N.Y. Jets: Year End Godspell

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

R.I.P.

GANG GASE ERA

b. January 11, 2019

d. January 3, 2021

When all is said and done, it will be almost two years to the day that the Jets made the ill-fated mistake of hiring Adam Gase.  Right or wrong, that was the general consensus unless you're Christopher Johnson, that is.

Today, WFAN's Craig Carton reported that Adam Gase will be fired after this Sunday's game against the Patriots.  The greater local New York media is yet to confirm this.  But we all know it's most likely true.  

How can it not..?

WORST HEAD COACHES

1. Rich Kotite; 4-28 (.125) 1-15 record in 1996.
2. Lou Holtz; 3-10 (.230) quit in 1976 after 13 games.
3. Adam Gase; 9-22 (.290) one game left versus Patriots.

After Sunday's game, if either of the Brothers Johnson is directly involved in hiring the next head coach, then we know we're dealing with the same old Jets.  But if Joe Douglas is given complete autonomy, and we never hear from the Johnsons, then maybe they're finally headed in a new and a better direction. 

N.Y. Jets: Gang Gase Makes History

From the desk:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK FOURTEEN

Jets              3

Seahawks  40

FINAL

An after-game review is worthless at this juncture.  All you need to know is the New York Jets suffered a club record thirteenth straight loss.  

I'm sure, somewhere, Rich Kotite is laughing his ass off.  Imagine Walt Michaels' dismay who once upon a time got fired after taking his team to the AFC championship game.  Yet, "the brilliant" Adam Gase is still here.

News Flash: Christopher Johnson, in all likelihood, will fire Adam Gase at the end of the season.  

If he doesn't, Woody should beat him up immediately after touching down again on U.S. soil.  

The "Same Old Jets" applies because instead of discussing general manager Joe Douglas firing Adam Gase, we keep reading and hearing about Christopher Johnson firing Adam Gase.  On behalf of Jets fans, when is the media going to take the Johnsons to task for not instituting an intelligent chain of command?

These are the same people who remained silent and protected the Wilpons from Mets fans.  But once the deal to sell the Mets was finalized, they all broke out their bazookas and opened fire upon outgoing ownership.  The same thing goes on with the Jets.  All the pundits know the Johnson Brother's way of doing business is just stupid.  Yet, even amid this horrific 0-13 effort, they print and speak nothing of the kind.  They ask that you pay for their articles offering Christopher this and Christopher that, instead of just lambasting Christopher and his brother and imploring them to let their executive do his damn job.

But no ... let Gase stay and continue ruining Sam Darnold's career.  The man even admitted after Sunday's 40-3 thrashing that he indeed failed Christopher.

But go ahead, screw Sam, get that number one pick.  😠

N.Y. Jets: Deep Sixed at South Beach

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Third Winningest Coach

WEEK SIX
Jets              0

Dolphins    24 

FINAL

JOHNSON & JOHNSON: The Brothers Grim

We presently live in an age of unprecedented offensive achievement.  It seems as if the NFL record books get rewritten every year.  Playing defense has evolved into a prohibitive endeavor.  Today's

quarterbacks receive more protection than ever before and passing for 30,000 yards in a career has become common.  Receivers these days can make snow angels in the hail of pass interference flags being thrown in any given game.  

Yet, the New York Jets all-time leading passer remains Joe Namath who last donned a Jets uniform in 1976.  The club's all-time receiver, Don Maynard, retired after the 1973 season.  Their all-time ground rusher, Curtis Martin, retired from the Jets fifteen years ago.  

The Jets winningest head coach till this day remains Weeb Ewbank with 71 victories.  Joe Walton is second with 53 wins and Rex Ryan is next in with 46 wins.  Outside of Bill Parcells and Al Groh (no coincidence here), every head coach in Jets history has posted a losing record - every one.  By the time 2000 rolls around, there is one common denominator as to why Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Al Groh all ran from the Jets like the joint was on fire: Woody Johnson.

