Coffee with the Jets: Breaking down John Morton’s offense

In this edition of Coffee with the New York Jets, a loyal reader asks to breakdown John Morton’s offense and how each quarterback could excel in the system.

The New York Jets are in for a rather interesting season in 2017. While many have already written them off and even predicted they might be the worst team in the NFL. Of course, it’s not fact until the games are played and the final results are in the books but it’s hard to argue since there will be a lot new, young, and inexperienced players starting for this team.

Due to rebuilding, the Jets have made a lot of changes to their roster and even coaching staff. Former offensive coordinator Chan Gailey got the boot and the Jets brought in John Morton as his replacement. He comes from the New Orleans Saints and had a hand in making their offense one to fear.

In case you didn’t know, my Coffee with the Jets series is basically an open forum to my loyal readers on Twitter to ask me anything on Gang Green and get it answered right here on The Jet Press. This time around, JRZ asked the following:

What are the intricacies of Johnny Morton's scheme from what you've seen on tape? Explain how each QB on the roster excels in his system.

— JRZ (@ZJR93) July 3, 2017

From what I’ve gathered, Morton heavily emphasizes on the passing game. It all comes down to the quarterback, their arm strength, and making the right decisions in the heat of the moment. Morton also loves to use tight ends as receiving options as well as running backs out of the backfield. Yes, there will be some rushing attempts but if I had to break down the ratio of passing to rushing, it’ll more than likely come down to about 70-30.

When it comes to quarterbacks, it’s all one big question mark if they’re able to excel in Morton’s new West Coast-style offense. Quarterback Josh McCown has the most experience out of the bunch but doesn’t make good decisions on the football field. The only way he can excel would be to be more of a game-manager type, do his check downs properly, and not force passes that could lead to turnovers. Playing safe and conservatively will be the only way McCown could thrive in this system and play off of mismatches.

More from Jets News

• NY Jets officially place the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye
• NY Jets: 3 reasons to be optimistic about the 2021 season
• NY Jets: Analyzing the ways to upgrade the cornerback position
• NY Jets: 5 linebackers to target in 2021 free agency
• NY Jets: 3 tight ends to target in 2021 free agency

Quarterback Bryce Petty has the arm strength and accuracy to excel in Morton’s system but is coming off a shoulder injury.

So far this summer, Petty has been doing his best but again, hasn’t stood out to solidify himself as starting material for the regular season. Petty would excel by using his strength and accuracy to build a nice tempo with his receiving options.

He’d have to rely on tight ends and running backs that would give him another option or two in order to keep those chains moving. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa can’t do it all so it’s imperative that for Petty to thrive, Morton has offensive formations that have an eligible tight end or running back to be a security blanket.

Finally, quarterback Christian Hackenberg has decent arm strength but accuracy is his biggest issue. It’s all about accuracy in Morton’s offense as it’s an area of opportunity for Hackenberg to develop this aspect of his game. For him to excel in this new offense, he’d have to continue working on his accuracy extensively in his sophomore season with the Jets. That way, he can hit speedy receivers in stride and be effective under center.