New York Jets: Jeremy Kerley deserves major part on offense

By Paul A. Esden Jr. | Sep 30, 2015

Jeremy Kerley, fresh off a contract extension a few months ago with the New York Jets, was looked on to be a vital cog in this passing game heading into 2015. Two weeks into the regular season, Kerley was on the field for just two offensive snaps and had zero catches.

Many analysts and Jets fans thought that Kerley was potentially on the trade-block and comments by new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey didn’t seem to be a ringing endorsement. He said that Kerley is a “hard-fit” with the Jets brass leaning towards the bigger body number three receivers in Chris Owusu and Quincy Enunwa. Leaving Kerley on the outside looking in battling for playing time.

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As fate would strike Kerley, he finally got his opportunity in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles with Eric Decker sitting out and Owusu injured and out for the foreseeable future.

Kerley reminded Jets fans of his slick footwork in the slot, creating separation and showing off his sticky hands. He finished the day with 6 catches for 33 yards and a touchdown.

Is Kerley the biggest receiver? The fastest? The most talented? No is the answer to all those questions and he didn’t have a superstar stat performance either; though he almost had the catch of the year, but he couldn’t get his other foot down before his elbow touched out-of-bounds.

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) catches a ball over Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Eric Rowe (32) but is ruled out of bounds during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I find it hard to believe that a talented receiver like Kerley, who has amassed over 166 receptions for over 2,000 yards and 7 touchdown grabs, can’t be used on this offense effectively. His old nickname used to be “Mr. 3rd Down” for his ability to consistently move the chains for the Jets, which they desperately needed in a loss to Philadelphia in Week 3.

Devin Smith made his rookie debut against the Eagles and underwhelmed; you could blame Ryan Fitzpatrick for missing Smith on several deep attempts or you could blame Smith for not getting enough separation. Regardless, Smith didn’t inspire the Jets to move on from Kerley. Despite focusing on trade speculation, the Jets should focus more on how to get Kerley involved in this offense.

This guy can definitely contribute and help the Jets win ball games. Plus with more opportunities this season, maybe he just might prove his worth that he can be a key member of a Jets’ offense that needs more players like him to step up and deliver consistently.

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