Mike Maccagnan has one Jets mission this offseason

[Ken Schroy]

Mike Maccagnan has one Jets mission this offseason

NEW ORLEANS – The Jets dropped their second straight game and seventh in nine on Sunday with a 31-19 loss to the Saints. Here are some thoughts and observations:

1. The Jets’ postgame locker room was filled with talk of how bright the Jets’ future is. The tone was set by Todd Bowles, who told the media they will turn things around and must have conveyed a similar message to the players. There is reason to be encouraged … on one side of the ball. The Jets have several young players on defense to build around. Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, defensive end Leonard Williams, linebackers Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins all look like they could be pieces of the core of this team for several years. The disparity between where the Jets are defensively and offensively was on display Sunday. Josh McCown masked many of the deficiencies of the Jets offense with the way he played this season. Without him Sunday, those deficiencies were clear. The Jets simply don’t have many young pieces on offense that make you think they have a core on that side of the ball. Robby Anderson has developed into a nice player in his second season. Austin Seferian-Jenkins has shown flashes. But there are simply not enough talented players on the Jets offense as they begin to look to 2018 and beyond. This is Mike Maccagnan’s mission this offseason. He must rebuild this offense and find some players who can be part of the team’s core. Of course, it all starts with quarterback. Find one of those, and all the other problems lessen. But beyond the quarterback, Maccagnan also must rebuild this offensive line and find a playmaker or two to go along with whoever the quarterback is in 2018. On Sunday, the defense played a very good game against the No. 1 offense in football. The Jets were short-circuited by their shortcomings on offense. If they want to be as good as they think they can be, it is time for the front office to stop ignoring the offense.

2. The perception of the 2017 season has been skewed by the low expectations everyone had entering the season. A five-win season looks good when you were expecting a two-win season. However, it should not be overlooked just how bad a slump the Jets are in as an organization. This is the seventh straight season they have missed the playoffs. This is their second straight losing season, the first time they have had consecutive losing seasons since 1995-96 – the Kotite Years. These are dark days for a Jets fan. The playoff drought is the third longest in franchise history. The Jets went 11 seasons without a playoff appearance from 1970-80, and there were eight seasons at the beginning of the franchise without a playoff appearance (1960-67). This decade has not quite been the 1970s in terms of futility, but it is not far behind. Think of it this way — Metlife Stadium opened in 2010. The Jets have yet to play a playoff game there, and it feels like they are years away from winning a division title. (When is Tom Brady retiring again?) Since going to the AFC Championship in 2010, the Jets have had one winning season. This is one of the worst stretches of football in Jets history, and that’s saying something.

3. Bryce Petty played better than I expected him to against the Saints. He made a few nice throws, and the moment did not look too big for him. That being said, no one could walk away from that game thinking Petty is the long-term answer at quarterback. What is interesting to me about Petty is he looks more comfortable when plays break down. He has poise and can usually make a throw when things don’t go as planned. But when you ask him to make a timing throw, the ball is high or low or behind the receiver. When things stay “on schedule,” Petty struggles. That presents an interesting dilemma for a game planner. How do you plan for broken plays? That being said, I think offensive coordinator John Morton was too conservative with Petty. He is a skilled deep passer. I think the Jets need to let him throw it downfield more and take advantage of his ability to make plays with his arm instead of relying on him to make good reads and accurate short throws. It will be interesting to see what adjustments the Jets make in his second start, next week against the Chargers.

4. The Jets have until 4 p.m. on Monday to make a decision on whether to activate Jeremy Kerley or let him go after his suspension for PEDs. I think the Jets might let him walk. Chad Hansen has shown promise with his increased playing time since Kerley was suspended. He had three more catches on Sunday. One came on third down in the fourth quarter. The 24-yard gain helped keep a drive going that resulted in an Eli McGuire touchdown. Hansen’s development should be a priority in the final weeks. Kerley would be a progress stopper if the Jets keep him around.

