Drama was abundant for the Jets in 2019.
The year included a new coach, a new general manager, a few big-name free agents, a couple of hopeful draft picks and a lot of injuries. And that’s just the basic stuff. In the end, the Jets finished the regular season with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight season. Now the hope is to start the new decade with a fresh start for Gang Green.
So, in keeping with New Year’s tradition, here are a few resolutions the Jets should have for 2020.
Protect Sam Darnold
The Jets have failed for years to find their franchise quarterback and now they finally think they have one in Sam Darnold. It’s time to do whatever it takes to protect him.
New York’s offensive line was one of the worst the NFL has ever seen. It allowed the fourth-most sacks in the league this season with 52. The offensive line featured nine different combinations and 11 different players.
Joe Douglas has always prioritized improving in the trenches and that should be the first thing on his to-do list this offseason. Whether it’s in the draft or in free agency, the Jets need five new offensive linemen to protect their most-prized asset.
Fix the communication issues
There were too many instances this season in which Jets players were left unhappy with the organization because of how they handled certain situations. That needs to change right away.
It started with Kelechi Osemele, who told the Jets he needed surgery on his shoulder, but the team insisted he could play through it. Ultimately, the Jets cut the lineman and he got the surgery.
Then, Jamal Adams got upset because he was under the impression that he wouldn’t be traded at the trade deadline. Then there were reports about his name in trade talks. Adams refused to talk to Joe Douglas and Adam Gase for days before finally coming together with both of them to clear the air. Quincy Enunwa also posted on social media that he was disappointed in the organization for fining him for missing treatments. Fortunately, he still wants to remain with the team.
Douglas said in his season-ending press conference that he wants the communication within the building to improve. The Jets have to keep their players happy and make sure they’re aware of what is going on at all times.
Find some cornerbacks
Gregg Williams did a fantastic job with the Jets defense, but even he’ll admit that it’s no finished product.
The biggest weakness the Jets defense had came in their secondary with their cornerbacks. Their starting cornerbacks were no good in Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, and their depth was tested. Bless Austin showed moments of promise, as did Arthur Maulet, but it’s no secret they need a major upgrade at the position.
The Jets have gone down the route of signing expensive free agent cornerbacks in the past and it has completely backfired. The only free agent cornerback that the Jets should bring back is Brian Poole. Other than that, they need to find two young cornerbacks in the draft.
Add a true No. 1 wide receiver
Along with protecting Sam Darnold, the Jets need to find a reliable receiver he can throw the ball to.
While the Jets should re-sign Robby Anderson, he still hasn’t proven he’s a No. 1 wide receiver. They have their slot receiver in Jamison Crowder, who had a solid year. Quincy Enunwa is hopeful to return next season. However, Darnold needs one guy on the outside who he can trust.
The draft is full of wide receivers this year, so that’s one option the Jets have. Or they can add one in free agency as both A.J. Green and Amari Cooper could become unrestricted free agents. Either way, they need to get a star wideout.
Become a more disciplined team
There were too many times this season when the Jets shot themselves in the foot with penalties.
New York was 10th in the league in penalties with 115 counted against them for 1,105 yards. The Jets had big offensive plays that were wiped out due to holding penalties. The defense had opportunities to get off the field on third down, but instead was forced to stay on because of a flag.
This has been a problem for years for the Jets and it has to stop. They don’t have the talent yet to overcome major penalties. It’ll be on Adam Gase and his staff to make sure this team cuts down on the infractions next season.
