Former Jets QB offers candid Darren Mougey observation amid busy offseason

A common theme — and that’s putting things lightly — throughout the New York Jets’ offseason has been bloggers and pundits firing off nonstop jabs that go far beyond constructive criticism.

Perhaps we should leave the analysis to those actually involved in the football world.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who played for the Jets during the Rex Ryan era, told reporters on Thursday that he loves what he’s seen from general manager Darren Mougey.

Granted, as O’Connell acknowledged, he’s slightly biased, given that they played together at San Diego State.

“He’s attempting to execute a vision that he has for that organization,” O’Connell said. “As a former Jet, it’s always good to see the organization in good hands — and they certainly are with Darren and [Aaron Glenn].”

O’Connell said he’s spoken with Mougey throughout the offseason, including complimenting him on the Jets’ draft haul and the recent Breece Hall extension.

Jets fans should love Kevin O’Connell’s enthusiasm about Darren Mougey

The fact that there is genuine positivity surrounding the Jets ahead of training camp is a testament to Mougey’s performance thus far.

It would have been incredibly easy for the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades to not only represent the end of an era, but also propel the Jets into an even further layer of misery and boredom.

Instead, Mougey landed a likely starting receiver in Adonai Mitchell and picked up three first-round picks from those trades. The Jets’ draft haul, headlined by No. 2 pick and All-American edge rusher David Bailey, has earned continued praise.

Mougey also added a band-aid quarterback in Geno Smith and a developmental option in fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik.

None of this is to say that the Jets are destined for their first playoff appearance since January 2011, though we’d certainly understand if Mougey has you enjoying the good vibes.

For the first time in several years, it feels like the Jets have a plan. The days of taking a young quarterback and simply hoping it works out, as was the case with Zach Wilson, appear over.

O’Connell, who is 43-25 with two playoff appearances in his four seasons leading the Vikings, especially appreciates Mougey’s overall vision. 

“A lot of teams put the time and the energy in to have as much good planning as you can, but it’s about the execution of those plans,” O’Connell said. “The way Darren has gone about it doesn’t surprise me.”

Come Week 17, Mougey and O’Connell will get to show one another just what they’ve been working to build. The Jets close their regular-season home slate against the Vikings on January 3.

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