a REAL competition!! Enough of the make-believe ones we’ve seen for years now!

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

The cornerback position has been talked about to the point of nausea for the last two seasons. At this point the Jets are basically running guys out there off the street, its been a major mess and needs to be addressed! I don’t believe that the Jets can stand back and bank on both Dee Millner and Dexter McDougle to come back from injury and man the position. The Jets need major help here, and I think the answer must come from both the draft and free agency.

I’d bring in a top-level free agent to man at least one of the positions. Kyle Wilson is free agent eligible this year as well, he hasn’t lived up to his first round draft staus, but for the right price they may have to resign him. Personally I don’t think this position will warrant a top ten pick from this draft, and would I simply draft a corner in the third round if the veteran free agent is in place. CB should be a wide open position next year in camp…nobody on this roster owns a spot!

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end

Travis Kelce

(87) runs the ball as New York Jets inside linebacker

David Harris

(52) defends during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The LB group has grown into a bigger issue then it was just two or three years ago. Veterans Calvin Pace and David Harris are both aging and arguably on the downside of their careers. Harris is also free agent eligible next season, and if he is looking for a raise, he might be getting it somewhere else in 2015. Demario Davis is coming along nicely in his development and likely will be an anchor for this group for the foreseeable future.

Quinton Coples has been a major disappointment to date, he’ll be around for 2015, but many fans are beginning to put the bust label on him. If Pace retires (likely) and Harris decides to test free agency, the Jets will need to bring in a veteran here as well. They may be well advised to search the draft for a late round prospect to develop also. I just don’t see Trevor Reilly, this year’s pick ever becoming an every down starter for this club.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets guard

Willie Colon

(66) and center

Nick Mangold

(74) on the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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