The Story that Jets Fans Don't Want to Read

OK... let's start by saying that we would love to be wrong about our analysis below, but sadly we know we are not. Jets fans be warned, you will not like reading our post below.




The Jets have many questions on the offensive side heading into the season opener. They have had problems at LG, LT, and their newly acquired starting RB may have a chronic injury. But the real problem with the Jets offense is at QB. Chad is a great guy, he is a smart guy, and he will make an excellent coach one day – BUT he does NOT have the talent to be an NFL QB.
Can the Jets win with him? Yes (see 2002).
Can they win the Super Bowl with him? Yes. (If Trent Dilfer can win one, then Chad can win one -- but the Jets do not have the O-line or defense of the 2000 Ravens)

The real point is that the talent around Chad makes him look good, not the other way around. This season, the Jets will need a dominant rushing attack to make his play-action passing game look good (see the Paul Hackett years). If this develops they will be OK. BUT if he is asked to win games with his arm then this team is in big, big trouble. Despite the NY sports media hype about his decision making, he consistently breaks down when pressured (dates back to 2002 Raiders playoff game). When the pressure comes up the middle he can’t step into his throws and floats his passes. And when he rolls out he lacks the arm strength to make good throws as he often does not have time to reset himself. These problems are compounded in cold and windy games when the opposing defenses can play aggressive coverage as Chad’s downfield accuracy becomes absolutely horrendous in these conditions! This means that the Jets will have a better chance of winning late-season (and playoff) games on the road at domes or warm weather locales. These facts will never change, but the excellent coaching staff will continue to explore innovative ways to hide his weaknesses. In the end, Jets fans must hope that Clemens is ready to take-over soon as the Jets will not be able to beat the elite teams until they put a new guy in at QB.