Since 2001, the Jets have been through five head coaches and five general managers.  The program on average changes every four years.  Meanwhile, the team is presently in the hands of Woody's brother,  Christopher Johnson, who makes his head coach and general manager report directly to him, separate and equally, and rarely in tandem.

Because this makes sense ...

Just as letting former general manager Mike Maccagnan conduct the draft and spend free agent money, then firing him made total sense ...

The Brilliant One, Adam Gase, on Sunday loses his twelfth game by double-digits as head coach of the Jets, seven times last season and five so far this season.  In Jets history only two coaches have posted a worse winning percentage than Gase:

• Adam Gase  7-15 (.318)
• Lou Holtz  3-13 (.214)
• Rich Kotite. 1-15 (.125)

Lou Holtz was so bad that he quit.  

No such luck with Adam Gase.

On Sunday the Jets lose to the rival Dolphins by a 24-0 margin.  Ryan Fitzpatrick torches his former team for three touchdowns.  The Fish rush for 106 yards.  On offense, Joe Flacco completes less than half his passes, throws an INT and is sacked three times.  The Jets rush 21 times for 115 yards but it gets them nowhere.  Sorry, but the availability of LT Mekhl Becton is far from being the reason for their woes.  In fact, Miami was so inspired by the Jets ineptness that they inserted their rookie QB with the safety of mind that the opposition really sucks.

Gang Gase is the lone remaining team in the NFL this season without a win.  They are now 0-6 and the schedule only gets tougher from here on out. 

N.Y. Jets: One Less Bell to Answer

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Statement from GM Joe Douglas pic.twitter.com/By9XevVXVv

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2020

The Jets get into an imaginary bidding war against absolutely no one and land their man.  After holding out a full season Le'Veon Bell leaves Pittsburgh to sign with the Jets for $52 million over four years.  A seemingly healthy Bell last year plays 15 games and rushes for a career low 789 yards (in seasons which he played at least twelve games or more).  Except for an injury compromised 2015 season, Bell rushes the ball the fewest times since his rookie season.

Why is this?

Adam Gase never wanted him and stubbornly finds little use for him.

Who can't find use for one of the premiere backs in football over the past few years?

During training camp and early this season a strained hamstring comes into question.  Adam Gase is aware Bell is hurt but plays him anyway.

On Wednesday Bell is released .. not traded .. released.

It stands to reason if the Jets can eat Le'Veon Bell's remaining money, then they should be able to dine on the remainder of Gase's contract as well.  

Right?

Who signed Le'Veon Bell?

Mike Maccagnan.

Very shortly after signing Bell, Maccagnan is fired (we believe at the insistence of Adam Gase).  In turn Gase politics for the hiring of Joe Douglas as next general manager.

The Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans have taken definitive actions insofar as rectifying their respective mess.  Here, Christopher Johnson lets Maccagnan run the draft and spend all his free agent money, then fires him.  Now with Jamaal Adams and Le'Veon Bell out of the way, Adam Gase is essentially given clearance to continue running this organization into the ground.

I'll say it again: If Joe Douglas is not allowed to fire Adam Gase then he should quit on the spot.

N.Y. Jets: Nothing But Problems

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

GANG GASE OFF TO WORSE START THAN LAST SEASON

PROBLEM: Christopher Johnson hires Adam Gase, then fires general manager Maccagnan and replaces him with Joe Douglas after Gase's recommendation.  There's no chain command.  Both men report directly to Christopher Johnson.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase said he intensified practice yet still doesn't understand why the team in underperforming.  He is now contemplating handing play calling duties to offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase let Le'Veon Bell play knowing he was hurt.  Adam Gase let Sam Darnold play knowing he was hurt.

PROBLEM: Players have been openly critical of Adam Gase since training camp. 

PROBLEM: Christopher Johnson calls Gase an offensive genius.

PROBLEM: This season's 0-5 start exceeds last year's 0-4 start.

