New York Jet Lag

2020 was not a kind year to many and the same goes for the New York Jets. Every Jets fan knows that its been more of an unkind decade. The franchise that has not made the playoffs since 2010 finished the season with a record of 2-14. Adam Gase was hired in 2019 to build up a prolific offense led by the young and promising QB, Sam Darnold. Those who coined Gase an "offensive genius" felt like this combo would work well together for years to come. Not so much. In 2020 the Jets finished last in total offense and Darnold was last in many offensive categories amongst qualified quarterbacks. The only thing Gase seemed to be perfecting was the tank for Trevor, the soon to be #1 pick out of Clemson. This was supposed to be the Jets pick until they inexplicably won two games in a row at the end of the season against the Rams and Browns. Yes, as a fan I should not root for my team to lose, but for Lawrence it was worth it. To no avail here of course and its on to the 2021 NFL draft where of course the Jets have struggled and it is well documented.

Less than two weeks ago the Carolina Panthers traded for Darnold. The jets were actually able to get a 2nd round pick out of it amongst other picks. As a Jets fan you learn to be happy with the small victories. This deal took away all the questions in the offseason about what direction the Jets were going to go in come draft day. It's going to be a QB, and most likely Zach Wilson out of Brigham Young University. This kid seems talented on the surface for sure, but lets slow our roll on the Mahomes comparison. Wilson showed off his superb arm talent and intangibles at his pro day. I don't often agree with the forthright journalist Skip Bayless but after Wilson's pro day he tweeted that pro days are useless in gaging what a QB can do and I'm with him on this one. What can you do when the pads go on and the spotlight of real games are upon you. Especially in the bright lights of broadway.

Don't get me wrong here, I am not totally against Zach Wilson. He has not even thrown a pass yet in the NFL of course. If I was the GM I would have kept Sam Darnold in New York. The same story around the draft has been told ever since Mark Sanchez was ran out of town. They have had so many holes across the roster in positions other than quarterback but they continue to try and address the quarterback position. The problem for me here is if you keep Darnold and surround him with more help this team could improve drastically. Darnold had shown flashes of pro bowl play in his three seasons in New York before he departed. Specifically if it was up to me #2 pick would be Penei Sewell if Darnold was kept in town. Penei, the offensive tackle out of Oregon would be a lethal combo up front with Mekhi "Big Ticket" Becton. Surrounding Darnold with this kind of protection would have paid big dividends in my opinion. I hope my opinion is wrong here and Wilson ends up being a franchise changing move for them. However, as a Jets fan, you're expecting disappointment. I know I am not alone in that statement. Joe Douglas, you're on the clock.