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You really need to consider something when reading certain stories. You have to understand how people frame what they say on certain stages.
I saw this story on one of those websites that aggregates NFL stories.
“ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski says he ‘likes the future of the New York Jets with Geno Smith at quarterback’ according to an article written on newyorkjets.com,” wrote the aggregator.
Something you need to understand.
When network analysts are interviewed by team websites, they take the high road. They tend to cater their commentary to suit that format.
When was the last time you saw a soundbite or quote, from a network analyst, or any outside analyst, not connected with a team website, say anything critical of a player, coach or team when interviewed by a team website.
And you know what, if they were critical of the team, player or coach, do you think the interview would air?
So to me, these quotes are generally meaningless.
I’m not claiming to be better than anybody, but I don’t believe in altering my opinions based on who is doing the interview. Perhaps that is why the Jets’ website never interviews me. And I’m not looking to be interviewed by them, but if they ask, I would pull no punches. Not be obnoxious, but just stick to the opinions you read on here.
I don’t have different acts for different platforms.
I will give you an example of what I’m talking about.
A couple of years ago, in training camp, or it might have been a mini-camp, I don’t recall. I was standing at practice with another beat writer.
Woody Johnson came over to chat.
“What do you think of Geno? he asked.
“I think he needs to improve his accuracy and get rid of the ball faster,” I said.
The other writer claimed that I shocked Johnson.
He didn’t hang around very long.
I’m sorry, I’m not into sugarcoating. Once again, you don’t need to be rude, but I’m not pulling punches. I’m not going to act like, “this is the owner, I better tell him nice things about his quarterback.” No, I won’t do that, unless it’s how I feel.
This is why I can’t stand these interviews that network types do with team websites. It turns into a Potemkin Village interview – “everything is good.”
I’m not picking on “Jaws.” I’m actually a fan of his.
I’m just saying that when these guys agree to do interviews with team websites, they are like a rock band that plays a different set list than they normally play.
To say, he “‘likes the future of the New York Jets with Geno Smith at quarterback.”
Based on what?
Once again, I throw in this caveat over and over – I don’t blame Geno for his struggles his first two years with the Jets. To me, that is on John Idzik and Rex Ryan for throwing a project quarterback into action way before he was ready.
But Geno was a major turnover machine his first two year in the league. Perhaps that will change. I have no idea. We shall see.
My biggest question mark about Geno has been this – if you are a slow decision-maker in college, how is that going to speed up in the NFL, where everything happens faster, and the defenses are better?
Geno needs to speed up his internal clock. We will see if he can.
To say you “like the future of the New York Jets with Geno Smith at quarterback,” is hyperbolic.
June 30, 2015
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