It is hard to believe that two years ago, the Jets were close to sneaking into the playoffs. At 10-6, they needed to beat Buffalo in Ralph Wilson Stadium. However, in typical Ryan Fitzpatrick fashion, he threw some costly interceptions that secured their loss. The next year, Fitzpatrick was ineffective and the Jets ended up with a 5-11 record. The Jets appear to be heading toward a similar slide down. Within the past week, they have released linebacker David Harris and wide receiver Eric Decker, two of the team’s veterans. Cornerback Darelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Nick Mangold have also been on the chopping block this past year.
Does this mean that the Jets wants to ensure the top Draft Pick next year?
Quarterback woes plague team
With the exception of Fitzpatrick’s 2015 season, New York has been without a decent quarterback for too long. 2012 draft pick Geno Smith has been a bust for the team. He also had his nose busted in a locker room brawl with teammate IK Enemkpali, which resulted in Smith being out for a few weeks. That allowed Fitzpatrick to step in and have one good year.
The other quarterbacks on the roster are Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty, ad Josh McCown. While Hackenberg is showing some promise in OTA’s this year, Petty and McCown are not expected to be starters. Mark Sanchez and Mike Vick each tried to lead the team within the past decade.
New York needs a quarterback to become a playoff contender. Every team in the AFC East has their quarterback set. The New England Patriots have Tom Brady. Ryan Tannehill is leading the Miami Dolphins, and Tyrod Taylor is the guy for the Bills. If the Jets bottom out this year, they could select the top QB in the 2018 draft, who could be USC’s Sam Darnold.
Following in the footsteps of Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have also seemed to settle on bottoming out. They acquired quarterback Brock Osweiller and may trade him if he does not work out. The Browns franchise did not pull the trigger on a passer in the 2017 draft, which suggests that they want the crème of the crop in 2018.
They did draft defensive end Myles Garrett, who is slated to be a powerhouse player. The Jets made some interesting draft picks with safety Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, but that will not be enough to a become a top threat in the AFC East.
The Jets seem to be in a rebuilding stage this season, which can ultimately work out for the best. Out with the old and in with the new sometimes works.
