When a sports team goes downhill, the finger-pointing game gets turned on in full effect. That is very much the case for the Jets over the last two seasons. With a 7-9 record in 2019 and an 0-6 record to start the 2020 season, many factors can be attributed to the team’s failure.
The first factor is injuries. During the the 2019 season, the Jets were without many key players. Included were names like Sam Darnold, Chuma Edoga, C.J. Mosley, Demaryius Thomas, Kelelchi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Quincy Enunwa, Chris Herndon, Avery Williamson, Trumaine Johnson, and several others. While these players may not all seem like superstars, they were imperative to the Jets attempting a step forward last season. The Jets improved, but did not exactly take a giant leap in 2019. Their 7-9 record included 7-6 with Darnold, who finished the season on a 6-2 run. Despite this, the blame for their woes was placed on him rather than the roster management or coaching by Adam Gase.
So far in 2020, the Jets have lost players for a multitude of reasons. Some missed time with injury, some are not even currently on the roster. Included are Darnold, Mekhi Becton, Breshad Perriman, Alex Lewis, and Mosley. A fire sale continued with the departure of respected leader and captain Steve McLendon and depth piece Jordan Willis on Wednesday. Of course, Jamal Adams and Le’Veon Bell are both already gone. The team currently sits at 0-6 and are without Darnold thanks to an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. Joe Flacco has started the last two games and it has not been pretty, losing to the Cardinals 30-10, and being shutout by the Dolphins 24-0.
Gase has been under fire for his lack of care and reluctance to change. He has been asked about the prospect of being relieved of his playcalling duties. He stated that there were discussions regarding the idea, but they elected to move forward with the status quo.
In the midst of all the chaos in East Rutherford, the young quarterback has still been the subject of blame from some fans, analysts, and reporters. One point needs to be made clear: Darnold is not the problem.
Where are the weapons?
If you look around the league, you will notice that young signal-callers are surrounded with pieces to help them. Josh Allen has Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Devin Singletary. Lamar Jackson has Mark Ingram, Marquise Brown, and Mark Andrews. Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Nick Chubb are there to support Baker Mayfield. Darnold has Lawrence Cager, Jamison Crowder, and Frank Gore.
How can one expect a quarterback to thrive with so few true skill players? Granted, New York did sign Perriman who has been off the field often due to injury, but even he is not anywhere near the caliber of a serious weapon. We also have yet to see Darnold with rookie wideout Denzel Mims.
Stats Are Serviceable
The gunslinger was drafted in a quarterback-heavy class. Despite all the hate going his way, he has more than held his own with his fellow draftees. Darnold is ahead of reigning MVP Jackson in career passing yards, ranking third from the class. When looking at the numbers, one may be surprised that regardless of all his “shortcomings”, he has still put up a high number of yards in fewer games than most of his comrades. The lack of touchdowns can be attributed to the fact that he had inadequate weapons and the interceptions to the fact that the Jets offensive line was last in the league for the 2019 season. It is clear that Darnold is keeping up very nicely with his draft class.
Eye Test
When Mahomes and Jackson make a great throw escaping trouble on the run in the pocket, the fans and media lose their minds. What happens when the Jets’ quarterback makes a similar play? Well, the media simply talks about the team’s woes, and how Darnold is a bust. Here is a look at some plays that show why Darnold is not just another wasted draft pick.
Gotta see this angle of Sam's TD pass on Sunday 📽 pic.twitter.com/Nvl4mhVTES
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 22, 2020
For all those #Jets fans watching Lawrence play & forgetting what Sam Darnold is & has done especially before this season,
Here’s a little reminder#Jets | #TakeFlight | #SellOurTeam
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 18, 2020
That’s certainly not terrible.
The Jets Cannot Win Without Him
Over the last three seasons, Jets quarterbacks that were not named Darnold are a combined 0-8 when starting. In 2018, Josh McCown went 0-3. In 2019 Trevor Siemian went 0-1 and Luke Falk went 0-3. So far in 2020, Flacco has gone 0-2 (with just two passes in his first appearance against thee Broncos). Are the Jets woes truly from Darnold? He is better than any other quarterback that they have put out there and should not be the reason to blame for their continued losing.
So, What is the Problem?
It has been clearly illustrated that not only is Darnold not the issue, but he may also be a breath of fresh air in the middle of a hot fire. Gang Green cannot seem to find ways to win, and especially not without their young quarterback. The problem stems from poor coaching and leadership at all levels, coupled with the lack of weapons and assets provided on both sides of the ball. It is no coincidence that Adams requested a trade, Bell hinted at a release request, and Robby Anderson left in the offseason. There is something terribly wrong in the franchise, but it is definitely not the young California Kid.
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2 Responses
100% Truth!!! There is NO quarterback that could save the jets from their own impending doom and for anyone to blame Sam Darnold for all the jets problems they simply don’t know football. Sam has had NO help, NOncoaching, NO nothing and yet he still remains positive and doesn’t blame anyone although we all know this starts from the very top and that’s the owner! The owner should step up and do the right thing and fire their coach immediately and it should have been done 2 years ago. Furthermore Sam needs players that can play and will play and also stay healthy. Put Tom Brady in the jets lineup today and what will Brady do for the jets? Absolutely nothing that’s what! There is absolutely no help no playmakers and no one on that team is giving 100% but Darnold to be blunt. That is unfair to say because I’m sure there are players giving their all but seriously come on do you really think overall this team is really trying to play and win at all costs? The jets need a overhaul starting at coach and you do NOT give up on Sam you continue building the team around Sam and give Sam the reins and let Sam take the steering wheel and drive and if that was to happen you can bet changes would be made and Sam would get himself the team that he so desperate needs! He’s young, strong, athletic, smart and most of all a leader and positive throughout all adversities and that is rare these days!