Post Game Thoughts: Jets 13 Broncos 17
Turn out the lights, the seasons over….
Offense
The Mark Sanchez era is about to come to an end. An offenses success or failure is put solely on the arm of the QB and the Jets offense is terrible. They have overblown stats early in the year due to long kickoff returns and defensive plays but once those things are eliminated they simply can not do anything. Sanchez looked terrible most of the game. He missed at least two easy TD throws and most everything was just short and worthless. The pocket presence is miserable. He has no internal clock or internal feeling of where the pressure is coming from. In this regard he has clearly regressed. I don’t know if he is mentally shot because of the offensive line woes or the pressure from being in so many directions by the staff, but this began in the second half of the Raiders game and it hasn’t stopped. His pick 6 was a killer and he should have had a second pick 6 on the night. His decision to throw a fake spike at midfield needing to stop the clock to set up for a better field goal try was one of the dumbest plays you will ever see. Say what you will about Mark Brunell, but Sanchez is not getting the job done and he was outplayed by the worst QB in the NFL. Rex Ryan is a defensive minded coach and he just watched his guy give a game away. You heard it last week in Ryan’s comments--- he thinks Sanchez is no good. The thought of making the move has to be fresh in his mind and he has to clear it with the higher ups at this point. Sanchez is that bad and when you play this bad on a team with high expectations you don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
The offensive line continues to struggle. RT Wayne Hunter is such a nightmare. On the Brightside there are only 6 more games in which he will suit up as the starter. He constantly put Sanchez in a bad spot. On the final drive he got thrown on his behind by Von Miller like he weighed 150 pounds. That should never happen in an NFL game. LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson got owned on a play or two and he is in the middle of a rough few weeks. The running game continues to be non existent. RB Shonn Greene got hurt early and for a bigger back he is made out of glass. The best play of the game came when RB Bilal Powell fumbled the ball and LG Matt Slauson picked it up in the end zone. It was that bad tonight.
You just watch this offense and you wonder what in the world are they doing. They have money invested in the outside, but nobody that they can throw the ball to them. They try to run but they have no good players on the right side of the line to block for them. They have a tight end with incredible physical skills and just no football acumen at all. They don’t call plays that fit the personnel and they don’t really have the personnel to overcome that. You win in the NFL with either a dominant offensive line or a dominant QB and the Jets have neither.
Defense
I said during the game that this was just like those 2009 losses to Jacksonville and even moreso Atlanta. The defense plays great for most of the game and then just has a complete collapse at the end of the game. 95 yards for a QB that can not pass the football and the Jets allow them to waltz into the endzone. The entire defense looked exhausted and they are not the most conditioned group in the world. Between the altitude, fast turnaround and the fact that the defense is a few old guys and a number of part time players forced to play full time minutes it’s a recipe for disaster. S Eric Smith fits right in with Hunter in that we only have 6 more weeks of this nonsense. He was a mess on the final drive. He gave up a completion, which was not the end of the world, but his only job was to contain Tim Tebow at the end of the game and he failed miserably.
In games like this you have to put a hurting on the QB early, and other than a LB Bart Scott hit they never touched him. Watch the way teams play Mike Vick of the Eagles. They put a beating on him every chance they get. Tebow is far bigger and not as fragile but he also isn’t anywhere near as elusive. Hes like a fullback. Yet the Jets never touched him. The defense is just so slow and overhyped. Scott looks done. I know Ive said before that maybe the added playoff games have slowed him down, but when you see the big paycuts he took this year and next it means the Jets thought he was no longer a big time player, and he isn’t. LB David Harris got run over early. Elite LBs never get run over. He did. He got a big payday because he is a nice guy and the fans love him, but watch him play. He is not a special player. Good, yes. Special, no way.
