The ‘what-ifs’ have been coming in since last Sunday’s upset win and probably will continue until thismiserable seasoncomes to a conclusion for theNew York Jets.Michael Vickis now 1-1 as the starting quarterback after taking over for an ineffectiveGeno Smithand there is a resounding contingent thinking out loud that the move should have been made long before the team had (at the time) lost seven in a row.
But the Jets (2-8) have many other weaknesses to point the blame at only one position.
Looking at their offense, it all starts up front and the line has underperformed, not opening up wide enough holes for the running backs or giving whoever was over center enough time.Brian Winterswas lost with an injury, but he was also one of the culprits committing too many penalties and playing undisciplined. Personal foul calls after the whistle can absolutely kill a drive and Winters andWillie Colonhave been unable to keep their cool and take it out on the opponent on the next snap.
The backfield has been productive at times, withChris Ivoryhaving an impressive season andChris Johnsonseemingly coming to life of late. But neither are a breakaway threat and third backBilal Powellhas been left out of the game plan with a total of 27 touches.
The receiving corps has been sketchy, as well, withEric Deckerquietly amassing 44 catches for 450 yards and four touchdowns. A huge drop off after that, with rookie tight endJace Amaroand wideoutJeremy Kerleythe next two leaders but with each having less than 300 yards receiving each.
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Defensively, the Jets have allowed 20 or more points in eight of their 10 games and, yes, those are the ones they have lost. While the season opening 19-14 win over Oakland may be scoffed at (the winless Raiders are one of a few teams in the NFL worse than the Jets), the recent 20-13 victory over a hot Pittsburgh Steelers squad is a quality win.
And because Vick led the way, he is now being viewed as the savior and the one who could have been the difference maker ifRex Ryanwould have went to the bullpen earlier and the Jets head coach expounded on it in aconference call.
"I don’t look back. I’ve said all along that we have two very capable quarterbacks and right now our quarterback is Mike Vick and we’ll see what happens from here."
One player – not even a veteran quarterback – could have made the Jets record better than something near the .500 mark. This is a mediocre team that has holes on both sides of the ball, has committed too many penalties in key situations, given up big plays and mismanaged the clock.
Not even Michael Vick in his prime could have done much with that.
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