Sprits are flying high around the New York Jets heading into the weekend. After trading for veteran WR Brandon Marshall, the Gang Green fan-base has fueled up for the near future, in hopes that the next several weeks bring the excitement that this one did.
Even with the anticipated departure of journeyman receiver Percy Harvin, the Jets are building a strong core group at the receiver position — one that might have the rest of the AFC East (Revis and McCourty included or not) shaking in their boots.
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However, despite the boxes starting to check off on the offensive depth chart, one position remains marked in red for the rest of the league.
Who plays under center?
When can the red ink that currently lists Geno Smith’s name be turned black?
More importantly, does it matter?
No matter how profitable the next few months look on paper, projections for this squad around the league won’t be any higher than yet another 8-8 season. Ultimately, how can they be? Despite the draft class, despite the signings, despite the sunshiny prospect of playmakers surrounding the offense, do the names on the roster matter?
Being successful in the NFL isn’t about spending the most money in Free Agency. Ask the Seattle Seahawks.
Did adding Josh McCown, Alterraun Verner, and Michael Johnson help Tampa Bay last season?
How about the Oakland Raiders? They snatched Maurice Jones-Drew, James Jones, Justin Tuck, and Lamarr Woodley. How did that turn out?
Alternatively, check out what the Dallas Cowboys did in 2014 Free Agency.
“Great teams trust “their guy” under center and develop those around him to be tools for future success.”
Nothing. And if it weren’t for the NFL’s colossally terrible rule that almost broke Twitter in Dallas, they may have been participating in the Super Bowl.
Call the NFL a money game all you want, but that’s simply not what it all boils down to. Dallas built through the Draft and relied steadily on a quarterback they knew they could trust.
Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens work the same way. If it weren’t for one poor decision, it might have been Baltimore hoisting the Lomardi Trophy in 2014.
Great teams don’t need to spend money to win. Great teams trust “their guy” under center and develop those around him to be tools for future success.
Ultimately, if you’re sitting in the front office with the Jets today, you’re allowed to be happy. Nabbing Brandon Marshall is great. One could argue it’s a major step in the right direction. However, take a step back and look at the big picture.
The NFL is a developmental league.
Geno Smith’s sample size hasn’t been large, but one could argue it’s been large enough.
It may be time for a change in New York, and only the front office of the New York Jets can take the big step forward.
If you’re listening, New York front office, please continue your celebrations. They are well deserved.
At the end of the day however, don’t be celebrating for too long. Especially not until April 30th.
By then, your potential savior named Marcus Mariota might already be too far gone.
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