Other than Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie I don’t even know if the defense thinks highly of themselves the way they used to. Scott was the real vocal guy and he cant be vocal anymore since he cant really play. The guys up front have always been quiet. Statistically they don’t do enough to let Rex rant and rave for them. So now its just a no name group with two highly paid corners and two overpaid inside linebackers. The attitude is gone and so is the high level of play. They trended down last season but everyone got caught up in that Patriot and Colts games. The fact is it was just two games. They are good but they are not dominant. You cant win with them alone.
Special Teams
The Nick Folk pass is about to wear off. He is in a rut now and he missed another makeable field goal this week. He has been solid until the last two weeks, but this was the end of the free passes. P TJ Conley needs to be replaced. A 12 yard punt? He handed them 3 points. He has been bad most of the year. Joe McKnight fumbled a kickoff and didn’t do much otherwise. The team also gave up a huge return, though I swore CB Donald Strickland was blocked in the back. Either way he did a great job to recover and make the tackle.
Coaching
Same story every week. “We made mistakes. Don’t worry we’ll fix it.” But after 10 games the same mistakes over and over again mean they are not getting fixed. They are part of the culture of the team. The clock management by the Jets was just atrocious in the first half. The Jets drove the field for a field goal and then got confused about whether to try for the TD or kick. It was a bizarre sequence. You are on the 3 so a delay sets you back 5 yards. Either way it’s a chip shot field goal- 21 or 26 yards. There is no need to blow a time out. But the kicking team was late to get on the field and they wasted a valuable time out. It got worse.
With about 1:50 left on the clock Denver is forced to punt the football. Do the Jets take a timeout? Nope. It was like they gave up allowing Denver to take 45 seconds off the clock. The Jets get the ball at their own 20 with a minute left and run, burning 20 seconds off the clock. Then they decide to pass and start playing for points. They wasted 60 seconds of time with those poor decisions. The drive ended with the Sanchez fake spike which forced the Jets to settle for a 61 yard field goal attempt. It made no sense at all.
All night who could explain the playcalling. You have a 45 million dollar receiver and do nothing to get him involved. That is not just Sanchez either as many of the passes to Burress are planned timing routes. They don’t even try to get Sanchez involved. On 3rd and 5 they call a direct snap to McKnight who had no idea what was going on, the second or third time he was lost in the offense. Why even get cute like that. Sanchez was completing a bunch of short passes at the time and it was only 5 yards. To call that for the 3rd string guy was just a bad decision. They just looked lost and like they have no leadership. Steve Young talked about it the other day on the radio when he said how they have killed the offense by having a head coach that looks at it as a liability and leaves it solely in the hands of his coordinator to run. I think it is fair to make an argument that defenses can win championships, but to get there you need an offense in the regular season. The Jets have won 9, 11, and are on pace to win 9 games with the defense first approach. Many of those 11 wins came on miracle offensive plays. The Jets are not winning with defense in the regular season. They are getting by and that’s it. They were lucky to make it in 2009 and will be lucky to make it in 2011 if they don’t do something about the way they run this offense.
Overall
This was probably the worst regular season loss of the Rex Ryan era and worst loss since the 2008 nightmares out west. Losing to the Patriots 45-7 last year was bad but at least you were expected to lose. This was a team running a high school offense and the Jets could not win. At 5-5 with losses to the Raiders, Ravens, and Broncos the Jets are in big trouble in regards to the playoffs. Before the game Ryan said “we’ll be a 5 like we always are”, and I hope he is singing a different turn now.
The Jets basically controlled their own destiny before this one. Now they don’t. They rank 10th out of 16 teams in the AFC. They have an easy schedule in front of them, but this should have been an easy game and the Jets played like garbage and lost. The one game they are sure to be an underdog in- against the Giants on Christmas Eve—may put the final nail in the Jets coffin. That would crush a lot of the older Jets fans who can not stand the Giants as well as the younger fans who have bought into the hype of this being a Jets town. To finish worse than the Giants would be a heartbreaker.
