The New York Jets playoff desires formally died on Sunday at Lumen Field as they misplaced to the Seattle Seahawks 23-6. The loss was the Jets’ (7-9) fifth straight as they plummeted out of playoff rivalry during the last a number of weeks.
It additionally prolonged the NFL’s longest energetic playoff drought to a report of 12 consecutive seasons. Gang Green, who final reached the playoffs in 2010, completed with a shedding report for the seventh straight season. The Jets did enhance from Robert Saleh’s first season as coach because the workforce completed 4-13 in 2021.
Now let’s eulogize the season it was for the Jets with one recreation remaining.
What went proper?
The Jets protection was the worst within the NFL in 2021. This season, Gang Green fielded the most effective defensive models within the league.
Led by a proficient secondary with Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, D.J. Reed, C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams, the Jets are third within the NFL in complete protection (311.6) and fourth in factors allowed (19.1). That is a major distinction from when the Jets allowed 29.6 factors per recreation and a median of 397.6 yards per recreation a season in the past.
The Jets protection has slipped the final month or in order it has allowed quite a lot of crucial performs that helped decide video games towards the Lions, Jaguars and the Seahawks.
Another side the Jets can grasp their hat on is their younger proficient draft picks additionally produced at a excessive stage. Gardner made the Pro Bowl after recording 65 tackles, 16 cross breakups and two interceptions. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson has caught 74 receptions for 1,014 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Running again Breece Hall additionally was an enormous contributor earlier than his season-ending ACL harm. He remains to be the Jets main rusher regardless of not taking part in since Week 7, as he rushed for 463 yards and 4 touchdowns.
What went unsuitable?
The Jets quarterback carousel got here again to chew Saleh in a serious approach. Zach Wilson was his man, till he wasn’t.
After lacking the primary three video games of the season due to a preseason meniscus tear, Wilson was as soon as once more mediocre as he accomplished a league-low 1,688 yards, six touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Wilson was ultimately benched a number of occasions all through the season. The first time was following the loss to the Patriots in November. Then after the sport, Wilson did not take accountability for any a part of the loss.
That’s when the Jets turned to backup Mike White, however he didn’t fare significantly better because the Jets solely gained one recreation whereas he was below heart. White was a bit higher than Wilson however not ok to cause them to the playoffs, as he threw for 1,192 yards, three touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
The Jets went again to Wilson after White fractured his ribs, however he continued to indicate the identical inconsistencies that obtained him benched within the first place as he was benched for observe squad participant Chris Streveler. White returned and began towards the Seahawks, however he threw two interceptions, ending with 246 yards and finishing 23 of 46 passes.
The Jets headed into the bye week 6-3 because it appeared poised to make the playoffs for the primary time since 2010. But for the reason that bye week, the Jets have gone 1-6 as their offense is averaging 13.4 factors per recreation
Hall’s absence was evident within the second half of the season because the Jets have had hassle shifting the soccer on the bottom.
MVP: Defensive deal with, Quinnen Williams
Williams had the most effective season of his profession as he recorded 33 tackles and 12 sacks as he was arguably the most effective defensive deal with within the NFL this yr.
When Williams performed, he was dominant on the Jets defensive position, as he was unblockable at occasions. He and Gardner have been the 2 most constant Jets gamers this season.
Least Valuable Player: Running again James Robinson
It is simple to choose on Wilson, however the commerce for Robinson was ineffective. The Jets have been determined after Hall went down, in order that they acquired RB James Robinson from the Jaguars in alternate for a conditional sixth-round draft decide that might turn out to be a fifth-round choice.
While they didn’t hand over a lot for Robinson, they must remorse the transfer. Robinson has been inactive for extra video games (5) than precise video games he has performed for the workforce (4).
Upcoming free brokers
George Fant, LT; Connor McGovern, C; Sheldon Rankins, DL; Joe Flacco, QB; Dan Feeney, LG; Lamarcus Joyner, S; Mike White, QB; Solomon Thomas, DL; Greg Zuerlein, Ok; Nate Herbig, RG; Vinny Curry, DL; Kwon Alexander, LB; Mike Remmers, RT; Cedric Ogbuehi, LT; Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, RG; Nathan Shepherd, DL; Jeff Smith, WR; Nick Bawden, FB; Quincy Williams, LB; Bryce Huff, DL; James Robinson, RB; Ty Johnson, RB; Marcell Harris, LB
Gameplan coming into the offseason
The Jets should deal with the quarterback place in a crucial season for Saleh and his teaching workers. The Raiders’ Derek Carr and the 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo may each be choices who could possibly be accessible for the workforce through the offseason. Either participant can be a major improve from Wilson and White.
The Jets additionally want to enhance their offensive line, as George Fant was a shell of himself at proper deal with. Even with Alijah Vera-Tucker returning, the Jets may use assist at guard and perhaps a left deal with, as Duane Brown shall be 38 subsequent season.
Gang Green may additionally use one other receiver reverse Garrett Wilson as perhaps that’s any space the workforce addresses within the draft.
Early prediction for the 2023 season
The Jets will signal Garoppolo whereas choosing Paris Johnson Jr. at deal with within the first spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hall’s will return and provides the Jets a much-needed increase within the backfield.
If the Jets can fill some gap offensive whereas including Garoppolo, they are going to be a Wild Card workforce in 2023. No matter who shall be below heart, the strain to make the playoffs shall be monumental for Saleh, basic supervisor Joe Douglas and the Jets in 2023 after their collapse this yr.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com