PROBLEM: Le'Veon Bell is LIKEing tweets suggesting the Jets trade him.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase never wanted Bell in the first place and his play calling demonstrates that.

PROBLEM: Just when you thought is couldn't get worse, it does.

PROBLEM: Gase makes Todd Bowles seem like the good old days.  

PROBLEM: Any time Rich Kotite creeps back into the conversation you bet there's a problem.

N.Y. Jets: Terrible Is As Terrible Does

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

The End Zone Might As Well Be Outer Space

WEEK THREE

Jets      7

Colts  36

FINAL

Three Times is Officially a Trend

Yes, that plane falling out of the sky has a Jets logo on it ..

Through three weeks the Jets are allowing more, more and more points, while scoring less, less and less.

• I - Bills 27; Jets 16
• II - 49ers 31; Jets 13 
• III - Colts 36; Jets 7

Without Le'Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman, and playing behind a compromised offensive line, Sam Darnold is progressively getting worse, worse and worse.

• I - 215 passing yards; one INT
• II - 179 passing yards; 0 INT
• III - 168 passing yards; three INT; two pick-six

 

Take away Darnold's two INT's returned for touchdowns and the Jets are still nowhere near competitive.  In that case make it a 24-9 loss.  That's still more than two touchdowns.  The defense generated no sacks and just one QB hit.  When a 40-yard kick return is your best play of the day, something is very wrong.  Said another way, just about every facet of Adam Gase's operation is failing.  Once again they're increasingly becoming an embarrassment on the field.  No hint of polish exists anywhere on this team, even when healthy.  Now, mimicking last year's undercurrent, a growing number of players are complaining practices are not effective nor intense enough.  That speaks to a broader range of staff-wide responsibilities and shortcomings beyond just the head coach.  Yet, Christopher Johnson left off saying Gase is absolutely the right guy for the job.  That leaves general manager Joe Douglas stuck in the middle, which is a condition that has hampered the Jets going back to Woody Johnson.  If this keeps up the Jets are headed towards next year's NFL draft with the number one overall pick.  Can Joe Douglas really afford to have that selection playing under Adam Gase?  At some point the general manager will need to put his foot down on the matter and override everyone, namely Christopher.  Should Joe Douglas receive any resistance he should quit on the spot.

N.Y. Jets: Coach Gase Rewards Owner's Confidence With Another Loss

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK TWO

Niners    31

Jets        13

FINAL

Adam Gase : Christopher Johnson :: Rich Kotite : Leon Hess

Back to the hangar ...

Just days after Christopher Johnson reiterates his full endorsement of Adam Gase, the Jets come apart on the tarmac.  But according to Christopher Johnson, Gase is the right man to pick up the pieces and assemble them back together again.  In any other organization an owner's reassurance so early in the season is usually a kiss of death.  But with regards to the Jets, Christopher Johnson actually believes this and thus remains the poster child for novice superintendence at the highest order.  The situation is fast approaching the Rich Kotite and Leon Hess levels of incompetence - if Gase and CJ haven't surpassed it already.

If nothing else, the Jets offense is proving consistently inept.  The Jets had eleven drive opportunities against the Bills in which they generate 254 total yards on 53 total plays.  Le'Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder were both out of Sunday's game.  Therefore, Sam Darnold's top weapons were Frank Gore and Chris Hogan.  The Jets again have eleven drive opportunities against the Niners and similarly generate 277 total yards on 62 total plays.  Through two games Jets opponents have gained 763 total yards and scored 58 points.  The Jets have managed just 531 yards and 30 points. 

What do you suppose awaits the Jets when they touch down in Indianapolis on Sunday?

As Adam Gase's play calling goes, so goes Sam Darnold.  We learned after Sunday's game that Sam was not allowed to audible out of a particular fourth down play.  That's what I call development!  Why not just duct tape the third year quarterback to a chair ...

Sam Darnold through Week Two

• vs. BUFF - 21/35 for 215 yards, one TD, one INT.
• vs. S.F. - 21/32 for 179 yards, one TD, no INT.  