For as upsetting as this year looks to be I still think when its all over and we can pull away from the heartache the team caused us we will probably look back and realize they should get a pass for 2009 and 2010. But at the same time we all need to realize that that window has closed. The Jets were set to be an elite franchise but the lack of development from the QB has hindered that. Maybe he will develop into it and he is probably in line with the normal projections, but its tough to watch and say that he will be any good. Those 2009 and 2010 teams had a very good left guard and right tackle and a real workhorse runner. Those pieces are all gone. They had a LB that threw his body into everybody, a DE that understood the job, and a large amount of vets to cycle in and out up front. Gone, gone, and gone.
That does not mean the Jets would be good by keeping guys like Alan Faneca and Shaun Ellis, but it does mean they have not replaced them. They needed Sanchez to step up and do it. Look at the Colts without Peyton Manning. The QB makes that kind of difference. His play can make up for a few players. But Sanchez of 2011 isnt much better than Sanchez of 2009 and the team has gotten worse around him.
This has the makings of a big disappointment , but maybe it is what the organization needs. At times I think they fall into a trap on the field of just thinking they are better than everyone without proving it. Two trips to the AFC Title game helped validate the thought. A year out of the playoffs may make them take a step back and re-evaluate things that they thought would just be overcome because they are the Jets and they have a creative defensive mind as coach. Right now this is not a good football team and once they finally realize it maybe they can get back on the path of rebuilding it into one. Go Jets!
Without a doubt, the QB position is far too important to not have someone solid there; not if you realistically hope to win a Super Bowl.
To expect any defense to win, game in and game out ( no matter how good they are), is not terribly realistic, because defenses have to react to what the opposing offenses are doing, and they do tend to tire out before the offense. This is a very big reason that runners tend to run for longer distances later in the game.
The Giants of the 80s had a defense that was so imposing, that they would win games 15-14, and never score a touchdown doing it. This Jets defense is not that imposing.
I was a big supporter of Sanchez, and it kills me to admit that perhaps it is time for the Jets to give up on him.
More importantly, I think maybe it is time to rethink some coaching choices.
The favorite Jets chant, "WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!"
I still love my team, with all its faults. GO JETS!!!
Jazz- The Jets defense can never be that imposibg because they dont have the gamechangers up front that other teams do. Great scheme but not great talent. Revis and Cromartie are the real talent. They have other good players but they are not great and great players are the ones who make that type of difference. Its difficult to win when you are not good in the middle and the Scott/Harris/Leonhard/Smith group is slow and not strong. Based on where the Jets look to draft it would make all the sense in the world to draft another ILB. They usually work out and the guy can replace Scott now ad Harris down the line. Scott could get cut next year if the Jets think someone else will sign him...Ill still keep my fingers crossed, but it sure does feel like a wait till next year season. The team should be 4-6 right now if not for Romo imploding and his implosion had about zero to do with the Jets.
1. As usual I agree with everything you wrote.
2. I am bummed because the Jets made it to the championships 2 years in a row, and I was hoping that with Sanchez improving it would help give them a shot. I guess my expectations were raised.
I didn't think they were all that great the last 2 years, and very lucky. I was hoping this year they would improve.
3. Would a different (better) OC make a huge difference? Would (let pretend) someone like Sean Peyton help Sanchez's development? Or maybe just look for the new QB? Thats why I was so bummed that Greg McElroy got hurt. He looked ok in pre-season, and I wanted to see how he would progress.
Maybe the Jets can trade Sanchez, Harris, and a bag of doughnuts to the Colts for Andrew Luck
4. Eric Smith needs to be transformed into Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu. He and Mulligan can swap notes.
How is Jim Leonhard doing?
5. As for all the dumb coaching mistakes - its as if they need a "common sense" coach. This coach would analyze their gaffs (too many men of the field and substitution penalties, back clock management, bad/missed timeouts) and work with the coaches.