Revealing stat: The Jets repeatedly blitzed Drew Brees, but had just one quarterback hit in the game. That came from defensive end Xavier Cooper, who saw increased playing time with Muhammad Wilkerson out.

Surprising snap count: Cornerback Juston Burris played 40 of 68 defensive snaps. Burris was the team’s third cornerback, playing in all sub packages. Burris began the year in that role, but lost his job to Darryl Roberts. Burris had not played a defensive snap since the Buccaneers game last month. He had a good game against the Saints and was not victimized for any big plays.

Game ball: Buster Skrine has taken a lot of criticism this season, but he has played much better lately. His best game was Sunday, when he forced and recovered a fumble and was involved in forcing another fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, Skrine allowed six receptions for 38 yards on nine targets.

I highlighted the really depressing parts, but had to limit it or the whole article could be in Bold.

Where is Big Macs little board? lol

[Patriot Killa]

Read this a few days ago.

 

yeah, it’s time to pull ourselves out of the sh*tter once and for all. This can’t keep on. Either Mac fixes the QB position permanently this offseason or he’ll be gone around this time, next year. And that’s a bummer because I like Macc. Hope he does what needs to be done.

[Pac]

Good article and fair.  It's obvious there are improvements that need to be made but it's also obvious that with some key acquisitions this team can contend sooner rather than later.

I fully expect them to be a playoff caliber team next year.

[RutgersJetFan]

3 minutes ago, Pac said:

Good article and fair.  It's obvious there are improvements that need to be made but it's also obvious that with some key acquisitions this team can contend sooner rather than later.

I fully expect them to be a playoff caliber team next year.

Charity bet?

[Pac]

Just now, RutgersJetFan said:

Charity bet?

Lets place it in April once we see what kind of master strokes Macc has in store the next couple months.  You may not want to place that bet.

It's a good time to be a Jet fan my friend.

[Philc1]

What’s the mission learn how to draft?

[RutgersJetFan]

16 minutes ago, Pac said:

Lets place it in April once we see what kind of master strokes Macc has in store the next couple months.  You may not want to place that bet.

It's a good time to be a Jet fan my friend.

I'm 1,000% confident that Macocknipples will screw up everything this winter and spring. If I'm wrong, and hopefully I am, $50 to charity is something I'm more than cool with.

[Philc1]

4 minutes ago, RutgersJetFan said:

I'm 1,000% confident that Macocknipples will screw up everything this winter and spring. If I'm wrong, and hopefully I am, $50 to charity is something I'm more than cool with.

Cutting Wilkerson basically guarantees us drafting another first round DT.  

[Pac]

40 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

Cutting Wilkerson basically guarantees us drafting another first round DT.  

Charity bet?

[Jetsplayer21]

Let’s see if Bowles can actually act like a HC not a glorified DC leading up and during the draft. He has to actually push Mac to go after offensive players as much as he pushes him to draft and sign D players. Article is correct. The FA signings and draft must be 80% offense. Instead of the usual 90% D 10% O

[Spoot-Face]

Mike Maccagnan has been the General Manager of the New York Jets for three years, but now, in 2018, the stakes have never been higher.

He needs to find the "Chosen One" to lead his team into the promised land, but there's only one problem...

An NFL draft board has taken Mike's family hostage and is threatening to kill them unless his demands are met.

Will our unlikely hero be able to save his family in time? Or will he have to give in to the demands of the draft board and pick the best player available?

[Jimmy 2 Times]

One job:  Build an o-line for Hack. 

[Ohio State NY Jets fan]

57 minutes ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

One job:  Build an o-line for Hack. 

In the CFL? or are they bringing back NFL Europe?

[jetspenguin]

1 hour ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

One job:  Build an o-line.

Fixed. 

