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Some people are making a big deal
about the Jets giving up a sixth-round pick for Joe Flacco considering he’s not going to start, at least not immediately.
Well first of all, having him come in and start immediately is foolish. He might know a little of the Jets’ system from past stops, but every playbook has different terminology and words for everything, so even if you have a background in a playbook, you still need time to learn the new language. He also has no chemistry with most of the Jets’ receivers. So people who think he should come in right now and start immediately don’t understand pro football, to be quite honest with you.
Secondly, the Jets are likely going to make trades at the deadline, so there is probably some new draft capital probably on the way in the next few weeks, so parting with the sixth-round pick is likely doing to seem irrelevant in short order.
The Jets have a surplus at receiver and offensive tackle, considering Conor McDermott and Mehki Becton are coming back shortly, so those are two positions with trade possibilities. A lot of teams need help at those spots.
So don’t be shocked if another sixth-round pick (or an even higher pick) is on its way . . .
Is it the chicken or the egg?
Has the problem with the Jets’ offense been the game-planning/play-calling or starting a rookie quarterback, who was playing against North Alabama and Texas State last year, not an SEC schedule like Mac Jones?
Former NFL GM Mike Lombardi said on his podcast on Thursday – “I have said this since the beginning of the season that the Mike LaFleur offense is one of the worst in all of football – their execution proves it.”
Obviously, it’s a little bit of both – rookie QB and rookie offensive coordinator, but clearly, there is an issue with the flow of the play-calling.
Look, the Jets’ defense has major personnel issues impacting the results but on offense, they actually have pretty good pieces on offense around the QB. The offensive line is solid, with two tackles who will be in demand at the trading deadline, a rookie guard who looks like a future Pro Bowler, and a center who is pretty good, regardless of what the detractors say. Greg Van Roten is undersized which leads to issues at times, but is extremely bright and a technician, so most of the time, he’s fine.
The receiver room is stacked. It’s hard to tell if the tight ends are an issue because they almost never throw to them, and refuse to use the underrated Daniel Brown, who has 4.6 speed and can threaten all parts of the field.
The point here is simple. Even with a rookie QB, the offense should be better. They have enough talent and a good enough line to be better.
The game-planning and play-calling clearly need to be better. The Jets offense isn’t the most talented in the NFL, but has a lot more parts than the defense . . .
Speaking of parts, the Jets getting back veteran C.J. Mosley and Jarrad Davis this week is flat-out huge. Their youth and inexperience at linebacker last week was a big reason they gave up a 54 spot. The position killed them. Not saying the Jets will win this game, but getting more assignment-savvy players at linebacker will help against the Bengals’ high-powered offense.
Also, expect the Jets’ defensive line to have a big game. It’s actually one of the team’s more talented positions and they were embarrassed last week. Expect them to come out this week with the collective hair on fire, and play on a high level against an average Bengals offensive line. You have to wonder if they will elevate Ronnie Blair with the back injury to Bryce Huff.
October 29, 2021
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