6. Front Office / Talent Evaluation - the Vets are aging. The draft picks from the last few years aren't very good. Hwo is it that tems like the Giants can find Victor Cruz as an UDFA or find a sleeper like Jason Pierre Paul, while the Jets seem to come up with so-so players. Otehr than Mangold and Revis, and Harris and Dbrick in the 2nd tier, the Jets draft picks havent been very good for a number of years.
I think the Jets talent evaluation is not very good.
I'd let Keller walk. Giving all that money to Harris was a blunder.
Here is a very well written article on foot ball rebuilding - by Brian Burke of Advanced NFL Stats.
He essentially is saying not to spend a ton of money on free agnets, and to instead make smart use of draft picks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/redskins-could-learn-from-the-patriots-brand-of-moneyball/2011/11/16/gIQAC02BSN_blog.html
But on Offense, there is not the same level of game planning or use of talent. A new tackle, a new blocking TE and another RB would help. But without a new OC, it will not matter as the QB is constantly put in difficult situations. Sanchez may not be the guy, but one thing is certain, Shotty is not the guy. Anyone asking to interview him for a Head Coaching position??? Don't think so.... It will be more challenging to find a new QB than a new OC, so that is the clear choice. A new OC, left Tackle, RB and TE, can all be found. Someone to compete with Sanchez next season... Gerard would be a good choice with our line...
maybe Shotty goes to the bench now. Benching Sanchez is not the answer. Next Season... Can't Wait!
Dave- If the Jets make the move to dump Schotty but keep the QB they will have to invest heavy in some other spots. They have to replace Wayne Hunter the way they did Anthony Clement with Damien Woody and probably get another guard that can either replace Brandon Moore in 2013 or Slauson now. The Jets cant compete with the current offensive line and hide other weaknesses. The Jets were built to hide the QB in 2009 and 2010. They were built to pass in 2011 and Sanchez isnt doing the job so they are lost and have no answers. If they go the journeyman route next year (Sanchez and Garrard for instance) then they are going to commit to that style for a few years if they invest in a run offense. They are better suited to bring in a big gun at QB, but Im not sure if any will be available.
I believe Sanchez was a better, more promising QB his first season. Given proper nurturance, he might have turned out to be special. He certainly had the pedigree--and the body for it. Nevertheless, at this point, I don't see much going on. The lights are on but nobody's home. He's a wonderful team player on a dysfunctional team, and he doesn't have the character or disposition to say, this is my legacy--fix it. He may still be a good pro someday, but I don't think that'll happen without major regime change, or a trade to another team. Right now, he's got the wrong personality and approach to succeed with this coach and this OC.
As for the defense, it may have great weaknesses but they've given up, really, very few points on average. With the Pats' or Texans' or even Steelers' offense, this team would have had maybe two losses and we're confidently looking forward to the playoffs. This D has played too many minutes and their weaknesses are not being disguised or compensated for.
Yes, Schotty is a horrible OC, but now it falls on Rex. I don't think he's got what it takes. Sad to say.
Following the Jets 45-3 debacle to the Pats they came home and lost to the Miami Dolphins 10-6. Sanchez was 17-44 and I'd imagine the exact same post/criticism was written at the time. Sanchez went on to play well the rest of the year, and played solid football throughout the post season. His career post season performances indicate he has tremendous potential. His inconsistency during the regular season is obvious and apparent, however, blame can not be placed solely on Sanchez. Do you really believe the Sanchez era is going to end? If so, I believe you're incorrect. There is not a doubt in my mind that Sanchez has earned the right to play out his contract given his potential. His #'s and performances track closely with Eli Manning's progression. Furthermore, Sanchez had nothing to do with the Defense's inability to get the one stop that was needed against Oakland (down 31-24), @ New England (down 27-21), Home to New England (down 23-16), and @ Denver (up 13-10). Sanchez has consistently shown he is a clutch QB. If his consistency improves, if he gets more comfortable in the pocket, and he gets better at making reads this is a top 10 QB in the NFL 2-3 years from now. He'll never be elite, but imo his post season performances show enough potential to HELP a team win a Super Bowl. He'll never carry a team to the Super bowl. I'd suggest the majority of the offensive woes have more to do with Schottenheimer and Mikey T. The offensive inconsistency is what defines the B Schott era, and Mikey T's trust and confidence in Wayne Hunter, LT as our second RB, No Edge Rush, No Talent at Safety was risky and is backfiring. However, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, don't we still have considerable cap space? Does this set us up to make a big splash in FA next year? In summary, I couldn't disagree more in your negative view of Sanchez. While he won't be elite, he has shown tremendous upside for a 24 year old starting QB with super bowl expectations every year he's played.