[dbatesman]

9 hours ago, Ken Shroy said:

 

The Jets have several young players on defense to build around. Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, defensive end Leonard Williams, linebackers Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins all look like they could be pieces of the core of this team for several years.

[varjet]

The BPA at 9 will be a G or WR.   Just watch. 

[UnitedWhofans]

7 minutes ago, varjet said:

The BPA at 9 will be a G or WR.   Just watch. 

WHy do you say this?

[UnitedWhofans]

9 hours ago, Patriot Killa said:

Read this a few days ago.

 

yeah, it’s time to pull ourselves out of the sh*tter once and for all. This can’t keep on. Either Mac fixes the QB position permanently this offseason or he’ll be gone around this time, next year. And that’s a bummer because I like Macc. Hope he does what needs to be done.

100% agree. It's put up or shut up time for Macc

[Matt39]

The media narrative that the defense is good and that they have "building block" players isnt exactly accurate.

The Jets are barren at pass rusher and corner. Are there any teams in the NFL that have a "building block" strong safety or DT? Aaron Donald is the only guy I can think of and no one's confusing Leonard Williams with him.

[Lith]

Good article.

How many seasons is it now that we have said we have to rebuild the offense.  It is just so depressing that year after year, we fail to add any young playmakers and linemen on the offensive side of the ball.  There are a couple of nice pieces, but aside from Robby, we have no solid young offiensive pieces to build around.  Really hoping that this is finally the year.  At least 2 of those top 3 picks (and preferably all 3) on the offensive side of the ball, please.  RB, OL & QB would be nice.

[FidelioJet]

If Mac's thinking is in-line with this article it's very concerning.  Meaning, Mac feels like he has to win NOW.  So we're not looking at drafting a young QB but bringing in another veteran to try and win 10 games and sneak into the playoffs.

The past should not dictate the future.  

Right now the team is well suited to draft and start a young 1st round QB.  Use your cap money and buy the best o-line you can - draft a quality RB in the 3rd round - and build an offense around your young QB.

That's what they should do...

What's likely to happen is they sign a veteran QB and draft defense.

 

[ChuckkieB]

18 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

Right now the team is well suited to draft and start a young 1st round QB.  Use your cap money and buy the best o-line you can - draft a quality RB in the 3rd round - and build an offense around your young QB.

That's what they should do...

What's likely to happen is they sign a veteran QB and draft defense.

 

Unless it's Kirk Cousins, signing another JAG veteran and drafting defense in round 1 will get Mac fired in 2018 for sure.  The league is built around the QB and the offense.  If the GM doesn't realize this after 3 years, he should be fired NOW.

[varjet]

14 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

..What's likely to happen is they sign a veteran QB and draft defense.

 

I think it depends on where they pick and how they evaluate Allen, Mayfield and the other QBs.  

The jury is still out in terms of how Mahomes and Watson turn out.

If I am Mac I am doing the following:

• If he grades Mayfield or Allen superhigh he trades into the top 5.  That is dangerous to him, particularly since we need one of our second round picks for a C.  If that busts, it is bad.  I don't think Sanchez was a bust.  He took the Jets to 2 AFCCGs, and was mismanaged.
• Make strong but not stupid offers to Cousins and Smith.  Smith is almost better.  Smith's should allow an exit in 2 years, Cousins 3.  I don't know whether they win that one.
• If they can't sign Cousins or Smith, sign McCown for the same money.
• Go into the QB development business.  I almost think trading down into the first round is better, and then take a QB 16-32.  At that range you find QBs with strong physical skills who can need some seasoning.  The Rudolphs, Falks, etc. should be considered good picks there.  
• I can't in good faith advocate taking a QB at 9ish "just because."  But that does not mean you don't try and trade down.  Let someone else pick a G at 9

I think Sanchez and Bortles both prove that if you take a QB who is a strong athlete, knows how to play the game, etc. and design a plan for them, they can win.  There are too many teams that expect QBs to come in and play the team's game.  The team has to play the QB's game.

