Patriots Pick Six: Leftovers From Sunday’s Loss to Buffalo

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan coaches against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Five: AROUND THE AFC EAST: NEW YORK JETS

It was a wild week for the Jets with the speculation around head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik. Idzik, who never got the chance to pick his own head coach, is gone after just two forgettable seasons. His decision to pass on Darrelle Revis and not re-sign Antonio Cromartie played a big part in the Jets failures in 2014. In addition, his drafting was sub-par and unlike Ryan he did not have the New York media eating out of his hand with witty soundbites and general buffoonery.

Ryan, for all his bluster, remains one of the best defensive minds in football right now.  On offense, he has suffered by not having a creative offensive coordinator with the ability to work with Ryan. Ryan’s defenses were among the best in the league until his superstar secondary was dismantled after 2012. Ryan is going to find success in the NFL in the future because he is just too smart to fail again (much like Bill Belichick following his tenure in Cleveland). Ryan wore out his welcome three years ago and should have been shown the door or been given more power in personnel rather than left in limbo.

The big problem for the Jets is finding the right general manager and who is brought in to coach with owner Woody Johnson at the helm still. Johnson has seemingly made a smart move by bringing in respected former general managers Ron Wolf and Charlie Casserly to consult on his decisions at head coach and general manager. After the disaster of the Mangini hiring and firing and now Ryan, Bill Belichick looks like the smartest man in the NFL for cutting bait and escaping New York after just one day as “HC of the NYJ” back in 2000 when Johnson took over the Jets.

The Jets still have the ultimate tease at quarterback in the inconsistent quarterback Geno Smith behind center and the new duo at coach and GM need first determine what to do about that position. The Jets are a mess and may need more than a tweak or two to get back to contention. Also, do not be surprised to see the roster raided by Ryan wherever he lands this year or next.

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