Steve- Here is the link to that post game. http://nyjetscap.com/postgamejetsdolphins22010.php
It was a different tone than this one in regards to Sanchez. Last year was about development and finding ways to keep him from getting overwhelmed by the pressure of the situation. I actually said they might have to go to a WCO style offense just to preserve his sanity, which they actually kind of did for a few games there, notably the Pittsburgh one. He played much better last season than he did this one. He looks like a different player. His statistical projection is pretty much right on the money with what I wrote before the season, but its the way he is getting those stats that hurts. His upside has always been Troy Aikman in that you have to surround him with dominant players and he will look just as good as long as you dont make him throw 40 times a game every week. They have a good WR, LT, and C but have whiffed in the other spots (TE, RB, RT, G) likely putting too much on him. Would I personally pull the plug? No Id let it play out, but I dont believe Rex thinks that way. He almost made the move last year and this years situation is much more desperate, plus Sanchez is playing worse.
As for the cap I dont think the Jets will be huge players in free agency but they could be. They have a high payroll but there is alot of cap flexibility in it. Id be stunned if they do not force Sanchez to take a massive paycut with a chance to earn the money back in 2013. Hes set to earn close to 12 million next year.
I guess the way I look at it, he's an average QB, but you're really not going to do any better than him this FA or in the draft. Who are you going to replace him with? Hasselbeck? McNabb? Henne?
Any QB you put back there short of Brees, Manning, Rodgers, is going to have issues with their current personel.
Let's not pretend he's blessed with an awesome offense.:
OL, we've got a great C, a very good LT, good LG, average RG, below average RT. Your offensive line is only as good as your weakest link and currently Hunter is very weak.
WR, I'm so frustrated with Holmes right now, he's simply not getting open enough and dropping too many balls. When he does get the ball in his hands, he's pretty much down on first contact. Completely different player than last year when he some fight in him. The only passion I see out of him is when he's begging for pass-interference call. Burress is really good in the red zone. Not a legitimate #2 WR in this league the rest of the field (I really thought he could made a better effort to break up the pick-6 onm Thursday btw). Kearly is promising but young and doesn't have gamebreaking speed. They've got no one to stretch the field this year. They let let their deep threat go and replaced him with two much slower guys.
RB, Shonn Greene is below average plain and simple. Tomlinson is a solid #2, but I don't regard as a big play threat. He's good out of the backfield and with the lead he can run downfield well, but he's just not going to produce a gamechanging play anymore. McKnight hasn't proven anything to me yet. Conner is no Richardson. The only thing we've seen from Powell is that he fumbles at the goaline.
TE, Keller is a solid #1 receiving TE but is kinda slow has issues separating in man-to-man. There's nothing else at TE.
Seriously, this offense is not that good. They're not that bad either, but they just don't have any playmakers. Long run from scrimmage? Sanchez 25 yards. Longest reception from a WR after 10 weeks? 38 yards from Kearly and Holmes. Seriously? You should have a 40+ reception at least every other week. Goes back to not having a deep threat anymore. Not a QB thing, not Sanchez's fault RB/WR's are both slow and not capable of breaking tackles.