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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

New York Jets: Drafting Sam Darnold

This decision was going to have a ripple effect the moment it happened. It became clear the Jets were aiming to build the future of their franchise around Sam Darnold when he became the #3 overall pick in the draft. That was not the question. It was who would be the men to undertake that job? Would it be GM Mike Maccagnan and even more interestingly, would it be head coach Todd Bowles, a man with a defensive background.

Time has shown that Darnold’s presence is likely to bring about significant changes in 2019. Though he’s had plenty of flash moments showcasing his impressive talent, the scheming didn’t do him a lot of favors. That falls at the feet of the coaches. It’s obvious the Jets will likely follow the Rams and Bears blueprint of the past two years by firing their defensive head coach in favor of a top offensive mind who can mold their young quarterback into the player he should be.

That may not be entirely fair to Bowles who doesn’t have the greatest offensive personnel around Darnold, but that’s how it is.

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