Jets preseason proves Darren Mougey made a major mistake on offense

The New York Jets' preseason has been a major Rorschach test for fans. Optimistic fans will look to their domination of the Green Bay Packers as proof that Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have turned things around, while pessimistic ones will declare that the sky is falling after getting blown out by the New York Giants.

One thing that is abundantly clear is the fact that 2025 could be a year of turmoil and change as the Jets try to beef up the quality of this roster. The wide receiver room is quickly becoming an area of much concern.

While starting quarterback Justin Fields (and the passing game as a whole) struggled against the Giants, this game illustrated just how far behind the rest of the league the Jets are when it comes to perimeter talent. No matter how many improvements Fields makes, it will be tough to put together an elite passing offense with this wide receiver room.

While it's impossible to remake this offense in one offseason, Mougey does need to take the brunt of the blame for his team's performance here.

Darren Mougey must take blame for poor NY Jets WR room

The expected starting trio heading into camp was Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, and Allen Lazard, in that order. However, Reynolds has had a fairly milquetoast preseason, and Lazard's injury, coupled with more drop issues, has him in line to be a fringe 53-man roster candidate.

The possible options to hoover up those targets are not very inspiring. Tyler Johnson has never had more than 400 yards receiving in a season, rookie Arian Smith is still developing his game, and 2024 No. 65 overall pick Malachi Corley isn't even being taken seriously as someone who could make the final roster.

Even though the Jets' passing game will have a very low ceiling this season, expect both Wilson and rookie tight end Mason Taylor to receive well over half of Fields' targets this season. Even with Wilson in the equation, this team could finish dead last in the NFL in passing yards due to the lack of talent.

The Jets do seem poised to put together one of the more effective running games in the league, but the lack of passing upside might be a fatal flaw that will limit just how high the ceiling is for Mougey and Glenn in their first season. They can fix this in the future, but 2025 will be rough.

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