Jets fans need to take a deep breath after bad start

After such a terrible start to the regular season, New York Jets fans need to take a deep breath and understand that there is still a lot of football left to be played.

The headlines have been everywhere. “New York Jets Come Crashing Down” or “Jaguars Thrash The Stumbling Jets” among others that can be found across the internet or on the back pages of New York’s local papers. The Jets have lost three in a row and the grumblings have begun in the media and among the Jets fan base.

Calls have begun for Todd Bowles job across the internet, on Twitter, and in many Jets blogs. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has faced widespread criticism for his playing calling to this point. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers has also recently faced another round of criticism both in the media and from Jets fans as well. The ire in the Jets fan base is growing, with some calling for another “house cleaning” to be done at season’s end.

General manager Mike Maccagnan hasn’t escaped criticism either. The guy that just a few months back, was hailed as a genius for trading up to get quarterback Sam Darnold, is now also facing criticism for his draft record since being hired.

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High profile players like Darron Lee, Leonard Williams, and Robby Anderson are also being criticized for their play,or the lack thereof. Seemingly, no Jets player or coach is immune to criticism at this early junction of the season.

Jets fans need to take a deep breath. The Jets stand at 1-3 going into Sunday’s game at home against the Denver Broncos. Is it an ideal situation for fans that were super hyped for this season? Absolutely not. Fans have a right to be upset, especially those who dug into their pockets to buy season tickets.

Yet fans need to remember, there were unrealistic predictions for this team going into this season. There was talk of an 11-5 season and the Jets going to the playoffs.

These were all simply hyped up predictions spurred by the acquisition of Darnold in the draft. They were never realistic expectations for a very young roster with a rookie quarterback and several holes to fill. Take a deep breath Jet fans as there is still plenty of football to be played this year.

In reality, this season is about watching a young quarterback taking the reins of a young roster and making it his own. The Jets have been acquiring pieces through the draft and via free agency in recent years, and this season is about how those pieces fit into the jigsaw puzzle. A playoff run was never a realistic expectation for this football team. This team is young and the season is even younger.

It may not be a very pretty season but my best guess at a finishing record would be 7-9, or maybe even 5-11 depending on how the pigskin bounces. What I’m looking for out of this season, is an improvement as the season goes on. The team has played poorly to start the year, but it should improve as the younger guys get more comfortable and show development. The wins may not suddenly begin to appear, but the quality of play should improve as the season goes on. It’s what development is all about.

Do the Jets have personnel problems at different positions? Positively. Do they need to make adjustments in the coaching staff? I think it’s imperative that they do at season’s end. Do they need a house cleaning of the coaching staff? Possibly. Does Maccagnan need to go? I don’t believe so.

The fact is we don’t know the answer to those questions right now. So, Jets fans need to be patient, enjoy the games, and hope for the best. Final answers won’t be in until the end of the season. So take a deep breath with me, relax, and try to enjoy the season for what it is.