New York Jets: Teddy Bridgewater still should not be the starting quarterback in New York
Teddy Bridgewater has been more than stellar in his two preseason performances for the New York Jets. Despite this, he should not be the starter week one.
New York Jets fans are excited about the play of Teddy Bridgewater. They are excited about Sam Darnold but Bridgewater has turned some heads even further than Darnold has.
It is understandable based on performance. He is leading the team in passing yards in the preseason with 212 yards. Against the Redskins, Bridgewater went 10-15 for 127 yards and one touchdown.
That followed up a performance against Atlanta that saw Bridgewater go 7-8 for 85 yards and a touchdown. For anyone keeping score that is a 73.9% completion percentage.
However, there is a narrative change that is starting to build within Jets Nation. It’s a narrative that doesn’t make a lot of sense for the long-term direction of the franchise.
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If you take a look around social media, some fans are talking about how Bridgewater should be the starter.
Even Rich Cimini of ESPN hinted at the idea that if Bridgewater is still here, he could start in the early going.
This is a short-sighted view. It could help in the short-term but not the long-term.
Some believe that Bridgewater gives the Jets the best chance to win in 2018. That might actually be true, but that isn’t the point.
If this team were on the edge of a playoff berth, maybe. Is this team that close to the playoffs? No, they are not.
Of course they could shock everyone, but with the remaining holes on the roster it just isn’t likely.
The more likely scenario if Bridgewater starts is a seven to eight win season where the team just misses the playoffs.
Have you seen that movie before, friends? I have.
It is not about a playoff appearance in 2018. Would that be nice? Sure, but it’s not the point. The point is to put together a team that is consistently competitive 2019-2022 and beyond.
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Why is the time frame important? That is the time span of Sam Darnold’s rookie contract. This league is a business. The Jets need to get in as many playoff and title chances as they can before they have to pay Darnold the big bucks.
The Jets cannot afford to let the first year of that contract waste away with Darnold on the sidelines.
Also, starting Bridgewater causes an unnecessary quarterback controversy. If he has a big year, you all know what will happen. The media will be clamoring for the team to give Bridgewater a new contract.
Whether they do or don’t, the situation would stunt the grown of Darnold. Is that worth it to go 8-8? Absolutely not.
Bridgewater’s strong play only serves to show the league that anyone with an issue at the position should call the Jets.
It makes no sense to name him the starter. Not in this situation.