Jets ugly win over Giants shows true trade need
Ok, that was ugly. The New York Jets won. The New York Giants lost. Nobody should be happy about it. There is very little that both teams should be happy about after that game. The Giants can say they hung around on a team despite being down to the third string QB, a guy who […]
Ok, that was ugly. The New York Jets won. The New York Giants lost. Nobody should be happy about it. There is very little that both teams should be happy about after that game.
The Giants can say they hung around on a team despite being down to the third string QB, a guy who was an undrafted rookie free agent. The Jets can point to two numbers and breathe a sigh of relief. 13-10.
As Robert Saleh pointed out after the game, “they never ask how. They ask how many.”
The game was as ugly of a win as the NFL has seen.
Before I continue, let me just get this out of the way. I am done blaming Zach Wilson for being bad. He is not a good quarterback and it really isn’t his fault. He is getting better, but it is a really low bar.
The focus for the Jets going forward should be to be maximize his what little abilities he has and to minimize damage. To their credit, that is exactly what they are doing. He isn’t turning the ball over much because he isn’t being given the chance to. It’s pull-your-hair-out stressful, excruciating way to watch football, but its working.
The fact that the Jets are currently sitting at a mark of 4-3 eight weeks into the season is a testament to their coaching and stout defense.
Now that’s out there, let’s move on.
There is a lot of speculation that the Jets will make a move at quarterback at the trade deadline, with the Tennessee Titans Ryan Tannehill being the name of the day. After Wil Levis had an extraordinary debut against the Atlanta Falcons, most seem to believe that Tannehill has played his last game for the Titans.
Jets need not apply. Tannehill is without a doubt an upgrade over Wilson, but he is not the answer to the Jets season. At this point the Jets made their choice and need to see it through to the end.
By the time Tannehill was brought in and brought up to speed on the offense it will be too late. Robert Saleh has been steadfast in his support of Wilson, and while I disagree with approach, it doesn’t make sense to change it now.
The true issue for the Jets is the same one that keeps showing up week after week. Poor play and injuries along the offensive line. The Jets saw two more starters go down against the Giants and both injuries appeared to be concerning.
Starting center Connor McGovern and back up guard/center Wes Schweitzer both went down with injuries. Joe Tippmann did not play in the game due to a thigh injury and Duane Brown wasn’t close to returning this week. Alijah Vera-Tucker is out for the year with a torn Achilles.
Not only are the Jets injured all along the offensive line, but they are not playing well. Dexter Lawrence alone had 15 pressures on Sunday per TruMedia. Nobody along the line played particularly well.
If the Jets are to do anything to help this team by tomorrow’s deadline the best choice would be to bring in some decent reinforcements along the line.
The Jets are over .500 for the first time since week one. There are a few winnable games remaining on the schedule. The playoffs are in reach as long as they don’t let games slip through their fingers.
Three roster moves Jets need to make by the trade deadline
It might be time to say goodbye to some players.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