At least Joe Douglas' reconstructed offensive line had a better game.  Against Buffalo the Jets rush 14 times for just 46 yards and allow three sacks.  On Sunday they rush 27 times for 97 yards and allow one sack.  Good back up effort from Frank Gore who rushed 21 times for 63 yards.  Through two games he has rushed 27 times for 87 yards.

The Jets can claim some progress.

Or not ...

N.Y. Jets: Sifting Through The Wreckage

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK NINE

Jets           18

Dolphins  26

FINAL

The Jets did not hit rock bottom.  They crashed into it nose first.

More incredulous than the Dan Marino fake spike game; more ponderous than watching Richard Todd connect with A.J. Duhe three times in the 1982 AFC championship game; Sunday's Pop Warner performance at South Beach is easily the worst regular season loss I can recall over the last several decades of watching Jets football.

Woody and Christopher Johnson have no one to blame but themselves.  The Jets were a vibrant organization thanks in large part to the work of Bill Parcells.  One of his last acts as Jets executive was to recommend Terry Bradway as general manager.  Through his work and that of Mike Tannenbaum (also a graduate of Parcells U), the Jets remained competitive with head coaches Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, and Rex Ryan.  The second they fire Tannenbaum, effectively wiping away Bill Parcells' fingerprints, the team spirals headlong into descent.

Prelude to a disaster is a three stage process:

1. Hiring John Idzik
2. The arrival of Christopher Johnson
3. Hiring Adam Gase

Mike Maccagnan and even Joe Douglas have since been tasked with reconciling the damage wrought by Idzik.  But make no mistake, the smoldering trail of debris and wreckage left behind by Sunday's events all point to Christopher Johnson's inexplicable predilection with Adam Gase.  Johnson allowed himself to be talked into sacking his former general manager for no good reason other than to appease his new head coach.

Who does that?

If entering Sunday's contest the Dolphins were considered the worst team in football, what does that say of the Jets whom were outperformed by Miami -  if only barely - in most every aspect of the game?

Jets fans may want to involve the NTSB on this one.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Green Airing Their Grievances

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK NINE

New York Jets

vs.

Miami Dolphins

FROM

Humidity Stadium

Jets -3 DOLPHINS

Man, is it going to stink at Miami where the NFL's two most offensively inept teams will go head-to-head in a Toilet Bowl of gastronomical proportions.  The Sea Mammals are averaging a league low 11-points per game.  The Jets come in at 11.1 points per game.  How compelling!  But whereas the Jets are actually trying to wins games and failing miserably, the Sea Mammals are trying to lose and doing a damn good job.  Miami is yielding upwards of 34-points a game.  But make no mistake, the Sea Mammals can't wait to inflict damage against their former coach.  I still give Sam Darnold and Gang Spleen the benefit of the doubt.  Jamal Adams will be playing angry.  That may work for or against him.  And expect a heavy, heavy dose of Le'Veon Bell.  Should Adam Gase and the Jets lose, we all know the local media will descend upon them like flies on a steaming cow patty in July.

An Unhappy Maladjusted Gang Green Airs Their Grievances

If nothing else, of this I'm sure: Christopher Johnson is even worse than his brother.  These highly dysfunctional dynasties just don't get it.  Look at the Wilpons; look at James and Daddy Dolan; then look at the Brothers Johnson.  All fail to implement a firm chain of command.

I always thought Woody Johnson was a terrible front office participant.  But Christopher takes the cake.  Instead of entertaining Jamal Adams' meltdown, Christopher Johnson should have been directing his employee down the hall to see the president of football of operations, or worse, the general manager himself.  Having an open door policy is one thing; undermining you're entire operation is another.  You can not have disgruntled coaches, general managers, and players, all bum rushing the owner's office every time they're unhappy with their life situation.

