They failed in 2020. Back to the why and how and their possibilities to bounce back. Today, a textbook case with the New York Jets.
The results
Thirteen consecutive defeats to start the season, a non-existent attack, a coach criticized, the season was a way of the cross for the New York franchise and for its supporters. Long favorite for the first draft pick, the Jets saved their honor to everyone’s surprise against two teams qualified for the playoffs and still vying for the title. With an overall record of 2-14, a last place by far in AFC East, the team has never had any illusion this year.
If Adam Gase, responsible for this fiasco was sacked the day after the end of the season, the reasons for the failure go beyond. With a limited squad at the end of the 2019 season, general manager Joe Douglas took care not to strengthen the team in the offseason, and to even do a little cleaning along the way with the cup of Le ‘Veon Bell.
Too few recruits, a limited impact of the rookies, with the exception of Mekhi Becton, an outdated coach maintained until the end, all the ingredients have been gathered for a sacrificed season.
The flop: Adam Gase (coach)
For a coach with an offensive vocation, we can say that Adam Gase did very hard. Last on yards, last on points, penultimate in the air, the New York attack was by far the worst in the league. For his second season at the head of the team, the now ex-coach of the Greens was unable to advance his men. Worse, they have regressed like his quarterback Sam Darnold. Gase himself recognized it during the season.
Off the field also the ex coach also did not miss the opportunities to distinguish himself. By blaming his players publicly first of all. He then officially dropped mid-season play calls, before sneaking them up. The dismissal of its defensive coordinator following a loss at the end of the match also caused a stir.
Like his previous experience in Miami, Gase leaves a field of ruins after his departure.
The reason for hope
The Adam Gase era is over. Things could hardly be worse in 2021. The arrival of a new staff should instill a new dynamic. It could also make the team more attractive in the free player market.
However, the workforce suffers from many holes and the reconstruction could be long. In an AFC has become very competitive with the emergence of the Bills and the revival of the Dolphins, the competition will be stiff. The Browns have shown that things can go fast in the NFL, and the tails can turn. It is up to the new staff to take up this challenge.
How to start again
The Jets, and their future coach in mind, will have to decide on the future of their quarterback. Will they continue with Sam Darnold betting on his progress with new staff, or will they rebuild from a new draft pitcher? With the 2nd draft pick, New York will have the means to start a new cycle.
In addition to this choice, the Jets will have 4 more selections in the top 100 with in particular another 1st round and a very beginning of 2nd round. Enough to integrate young talents and build new foundations. With a little more than 60 million dollars available in the payroll, the general manager has the means to bring reinforcements to his workforce and a little experience.
The revolution will undoubtedly not happen in a single season, but the franchise must above all start by structuring itself, laying the foundations, defining a plan over several years with a staff capable of building and not destroying.