NFL : THE JETS ARE A SOAP OPERA IN PROGRESS
RANDOM THOUGHTS AND BRUTAL HONESTY : NFL PRESEASON EDITION : THE JETS ARE A SOAP OPERA IN PROGRESS
The New York Jets continue to head towards becoming the most embarrassing franchise in the NFL as well as the sports world. The current quarterback battle between Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez has been advertised at a nauseating rate. It has become reminiscent of the Team Edward/Team Jacob debate in the “Twilight” series.
Despite being in his fifth year in the NFL and having two AFC Championship appearances on his resume, Mark Sanchez could not close the door on this “battle” against the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars. After two successful scoring drives, he had an interception, two three and outs and did not leave enough time on the clock for a potential field goal attempt at the end of the half. Let me be clear as crystal: Mark Sanchez’s day as a New York Jet are numbered regardless of whether he starts the season or not.
Now having said this, I do not believe that Geno Smith should start in Week 1 regardless of whether he outplays Mark Sanchez or not during this preseason. The top WRs for the New York Jets are the unproven duo of Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley. Their top two running backs are the unproven Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory. Given Ivory’s career rushing average of 5.1 yards per carry, it will be interesting to see how he can handle a bigger workload.
Basically, Geno Smith has little to work with. One can only hope that Willie Colon solidifies the offensive line so that he isn’t running for his life. It would be counter-productive to throw him in the deep end of this cesspool in Week 1. Once the Jets get off to their eventual terrible start, Geno Smith should make his regular season debut in Week 5.
Rex Ryan has made two things abundantly clear:
- He is not Seeing Eye-to eye with new Jets GM John Izdik.
- He has not learned to put a lid on it.
Ryan has proceeded to call out rookies Geno Smith and Dee Milliner in less than a week for subpar play. Considering that Geno Smith was listed as inactive on Saturday, his criticism of Smith seemed to be part of a larger residual message to John Izdik. It was almost as if he was waiting for a terrible practice from Geno Smith so he could unleash his over-the-top comments. It sounded like blind loyalty to an imperfect quarterback such as Mark Sanchez.
Ryan and Cromartie proceeded to tag-team on Dee Milliner’s subpar performance on Saturday. Cromartie expected more from him. Ryan did not like the way that Milliner competed. While those comments may have merit, Milliner was Izdik’s first round pick. It is quite curious that Izdik’s top two draft picks can be called out publicly in spite of their limited time on the field.
BENGALS HAVE NO EXCUSE
The NFL Betting Lines oddsmakers may not have the Bengals as a lock coming out of the AFC. However, the Bengals have no excuse not to notch a playoff victory this year. Maybe I’m buying the hype from the increased exposure that the Bengals are receiving as a result of “Hard Knocks”. However, Giovani Bernard could be the second coming of Darren Sproles. Furthermore, I’m really high on Tyler Eifert. He is a huge target that could give the Bengals good depth at the TE position. Of course, the slam-dunk move is the pick-up of veteran linebacker James Harrison. Harrison, Burfict and Mamaluga are a three-headed monster at LB that could put the Bengals over the top in the AFC North.
The Bengals are set to make noise this year. In eleven years, Marvin Lewis is 0-4 in playoff appearances. It’s time for the Bengals to put up or shut-up this year. The Ravens are in a period of transition. The aging Steelers are in the middle of the pack and the Browns are headed for last-place in the AFC North again. The Bengals could be the sleeper pick in the AFC this year.
TIM TEBOW = TIME TO PLAY ANOTHER POSITION
I like and respect Tim Tebow. I respect Tim Tebow’s position and I love the fact that he is so enthusiastic about his faith in Christ. However, I think that Tebow should tap into Bill Belichick’s knack for thinking outside of the box. It is time for Tebow to consider playing tight end, fullback or wide receiver. The facts do not lie: Tebow threw 1 for 7 for an anemic -1 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quite honestly, I do not see Tebow beating out Ryan Mallard for the #2 spot after the aforementioned performance. As a man that jumped and cheered after Tebow’s game-winning TD to Demaryius Thomas against the Steelers, I do not see him getting back to the playoffs or in the starting lineup at the QB position again. Time for a change, Tebow.
