The New York Jets, are finding themselves at the bottom of the AFC East. With a 4-9 record, the Gang Green finds themselves as the doormat of the division once again. Unfortunately, Jets fans are used to their beloved team lacking success in recent years. After all, they haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 when they had Mark Sanchez under center and Rex Ryan was still the head coach. Since then, the Jets have been at the bottom of the AFC and haven’t shown much promise. Head coach, Todd Bowles, has not brought the team back to where fans wish they were. After drafting quarterback, Sam Darnold, there was hope for the franchise to take a major step in the right direction, but that didn’t happen. New England, has dominated the division for many years, so the Jets have not had an open window in a long time.
With Tom Brady now at age 41, and coach Bill Belichick growing in age as well, the window may not be far from opening. How soon the Jets can potentially emerge, essentially rests on three factors. These factors are the development of Sam Darnold, the ability to land marquee free agents, and the hiring of the next head coach. To put it simply it is not possible for a team to win a Super Bowl without quality quarterback play. The Jets have not had stellar play from the quarterback position since their AFC championship runs when Sanchez was under center. Of course, Sanchez’s days of quality play were limited after that.
Since then, the Jets have had a revolving door under center. From Sanchez, Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh McCown, and even Michael Vick. All of these QBs were either draft busts or average veterans nearing the end of their careers clearly having no future with the team. Though Darnold is a promising rookie with loads of untapped potential, the numbers this year simply haven’t been there. Darnold and the Jets rank 30th in the league both in passing and total offense. Currently sitting at 12 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions, these numbers will have to significantly improve for the young stud to prove he belongs in New York. Given that he is just a rookie, he will most likely improve in the coming years. Darnold has undoubtedly shown a great deal of leadership and athleticism.
Darnold’s talent is a huge reason why the Jets need to hire a new coach and make sure he is the right fit. Former top draft picks Jared Goff of the Rams, and Mitchell Trubisky of the Bears have vastly improved due to their new head coaches. Bowles, a defensive minded coach, hasn’t impressed anybody on the defensive side of the ball either. The Jets rank 23rd in total defense and 27th against the run. These numbers certainly don’t make life easier on a rookie quarterback.
Changes in the organization will definitely be made. It’s a matter of when not if. Hopefully for fans, these changes will bring the Jets their first Super Bowl since 1968.