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So will he or won’t he?
I’m talking about Todd Bowles returning as Jets coach in 2018.
I’d say it’s 90-10 he returns.
Just to be clear, that means I’m saying it’s a 90 percent chance he comes back.
He did two things that are feathers in his cap in the world-view of Jets ownership – he fixed the football culture (the locker room) and they were competitive throughout the season, aside from the Oakland game, and perhaps Denver.
But the Jets last game, against the Los Angeles Chargers, was a victory for Bowles.
Look, I know there are no moral victories in sports, but for the Jets to lose 14-7, with a head tied behind their backs, was somewhat impressive.
The Jets’ personnel department went into this season with a QB depth chart that made little sense.
Once Josh McCown got hurt in Denver, the season was essentially over for the Jets.
I don’t want to be disrespectful to Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, but I view both as raw, developmental projects who still need a lot of work. To go into a season with two major projects backing up the starter, isn’t pragmatic.
You are basically setting up a scenario that if the starter gets hurt, you are finished. Petty/Hackenberg each belong in the #3 spot or on the practice squad. The #2 spot should be a guy like Case Keenum, Matt Moore or Nick Foles – that kind of guy who can get your through games.
So for Bowles to coach the Jets to a 14-7 loss, against a terrific Chargers team, was a credit to him. With McCown, or an experienced backup, there is a very good chance the Jets win that game.
So this loss isn’t on Todd.
And his team played their hearts out.
I’m not saying Bowles is Vince Lombardi, but based on the criteria the owners set before the season, which wasn’t based on wins and losses, but more on improvement, effort and culture, Bowles has probably earned another season.
“There isn’t another group of guys I’d rather play with. This is one of the best locker rooms I’ve been in,” said Jets LB Demario Davis.
I’d say it’s 90-10.
Jets have some major holes – they lack of a #1 corner, they lack of dynamic edge-rusher (the Jets had no sacks against San Diego, a team playing without their franchise left tackle) and they need a good coverage linebacker. And as mentioned an experience backup QB who can keep the bus rolling with the starter out.
If they bring back McCown for another year, along with plenty of cap money, and three picks in the first two rounds, the Jets have a chance to fill their holes, and become a playoff contender next year.
This isn’t the time for them to start over.
Now if they have a losing record next year, that is another story.
I don’t think Christopher Johnson, and his right-hand man Ira Axselrad, are inclined to fire Bowles after this season.
I could see Chris and Ira giving Bowles a one-year extension, like Rex Ryan got entering the final year of his contract, to avoid lame-duck status.
December 26, 2017
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