You would have to rewind back 13 years to Eric Mangini/Rex Ryan under Terry Bradway/Mike Tannenbaum for the Jets last state of complimentary front office competence.  Everything thereafter has been and remains today completely disjointed and dysfunctional.  Clearly hiring Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan out of order (again) taught the Brothers Johnson nothing.  Lest we forget after spending over $100 million dollars on free agents general manager Mike Maccagnan hires Adam Gase, who in turn convinces Christopher Johnson his general manager sucks and needs to be fired.  Johnson then empowers Gase with the authority to hire the next general manager.  Outside of perhaps, Daniel Snyder, who does that?

Trick or Treat!

This week Adam Gase will be disguised as the guy pissing off Le'Veon Bell, who's first seven games as a member of the New York Jets can be summed up with two words: rock bottom.  Bell and Gase apparently talked it out.  Unlike the jilted Jamal Adams who is no longer on speaking terms with his general manager nor his head coach.

PIGSKIN 2019: Week Six

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Six

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two
Week Three

Week Four
Week Five

SCOREBOARD
Week Five Record: 7-6
Overall Record:  30-38
Schmear of the Week: 3-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -5

1st and Ten

• Don't look now, but the Patriots are 6-0, and have allowed just 48 points.
• Can the Niners stay undefeated?
• Race for Number One (draft pick): Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, Snyders.

2nd and Long

• New York's Real Team: the second place Buffalo Bills are 4-1; undefeated (3-0) on the road.
• The Jets better second-guess this whole special pads plan for their franchise quarterback.  Starting Sam Darnold is a really, really, bad idea!
• The Gronk begins his second career on FOX.

No Gain

• Pass Interference!
• Falcons easily biggest disappointment in NFL, not necessarily the worst team (eh hem ... Dolphins).
• More parity on tap for London.

PUNT!

• The Legion of Loon: If Richard Sherman says he didn't shake hands, then he didn't shake hands, video evidence be damned.
• Jay Gruden fired as head coach of the D.C. Snyders.

WEEK SIX
Friday Line NYDN

Cowboys -7 1/2 JETS
Jerry's Kids are desperate to halt a two game skid.  What better opponent than the Jets with which to get back on track.  The Cowboys are working with far more offensive weapons than the Jets defenders are presently staffed to handle.
Loss; 24-22 Jets

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE 

GASE HASTE MAKES WASTE

Gang Spleen are still looking for their first victory of the season.  They've only scored two offensive touchdowns through four games.  Meanwhile Le'Veon Bell is working harder than ever with nothing really to show for his efforts.  This week will be no different.  I do not anticipate the Jets rushing through Dallas with the same effectiveness demonstrated last week by Green Bay.  In fact, I expect the Cowboys defensive front to again overwhelm the Jets beleaguered offensive line and wreak havoc throughout Sam Darnold's ill advised return under center.  I'm no doctor, but starting Darnold after missing four weeks strikes me as a risky proposition.  I understand with the return of Darnold there will be expectations for Adam Gase to elevate his play calling.  But if I'm Christopher Johnson I'm telling my head coach do not force anything out of desperation.

Panthers -2 Bucs  *London
The Panthers leave me no choice but to finally lean their way.  I thought for sure Ron Rivera was on the hot seat.  He's quickly changed the narrative at Carolina.
WIN; 37-26 Panthers

Bengals +11 1/2 RAVENS
This is more about not trusting the Ravens to cover nearly twelve points.
WIN; 23-17 Ravens

Seahawks -1 1/2 BROWNS
Consistency and maturity vs inconsistency and immaturity.
WIN; 32-28 Seahawks

CHIEFS -5 Texans
I believe the Texans can control the clock via the run, and thereby minimize Pat Mahomes' time on the field.  Just don't have the guts to follow through.
Loss; 31-24 Texans

Saints +1 JAGUARS
I'll take the Saints and their underrated defense getting a point any day.
WIN; 13-6 Saints

