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Most Jets fans aren’t in a good mood right now, but one thing from today should give them some solace:
Christopher Johnson spoke to the media today, and emphasized over and over, that Joe Douglas has TOTAL control over the roster, and there is no meddling.
Jets fans should be thrilled about this. They clearly have their best GM in a long, long time, and he’s been given total carte blanche on the roster.
Here is a question and answer from today:
Rich Cimini – ESPN: With all that cap room, that will be carried into next year, Joe is creating a nest egg for next season, it almost looks like he is not putting all his efforts into this season. How do you reconcile that with a quarterback still on his rookie contract with small window of opportunity, and yet it almost seems like he’s punting on this season?
Johnson: I don’t agree he’s punting on this season. I do think he has pieces in place to win this season. I have given Joe complete discretion on how he puts this team together.
He added: “I don’t tell him to get a player or drop or player. He has complete control over this roster and how to pay for it.”
He also said about the transition from Mike Maccagnan to Joe Douglas: “Look, I told you at the time that I want to avoid embarrassment for Mike and others, but there is no question, I feel in better hands, in terms of putting together a roster with Joe. I have so much confidence in him.”
So he get the point, and Jets fans should celebrate this.
I actually said this to Christopher Johnson late last season:
“Joe Douglas is the best hire you guys have made at head coach or GM.”
I truly believe that.
So that fact that Douglas is in total control of the roster, gives the Jets a lot of hope for the future. I think they reached the brass ring with this hire. Just look at the Jamal Adams’ trade. I never thought they would get a pair of first-round picks (along with a #3 and a starting safety) for a safety who plays mainly in the box. For goodness sake, Douglas got more back from Adams, then the Raiders got from Chicago for Khalil Mack, who many would argue is a more valuable player than Adams, based on his position.
Obviously, the jury is still out on the coach, but this GM looks like the real deal, and the fact the the Johnson’s are leaving him alone to do his thing, in both talent evaluation/procurement, and how much he wants to spend, should give Jets fans some solace . . .
What does Adam Gase like about new Jets running back Kalen Ballage?
“He’s 238 and runs a 4.4,” said Gase.
That is a rare size-speed ratio for a running back.
And plus he comes in knowing Gase’s system, after playing for him in Miami.
Not putting him in Canton, but not a bad running back to add right now for depth – a guy with an exotic size-speed ratio and a good system-fit . . .
The benching of Pierre Desir for Nate Hairston was one of the strangest moves I’ve seen in all the years I have been covering the team.
I’m dead serious.
It showed a lack of ideal talent judgment by somebody, and I’m not blaming Douglas, because he doesn’t decide who plays on game day.
Hairston should be a fifth or sixth corner and core special team’s player, not the first man in for a starter . . .
September 15, 2020
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