The New York Jets have arguably been the laughingstock of the NFL for the last couple of years. While some teams have had worse records than the Jets, their combination of on-field struggles, and front office issues while being in the media capital of the world makes the Jets problems a much larger issue for everyone to see. Since an opening week victory over the Oakland Raiders, the Jets have lost seven straight games, some in embarrassing fashion.
At the forefront of the Jets’ problems has been quarterback Geno Smith. Smith has thrown an interception in all but one game this year and was benched for Michael Vick during the team’s 31-0 loss to the San Diego Chargers in Week 5. This week, however was a low point for Smith.
He threw three interceptions, while completing only two passes and again was benched for Vick in the middle of the Jets’ 43-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills. But according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, this benching looks to be permanent:
Barring an 11th-hour power play by John Idzik and/or Woody Johnson, I'm told Mike Vick will start vs the Chiefs. #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) October 27, 2014
This statement says a lot about the issues plaguing the Jets. The problems start at the top, and the fact that the GM or owner could overrule the coach on a decision like this is unlike anything else in the NFL.
At this point it seems pretty safe to assume Rex Ryan will be fired as head coach at the end of the season, if he makes it that far. Regardless of who lines up under center, the Jets just aren’t a good team and Ryan will pay the price.
But if the management situation remains the way it is, none of that will matter. The Jets seem to getting in their own way and there will be a long climb back to relevancy.