VIKINGS -3 Eagles
Eagles will not be sacking Kirk Cousins ten times like the did against Luke Falk and the Jets.  They're also not as good offensively as their 28-points per game might indicate.  I believe the Vikings defense will prove me right.
WIN; 38-20 Vikings

D.C. Synders -3 1/2 DOLPHINS
Hold your nose for Sunday's Toilet Bowl.  The Sea Mammals are trying to lose.  The Snyders are actually trying to win.  There's the difference.
Loss; 17-16 Snyders

49ers +3 1/2 RAMS
The second best thing the Rams do best is give up points.  If it weren't for the Patriots, the Niners defense would be a lead story.
WIN; 20-7 Niners

CARDINALS +2 1/2 Falcons
Emotions will be running high with the passing away of owner Bill Bidwell.  Falcons do not seem able to get out of their own way.  Their defense allows Arizona to stay in this game.  Head coach Dan Quinn might soon be joining Jay Gruden on the unemployment line.
WIN; 34-33 Cardinals

BRONCOS -2 1/2 Titans
The Titans have over extended their credit.  I have no more patience for them.
WIN; 16-0 Broncos

Steelers +7 CHARGERS
No Big Ben; AB; or Le'Veon Bell; yet the Steelers are arguably still better than the Bolts.  With no fans and no home field advantage to speak of, I have no love for the Chargers this week.
WIN; 24-17 Steelers


Schmear of the Week: (3-2)
D.C. Snyders -3 1/2
LOSS

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday, everyone!

Post Game
Week Six Record: 9-3
Overall Record: 39-41
Schmear of the Week: 3-3
Bagels in the Basket:  -2

N. Y. Jets: Latest Overhaul May Be Crazy Enough to Work

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK ONE

Buffalo Bills

vs.

New York Jets

The Jets throughout the off-season got hammered for letting former general manager Mike Macagnan conduct the draft and spend bushels of cash on free agents, then hire a head coach whom in turn convinces ownership to fire Macagnan.  Said head coach is given emergency powers and hires his own general manager and suddenly everything is swell entering the season.  Gase is making John Gruden look like a fool for a lot less money.

How does that happen?  Part of the answer is Woody Johnson's operating model has long been a source of Gang Green's dysfunction.  Therefore the longer I pondered the Jets condition, the more I grew to respect Christopher Johnson's complete reassessment of the operation, and his rather unorthodox corrective action.

Adam Gase is the offensive minded coach Sam Darnold needs.  In fact he's the Jets first offensive minded hire since Rich Kotite coached the Jets.  The Jets list of seven different defensive minded head coaching hires dates back more than twenty years.  Speaking of defensive minded coaches, Gang Green's new defensive coordinator has made quite a name for himself through the years, most notably during his days serving as bounty coordinator of the New Orleans Saints.  Bringing in Gregg Williams was definitely a bravado thing to do.

N.Y. Jets: Brothers Johnson Foster Subversion From Within

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

THE WATERGASE SCANDAL

Firing Mike Maccagnan was the right move.  But it's the Brothers Johnson whom must ground themselves if the New York Jets are to fly.

Truth be told Mike Maccagnan deserved to be fired.  However, the timing and mysterious  circumstances surrounding his dismissal - not to mention the great folly of it all - are just too typical.  Hence the fan and media outrage.

I agree with those who believe Maccagnan and Todd Bowles should have been relieved as a pair, just as Rex Ryan and John Idzik were relieved together of their respective duties.  Despite enjoying a measure of success during his first season working with Bowles, Maccagnan purged a gaggle of talented players during the ensuing off-season.  But like John Idzik did (or didn't do) with Rex Ryan, Maccagnan spent nary a dollar of his salary cap reserves during Todd Bowles' last three seasons as Jets coach.  And like John Idzik, much of Maccagnan's drafting also left much to be desired ... save for Sam Darnold.  And just as John Idzik didn't hire Rex Ryan, Maccangan similarly didn't hire Todd Bowles.  To the subjective observer it seemed as if both general managers did everything possible to sabotage their respective head coaches.

