New York Jets: Jeremy Bates must lose his play calling duties

As a short-term move, if the coach isn’t relieved of his duties, the New York Jets could make an impact by taking away Jeremy Bates’ play calling duties.

As the New York Jets head into their final game before the bye week, the problems are coming to a head. Specifically, the issues with the coaching have come full circle. The fan base has had enough with Todd Bowles and company.

Let me be clear, I am for the removal of Todd Bowles at this point. They don’t even have to wait until the end of the season, for reasons I enumerated the other day. It’s time to make a change.

The change is possible, as soon as the bye week. If the game goes poorly against the Bills on Sunday, Christopher Johnson may see the writing on the wall and make a change.

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What if he doesn’t? What if Johnson decides to keep the status quo, at least until the end of the season?

Jets fans know that coaching changes aren’t often made during the season, Cleveland a notable exception.

The Jets front office doesn’t typically follow the whims of the fan base either.

So, what then? What can be done in the interim with these guys still in place?

I have an idea.

There has been a lot of talk about the work by Jeremy Bates. Specifically he is being called out for the predictability of his play calling.

Fans all over social media have a problem with it. “Run, run, pass, punt” as been a theme of late for the Jets.

Sam Darnold has to play better but he also has to be put in a position to succeed. Third and long on every drive is not going to cut it.

So if the play calling isn’t going well, what should the Jets do? Here’s an idea, why not change the play caller?

It’s a move that could be made, and be made in-house. It may change nothing, it might get better. It certainly can’t get worse.

Rick Dennison is the current offensive line coach and run game coordinator. His resume includes multiple stints as an offensive coordinator, two with the Broncos and one with the Bills (2017).

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Did those offenses ever tear up the league? No, they didn’t. Frankly, Dennison has never been a play caller. But Bates has never torn the league up with his play calling.

What’s the worst that can happen? The offense is just as predictable as it was with Bates? So, what? Give him a shot. Try and change the energy somehow.

Another name that could be considered is Mick Lombardi. Lombardi is the offensive assistant and the assistant quarterbacks coach. He’s an influence in Darnold’s ear a lot.

Previously to his work with the Jets, Lombardi spent time on both sides of the football coaching staff with the 49ers, most recently as the offensive quality control coach. He also spent time as a scouting assistant with the Patriots.

Let him try calling the plays. It can’t get worse and it might get better.

Get a pair of fresh eyes on it. The offense could look much different that way.

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