What this board really needs is an evaluation of where the roster stands now, three years into Mac.  It is not pretty.

[The Crusher]

1 hour ago, varjet said:

The BPA at 9 will be a G or WR.   Just watch. 

Pssst., psst.., those are offensive players. That’s like worrying about catching on fire in a swimming pool. 

[Freemanm]

10 hours ago, Pac said:

Good article and fair.  It's obvious there are improvements that need to be made but it's also obvious that with some key acquisitions this team can contend sooner rather than later.

I fully expect them to be a playoff caliber team next year.

Not so sure about that one. They are a 5-11 team as of right now. Macc needs to find a long-term answer at QB. If he doesn't, than he's really not worth his salt as GM. Once they get that, their second priority needs to be offensive line. There aren't many O-linemen expected to hit the FA market, so he needs to go to the draft. I can understand picking Jamal Adams in the first round, even though Deshaun Watson was available. Adams was too good of a player to pass up. But choosing Ardarious Stewart over C/T Pat Elflien in the third round last year was totally unacceptable and mind-numbingly stupid, given the sad state of the Jets OL. I said it then, so this isn't about hindsight. He has to make better common sense decisions on draft day, or he should be gone by this time next year. 

[varjet]

2 hours ago, UnitedWhofans said:

WHy do you say this?

Actually based on the mocks.  I saw Nelson and Ridley there. 

[dbatesman]

11 hours ago, Pac said:

I fully expect them to be a playoff caliber team next year.

 

11 hours ago, RutgersJetFan said:

Charity bet?

 

11 hours ago, Pac said:

Lets place it in April once we see what kind of master strokes Macc has in store the next couple months.  You may not want to place that bet.

rotflmao

[JiFtheOracle]

Mac's top 25.  See bold for your most likely selected player in 2018:

Rosen

Darnold

Barkley

B. Chubb

James

Fitzpatrick

Key

Wilkins

Smith

Key

Ward

Hurst

McGlinchey

Nelson 

Brown

Ridley

Allen

Jefferson

Sutton

Landry

Rankin

Evans

Hubbard

Mayfield

Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

[Philc1]

2 hours ago, Matt39 said:

The media narrative that the defense is good and that they have "building block" players isnt exactly accurate.

The Jets are barren at pass rusher and corner. Are there any teams in the NFL that have a "building block" strong safety or DT? Aaron Donald is the only guy I can think of and no one's confusing Leonard Williams with him.

Our “building block” players are two JAG Safeties, a mediocre shrimp  ILB and a decent run stuffing DE

 

Watch out ‘85 Bears

[Philc1]

12 minutes ago, dbatesman said:

 

 

rotflmao

10-22 last 2 seasons and people act like we should be happy

[jeremy2020]

15 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

10-22 last 2 seasons and people act like we should be happy

Are you not entertained?!

[shawn306]

2 hours ago, Lith said:

Good article.

How many seasons is it now that we have said we have to rebuild the offense.  It is just so depressing that year after year, we fail to add any young playmakers and linemen on the offensive side of the ball.  There are a couple of nice pieces, but aside from Robby, we have no solid young offiensive pieces to build around.  Really hoping that this is finally the year.  At least 2 of those top 3 picks (and preferably all 3) on the offensive side of the ball, please.  RB, OL & QB would be nice.

Agreed.

When the last offensive player you took was Sanchez back in 09 that is way beyond long enough. All 3 picks hopefully go on the offensive side of the ball. QB, WR, OL

flunk it....the entire draft this year should be about getting the offense on track.

[Philc1]

Just now, shawn306 said:

Agreed.

When the last offensive player you took was Sanchez back in 09 that is way beyond long enough. All 3 picks hopefully go on the offensive side of the ball. QB, WR, OL

flunk it....the entire draft this year should be about getting the offense on track.

Problem is we are cutting Wilkerson and won just enough games to not get a top qb