What Jets need to do in second half of the season – NFL Feature
New York Jets are a team with lots of ambitions. However, most of the aspirations they had for this season are left unfulfilled. After coming out of a stormy bye week, Jets are now heading into the second half of the season, hoping to turn things around
in their favour.
Things have not been on their side as they are currently standing at the bottom of American Football Conference (AFC) West. There were huge expectations before the season that Jets would do well this year.
It started with the offseason as Jets put through a much publicised deal of signing quarterback Tim Tebow from Denver Broncos.
Even though it was expected that Tebow would become the starter, Jets head coach Rex Ryan stuck with quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The preseason games were the chance to analyse the skills and depth of the roster and it proved to be an eye-opener as the Gang Green lost three out of four games.
From then onwards, it was all down the hill for Jets in the first half of the season as they headed into bye week with a 3-5 record.
Jets have lost eight of their last 11 regular season games dating back to the last season. There seems to be some huge problems with Jets in every section of the game.
The offence has gone from being overhyped to an utter collapse with Sanchez failing to hit the target. On the other hand, Tebow’s wildcat package has remained inactive most the season.
The defensive team has not been much of a help either as they are ranked 20th overall. The running defence is nowhere to be seen and is ranked 29th in the league.
One cannot ignore the injury storm that has hit Jets on both sides of the ball. They have lost their best players on both offensive and defensive team for the rest of the season. This includes wide receiver Santonio Holmes and defensive end Darrelle Revis.
Despite standing around the cliff, Jets still have a chance to resurrect their season as they look into second half of the season where they have a much easier schedule.
However, they must improve themselves in various departments of the game in order to stand any chance of reaching the postseason.
First of all, Ryan and Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano must decide on how to use Tebow more effectively.
The wildcat package has not been as impressive as was previously thought. Moreover, Tebow has taken only 55 snaps, which is a crime considering the player’s stature.
Even though Sanchez is their best option for the starting quarterback position, Jets must give more snaps to Tebow so as to at least give him a fair shot at proving his credentials.
Sanchez must step up his game otherwise his future with the Jets will become doubtful despite an $8.25 million guaranteed payout for the next season.
Even though offence has been heavily criticised for its undoing, it is the defence that has been the biggest culprit.
After finishing their last two seasons among the best teams, they are now rated as a mediocre team. This year’s first-round pick, defensive end Quinton Coples, has been the biggest disappointment.
Coples has not been able to play at full steam for an entire game which has added pressure on secondary and on cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
The rest of the bunch has looked below average and needs to play cohesively rather than focusing on trash-talk to develop pregame hype.
There is no doubt that Jets have made things tougher for themselves and only their best shot on the field can now make owner Woody Johnson and the fans happy.
Disclaimer: The views do not represent editorial policy of bettor.com
Tags: