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New York Jets: Matt Rhule, What Could Have Been

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NEW YORK JETS – Matt Rhule has a storied coaching career with experience galore. In 2013 that earned him the job as the head coach of Temple. Although there was familiarity with the team (he had coached there in various positions from 2006-2011) it was a new program from the one he left behind.

In the one year absence where he was an assistant offensive line coach for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, Temple was going through a drastic change. They just lost another head coach and the culture was in disarray. Matt Rhule was named the head coach and in his first season, they had a 2-10 record and were 1-7 in AAC play. He was determined to show progress in year 2. He did just that, the team finished the season with the Temple Owls holding a grasp on 6th in the AAC and a 6-6 record with a 4-4 record in AAC play. His third year was his “prove it” year, he had shown progress but now it had to be sustainable. Well, they went above and beyond in the next two seasons. They had a combined record of 20-8 over the two-year span, a 14-2 record in AAC play over the span and two conference championship appearances and one conference title. Matt Rhule built a successful program so it was time to look for what was next.

In lieu of some misconduct at the university, I don’t want to get into, the football program was in a disastrous state. The team needed to be led out of the dark and in came Matt Rhule. Matt started his first season with Baylor with a team full of guys he hadn’t even gotten a lot of time to look at. No cream of the crop guys, just guys who loved the game. They struggled mightily early with a 1-11 record in his first season as the head coach. They showed toughness and resilience. This made him an attractive head coaching interview and the Colts gave him a shot but ultimately Waco would remain his home. That paid off last season with a 7-6 record and a Texas Bowl appearance, which they won. Matt Rhule then received Jets interviews and was practically handed the job but only with the agreement that the front office got to pick his staff. Rhule ultimately returned to Waco to continue coaching the Baylor Bears. Gase was hired and people seemed satisfied. Matt Rhule has led the Baylor Bears to a 9-1 record at this point. Although they lost a heartbreaker to the Sooners the other night, this team is set up for a potential New Year Six Bowl game still. That’s a drastic revitalization of a program with no clear direction at all.

That level of revitalization is exactly what the New York Jets could have used. No matter how Adam Gase continues to do with the Jets, I believe Matt Rhule is going to be an excellent head coach in the NFL at some point and I think deep down the Jets may think about what could’ve been.

New York Jets & Jamal Adams are in Tough Spot

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New York Jets, Jamal Adams

The New York Jets bonafide leader and a vital piece of this team’s minimal success over the past two seasons. Jamal Adams is electric, energetic, charismatic and an all-pro safely. However for the first time in his time with New York his allegiance to the squad has been question and drama for the first time surrounds him.

Owners and Gase To Blame

It’s often stated that organizations that can’t keep classified information are weak and unprofessional. The New York Jets succumbed to that level on trade deadline day. If any event was the greatest depiction of where this organization is currently at the negotiations and the drama that has followed it just shows how poorly run this team is.

Christopher Johnson, the main management core, and even the coaching staff should take this as a sign that they need to get their act together. Joe Douglas the man who is just doing his job by answering calls, fielding offers and looking for the best possible deals and opportunities shouldn’t have to answer for his actions because information was leaked. You don’t see Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft having to answer questions about their negotiations. Coaching needs to do a better job of supporting the players and keeping their heads in the game. Christopher Johnson and the powers that be need to get this organization back on track because it looks like a joke. Douglas looked like a consummate professional that didn’t belong to be affiliated with the green and white.

Jamal Adams Shouldn’t Have Opened Up

Robby Anderson and Le’Veon Bell received word that they would be staying in New York despite trade rumors, they jumped on social media and expressed their pleasure for staying in the green and white. Jamal Adams took to social media to voice his disscontempt for the handling of the trade deadline situation. The Jets and Jamal handles it poorly. The Jets should’ve been honest and upfront, Jamal shouldn’t have exposed conversations to social media. The fact is, the situation is now drama filled and a distraction for an already messy squad. There is no doubt that if struggles continue Jamal could be gone in the offseason. Ultimately, I believe the Jets dug themselves into a hole. Jamal Adams is special but he plays a position that is a premium for a rebuilding squad. It may make sense to trade Adams. Jamal needs to be a pro and understand that. His frustration is understandable and I still love him as a Jets fan and for any fans to call him a clown is rude. In the end I hope all works out but right now drama is prominent.

Brooklyn Nets: Taurean Prince stays put, signs big deal with Nets

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Brooklyn Nets, Taurean Prince

What better way to lead up to the Brooklyn Nets opener and the NBA opener in general, than with news breaking. Recently acquired, Taurean Prince doesn’t have to worry about leaving the borough of Brooklyn in the immediate future.

The ever-reliable Woj adds more information to the deal, describing it as a two-year deal that would dish out a little more than 14m/yr.

This is a swift move by the Nets organization. Sean Marks and Nets brass seem to sign their guys instead before their contracts are up so as not to be at the mercy at the overpaying market. We’ve seen it with Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, and now Prince. A trend is being established, a pattern that looks to be a good one. We have seen plenty of players get new contracts over the last few days, and the consensus for a lot of them is that they have gotten overpaid. With this in mind, Marks recent deals look more and more like bargains and steals.

But just as important as the financial aspect of things, if not more so, is the on the court ability Prince brings. The casual NBA fan may not realize it due to his time on the Atlanta Hawks, but Prince is a lethal shooter. I mean, he has an absolute burner. For his career, Prince is shooting 38% from beyond. A lot of that stems from his last two years, where he shot 38.5 and 39% from 3. Another important note is that every year, his shooting percentage from the field overall and the three has increased. In his fourth year, he has a chance to improve on those numbers yet again. He’ll have more attention taking from him than he probably did in Atlanta, and he’s under Kenny Atkinson, one of the best developmental coaches in the NBA. Most players under his tutelage usually improve, especially from beyond the arch.

To add to this, the Fresh Prince has had a great Preseason. Yes, I know it’s Preseason, and yes, I know it is only four games, but hopefully, these are signs of things to come. In those four showings, not only did Prince average a team-high 16.8ppg, but he also shot 69.6% from deep (while shooting above 60% overall). Now while we expect these numbers to go down, it is an exciting thing to see. Last season there was buzz around Joe Harris and his shooting. Some wondered if Harris could find his way into a very exclusive 50-40-90 club. Well, now we have to wonder the same thing about Prince.

The last thing to note, the Nets seem more or less invested in this core. They are trying to keep their pieces intact for the next couple of years. When Kevin Durant returns, he and Kyrie Irving will have no shortage of help surrounding them. Now, if they can retain Joe Harris, they’ll have two of the league’s best role-playing shooters to go along with two of the NBA’s best shooters in general. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, this is how Prince feels about the organization and this move. We’ve come a long way, Nets Nation.

New York Jets: Alex Lewis In, Kelechi Osemele Out

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New York Jets

The New York Jets offensive line has been really really bad this season. They are currently one of the worst offensive line units in football. Mike Maccaganan and his draft pick, trades and signings being there normal amazing moves have failed miserably throughout the early part of the season. However, one of Joe Douglas’s best moves has truly proven to be excellent.

Alex Lewis Has Broken Out

When Lewis was acquired from the Jets I said I had semi-high hopes for him. He had always been a sort of rotational offensive linemen. He’s always been a damn good one though. Since coming from Baltimore, Lewis was on the bench for the start of the season. However, when Adam Gase instituted an open competition for all offensive line positions Alex Lewis and Chuma Edoga were able to get starting spots. Since then, Lewis has been the most reliable offensive lineman. Edoga has been good, Lewis has been great. For the minimal price the Jets got him for, this was a damn good movie. Especially in the wake of another turn of events.

Kelechi Osemele Situation Is Messy

Osemele went down with a shoulder injury and although he has missed time it wasn’t thought to be severe. However, after getting cleared by two doctors he personally felt surgery is a necessity. So, the Jets and Osemele were in a standoff. The Jets made the first move by fining him for skipping practice despite being cleared. Now another phenomenal Mike Maccaganan move is paying off for the Jets. This time they’re disagreeing with a guy who was replaced by Alex Lewis a cheaper replacement and will now get stuck with Osemele’s contract for the foreseeable future. It remains to be seen what will happen next but the Osemele situation is one to watch.

Jets Win Their First Game Of The Season

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New York Jets

The New York Jets won a football game on Sunday. The Jets beat the Cowboys 24-22 Sunday and capped off a perfect return for Sam Darnold. Darnold battled mono and his return set the stage for an upset by the Jets.

Darnold Fires On All Cylinders

The only mistake Sam made in this game was an interception. Darnold finished the game with a line of 23/32 338 yds, 2 TDs and an INT with a QB rating of 113.8. Darnold had a gorgeous BOMB to Robby Anderson and was able to hit him a few other times throughout the game. Darnold was able to spread the wealth and hit multiple receivers having over 200 combined yards between Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson. Darnold looked like the player who finished last season and like a confident and calm QB playing damn good football. That is the kind of guy the Jets need on that field next Monday night against the Pats. If that guy is out in that field than mono will be in the past and a serious run could be in this team’s future.

Defense Did Their Thing

An underrated aspect of this squad has been their defense. I’ve highlighted how talented this defense truly is but, yesterday with offensive assistance they performed phenomenally. I said the keys to the game were bottling up Zeke, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Dak. Zeke had 134 total yards and played pretty well but Dak significantly underperformed. He was faced with pressure and when he was he didn’t react as well. The Jets defense played great and Gregg Williams is an absolute mastermind.

Jamal Adams Is That Damn Good

It’s almost a routine at this point that he is included in these things. Jamal had 9 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a PD and a few key breakups and big hits. Jamal continuously impresses and gives this team a fire that nobody else can. He’s one of the best defensive backs in football and he constantly improves. Jamal is a special talent.

Robby Anderson Made His Presence Felt

For the first few games, it felt like Anderson was getting open but Luke Falk couldn’t hit him. Now Sam returned and Robby was the WR everyone expected. He was able to get separation and also find ways to get open on short routes. He played like a true number one WR. He finished the game with 5 receptions for 125 yards. Anderson and Darnold is a connection that makes the Jets a better team.

The fact is I could nitpick and dive into every detail that was slightly bad from the game or I could celebrate the team having some momentum for a change. C.J. Mosley and Chris Herndon will hopefully return against the Pats and the Jets will have a HUGE Monday night football game. The Jets won but now it’s time to ride this momentum and see how far it can take them.

New York Jets: Containing The Cowboys Key Pieces Is Essential

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Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ defense is young and talented. To go along with that, so much of the preparation and headlines regarding this game have been centered around Sam Darnold and the New York Jets offense. Reportedly Adam Gase hadn’t been using the regular playbook in order to not over expose it without the franchise guy at the helm. Now Darnold is back and the Jets offense is going to be expected to come out and perform a hell of a lot better than they have to this point.

The Jets can win this game on offense by scoring points but the Jets can easily control the momentum in this game with their defense. Their defense will not only get a lift from Sam being back on offense but they also get Jordan Jenkins and Brandon Copeland back. Jenkins and Copeland are both two of the best edge rushers on this squad and their additions will help immediately. The biggest key to this game is going to be controlling the 4 key pieces of the Cowboy offense.

Amari Cooper:

Despite being injured Amari Cooper has been great for the Cowboys this year. He’s been a true number one wide receiver for this squad. The Jets are going to have to find someone capable of covering him in this ballgame. The best case would be a swapping of Hairston, Johnson and Roberts throughout the game. Allowing them to rotate may be able to contain Cooper. The added benefit of his injury will assist the corners to keep up with him.

Michael Gallup:

The big bodied receiver is a huge part of the Dallas offense. He’s a mismatch and hard to cover. Brian Poole has been the Jets most reliable corner this season and I think this should be his matchup all day. Gallup has been able to torch just about every defense since Thanksgiving last year. He’s got it all figured out now and he’s a dangerous weapon. If the Jets can keep him in control that’s huge.

Ezekiel Elliot:

The Jets run defense has been solid and their front 7, despite injuries has been pretty good. This matchup is evidently a rough one but with two of their starting offensive linemen questionable and a solid defense this matchup could be a lot more in favor of the Jets than expected. The key is gonna have to be if Tyron Smith and La’el Collins play. If they don’t then this could be a big thing for the Jets.

Dak Prescott:

Dak is a glorified game manager. However, he’s also a bonafide leader. He’s by far not one of the most talented QBs in the game. His leadership skills and above average skill set make him a good QB. Pressure rattles Prescott and the Jets will be able to apply that this time around. Jordan Jenkins and Brandon Copeland are excellent edge rushers and will hopefully apply pressure and rattle Dak or else it could be a long day.

If the Jets offense is even remotely good and the defense can contain Dallas than this is a game the Jets could fare better in than expected. If the key pieces are electric than it could be a long day. Gregg Williams better be ready because if he and his defense aren’t prepared it’ll be a terrible loss.P

New York Jets: Brandon Copeland Is A Big Return

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New York Jets, Sam Darnold

A lot of people have focused on the high profile return of Sam Darnold. Yes, the offense really really needs a boost and Darnold will provide that. However, the New York Jets pass rush could use a boost. One of their best pass rushers returns this week and the New York Jets will immediately get a leader back on the field.

Brandon Copeland Constantly Improves

Originally, Copeland came into the league and had trouble finding a spot. He played on the Ravens and Titans practice squads. Then he finally found a home in Detroit with the Lions.  In his first two years in Detroit, Copeland played solid football. He had 19 tackles, a TFL, 2 QB hits, and 1 FF as a backup/rotational LB. After tearing a pectoral and missing the whole 2017 season, Copeland was hungry last season. Copeland posted a career year with 35 tackles, 2 PDs, 5.0 sacks, 8 TFLs, and 14 QB hits. Copeland had a great year and was coming back this season with high expectations.

PEDs In The Past

There were lofty expectations for Copeland this season and those got diminished immediately. Copeland tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and was hit with a 4 game suspension. Copeland is a good guy and a hell of a ballplayer who made a bad mistake. Now he is back with a clear mind and a chip on his shoulder. He can be a key impact guy immediately and his presence should help in a big way. The Jets needed to make an impact on their pass rush and his return will do just that.

The Philadelphia Eagles Rise Above the New York Jets

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New York Jets, Avery Williamson

The New York Jets lost another one. They now have started the season 0-4. A team with so much hope has had a very tough start to their season. There’s a lot to dive into from this game so here goes nothing.

Offensive Line Needs An Overhaul

The Jets offensive line has been horrific to watch this season. Like, historically bad. The Jets allowed 10 sacks in Sunday’s game against Philly. Yes, their defensive line is good but not THAT good. The Jets shouldn’t have played as poorly as they did at offensive line. The ”changes” that Adam Gase made really didn’t do very much. The offensive line still couldn’t guard a pee wee football edge rush. Quite frankly they’ve got to get it together. It’s hard to watch. It’s scary that our franchise guy will come back from a dangerous illness and end up behind that terrible offensive line. They’ve got to get it together and at the very least make it through the season without Belk or Darnold getting destroyed.

The Defense Has Played Really Well

The offense has been absolutely pitiful. Obviously injuries, offensive line play, and poor coaching made that happen. However, the defense, on the other hand, has been really good. The main issue with them is that they either have to play defense when the opposing offense has amazing field position or they are exhausted because they’re constantly on the field. Gregg Williams and that defense have dealt with just as many issues as the Jets offense and yet, the defense has been really damn good. That might just be a reflection of coaching but I mean what do I know.

The Play Calling Is An Issue

Unlike some New York Jets fans, I won’t call for Adam Gase’s dismissal. However, he does deserve a lot of blame for the poor start and poor take yesterday. The fact is, Adam Gase doesn’t have a good situation. His star QB is out, his blockers stink and he can’t revolve the offense around key guys if the QB can’t get the ball to them. Luke Falk has performed pretty bad but in his defense, he’s played the last two Super Bowl champs and had little preparation. With that said, an ”innovator”, ”offensive genius” and a ”guy who knows where the game is heading” should be able to produce something on offense. Those were all words labeled to Gase by Chris Johnson. If you’re all those things then you don’t have the defense with as many touchdowns as your offense through 4 games. Gase needs to prove why he’s here and not why he shouldn’t be.

Brighter Days Ahead

Brandon Copeland and Chris Herndon are guaranteed to return to the team this week. Jordan Jenkins, C.J. Mosley, and Sam Darnold could possibly return as well. This team has a much brighter outlook with those 5 on it. Hopefully, this squad comes back to normal with their returns but it all starts at the top and Gase needs to get their act together.

New York Jets: Thoughts on week three loss to Patriots

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New York Jets

For some reason, this one inspired me. This wasn’t a deflating loss this was almost inspiring. The New York Jets put up a fight at the end with nothing in their corner except a few guys who wanted to fight. There are TONS of issues but a bye week to get healthy could be a great reset for this team after an 0-3 start. So I’m gonna examine the good and the bad from this one as the Jets head into a much needed week off.

The Offensive Line Continues To Stink

The Jets haven’t had a good offensive line in the last 2 or 3 years. Now they have the QB and the RB that they didn’t have when they had a good offensive line. So Joe Douglas set out to improve the offensive line by adding Ryan Kalil. Kalil has looked like he should’ve stayed in retirement. Kelvin Beachum is a guy I personally am a fan of but on a game level he has sucked. Brandon Shell is below average as is Brian Winters. Kelechi Osemele has been the only one actually holding his blocks and playing offensive line. The Jets aren’t going to be able to accomplish anything until the offensive line learns how to do their jobs.

Jamal Adams Deserves Better

Jamal is the heart and soul of this football team. Quite frankly, he deserves better. He gives everything to this team and yet they don’t give it back. The fans were mad at him because he caused a little stir up this week and then today he balled out and got a pick 6. Adams deserves to be in a situation to succeed and I hope it’s with the Jets. The Jets need to do better by him.

The Offensive Play Calling Has Been Horrible

Adam Gase is supposed to be an innovative offensive genius. Those kinds of guys don’t usually run the ball on 3rd & Long situations consistently. Gase needed to be creative today without some key pieces. He failed to do that and quite frankly he’s failed to do that entirely so far. He’s gotta get it together because aside from getting Maccaganan booted and hiring Gregg Williams he’s been good for nothing so far.

Leonard Williams And Trumaine Johnson Need Fo Go

This is a bold statement. I stand by it though. Leonard Williams has been lazy and unproductive for the New York Jets this season. Aside from early success he’s been unproductive for a bulk of his career. Trumaine Johnson was given a boatload of money to come here and he’s been horrible. He got replaced and played 2 snaps today. Both guys won’t change the culture and should just be flipped for whatever value they’ve got left before it’s to late. Leonard Williams still has value but has been a large disappointment, Johnson has minimal value left and has been an even bigger disappointment. Hopefully the Jets can get them on the right track which might just be out of New York.

Heading Into the Bye Week

Now the New York Jets get a much needed rest. They can get healthy and come back with a little momentum and hopefully go on a tear. An 0-3 start doesn’t bode well for success but it’s early and the Jets have time to fix this.

New York Jets: Trevor Siemian To Start In Wake Of Darnold’s Absence

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New York Jets, Sam Darnold

Mono, is a tough illness. It makes you heavily contagious and it’s a butt-kicker. It now has taken out the franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold. Darnold was reportedly very sick and dropping weight excessively, this resulted in him being sent home on Wednesday with “strep throat”. Symptoms progressed and Donald was diagnosed with mono. This will take him out of action for at least a few weeks. So now, in the week of his absence with a stretch of huge games coming up, Trevor Siemian must be trusted to step up and fill in for Darnold.

Trevor Siemian Has Experience

This is not Trevor Siemian’s first rodeo as a starting quarterback. When Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler left Siemian became the QB 1 in Denver. Siemian inherited a defending super bowl championship squad and put up really solid first starting season numbers. Siemian finished the season with 3,401 yards, 18 TDs, and 10 INTs. Then with the job his to lose he started 10/16 games and finished his year with 2,285 yards, 12 TDs, and 14 INTs. Siemian struggled and ultimately lost his starting job because of it. Siemian went to Minnesota briefly but found a home for this season with the New York Jets as the backup to Sam Darnold. Coach Gase reportedly felt Siemian could be a capable short term starter. Now, Siemian will have to prove his coach right.

Trevor Siemian Could See Success

Unlike other analysts I’m not writing off the games Siemian starts. As I dove deeper into it, Siemian is very good at allowing the ball to be put into playmakers hands. He also will have a bunch of big playmakers who are perfect for check-downs and screen passes in Robby Anderson, Ty Montgomery, Le’Veon Bell, and Jamison Crowder. If those 4 are used to be his security blankets and allow him to dump it off to them, it could really help. The most familiar weapon he will have is new WR Demaryius Thomas. Thomas played some of his best ball with Adam Gase as his coordinator and if Gase can take advantage of his skill set in the absence of Enunwa it could look like a really good trade for the Jets. Thomas will be able to be eased in especially because his QB for the next few games already has a rhythm with him. Siemian and Thomas have been teammates since Siemian came into the league. They built a solid connection and Gase would be wise to use that to their advantage. The only major concern is the setup of the offense around Siemian. Darnold is mobile and with an offensive line that is still not cohesive, that is essential. Siemian is a pure pocket passer who may struggle in this situation. If he can utilize the Jets playmakers as I previously mentioned in check down situations that could ease the pressure slightly.

In The End, It’s Only Temporary

Sam Darnold will be back soon. However, the Jets face a huge stretch of games with some being must win. The New York Jets need to pull off a win against a few of these squads while Darnold is absent or the Jets can kiss their hopes goodbye. If they walk into the Bye Week at 0-3 they already will be in deep trouble. Quite frankly the pressure is on Siemian and if he can’t deliver the Jets are screwed.