To that I say look no further than the Brothers Johnson.  This is their standard operating procedure working to the letter.  It's the Jets way.  For the Brothers Johnson have long provided a direct line of communication for their head coach and a workplace environment whereby both head coach and general manager invariably wind up putting more effort into saving their own respective jobs rather than working jointly towards a common cause.  The fact Adam Gase is here and Mike Maccagnan is not only further confirms this dynamic.

Under the Johnsons the Jets have lacked long term vision, front office commitment, and operational discipline.  Each passing administration merely piles on to the growing scrapheap of failed short term ideas.  That's because Woody nor Christopher have never ordered a definitive course of action.  They never once gave a general manager and head coach specific orders and tasked them with seeing things through.  Neither Johnson brother has ever said strip it down; rebuild; or get me to the Super Bowl or else.  For better or worse, the Brothers Johnson have effectively left those decisions to the mix of overlapping regimes they themselves marry together then leave them to go about their business.  Meanwhile behind the scenes the head coach and general manager are at each other like spy vs. spy until their contracts come up for renewal.

This process has repeated itself over and over, and yet again this past Wednesday.  Through it we've learned how the Brothers Johnson front office model fosters subversion from within.

Mike Tannenbaum was the presiding general manager when Woody Johnson and the Jets fired Eric Mangini then handed over the controls to Rex Ryan.  That was the last sound decision made by either brother.  Because when Tannanbaum was fired, Idzik was forced by Johnson into retaining Rex Ryan.  When both were let go, Christopher Johnson ponderously hired his head coach first, then his general manager second.  Fast forward and Todd Bowles is let go, but Maccagnan is retained.  He in turn partakes in the decision to bring Adam Gase on board.  But in the absence of a chain of command, or any semblance of command and control, Gase promptly circumvents the general manager and successfully politics the owner for Maccagnan's removal (I don't care what Christopher Johnson says.  In fact, his version only worsens matters).

If the plan to fire Maccagnan was already in the place, then why allow him to spend the team's salary cap reserves, and preside over the recent draft.  In that regard I sing with the chorus: Same Old Jets.  And why not?  Just when the organization seemed in the midst of positioning themselves in a more positive light they've recast a chilling shade upon the entire operation.

What in the name of Weeb Ewbank is Christopher Johnson doing handing over controls of Gang Green Airways to a man with a sub par record in three seasons as head coach of Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins?  They're not even fish; they're mammals.  What the hell good is living in water if you're consistently having to come up for air!?  And why the hell is a head coach hired four months ago suddenly in a position to hire the Jets next general manager?

I'm sure somewhere even Rich Kotite is laughing at this one ...

Stop this vicious cycle of pitting incompatible head coaches and general managers against each other.

The Brothers Johnson need to hire an alpha executive and get out of the way.

N.Y. Jets: Todd Bowles Sacked by Gang Green

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Todd Bowles

2018:  4-12

2017:  5-11

2016:  5-11

2015:  10-6

New York Jets: Todd Bowles Latest Head Coach Infected With Gang Green Disease.

I still say Todd Bowles deserved better support from his general manager.  Mike Maccagnan never sufficiently replenished the talent he himself purged after Todd Bowles' first season as head coach. Nor will Bowles benefit from Maccagnan's substantial, and as yet untapped, salary cap war chest.  It's almost as if cap savings were intentionally designed to come at his head coach's expense.  After all, Bowles was not Maccagnan's hire, something that I previously suggested eerily wreaks of what John Idzik perpetrated against Rex Ryan.

In both instances, I blame the Brothers Johnson.  More on them in a bit ...

In reviewing the Jets roster, an argument can be made that at least 18 of 22-plus starting positions need serious redress.  That's on the general manager whom has been on the job just as long as Bowles.  So, who failed who?  Very simply, a head coach is responsible for the players provided by the general manager.  If said general manager provides pedestrian undisciplined players, then expect any head coach to produce a mediocre penalty riddled season.  I recently heard an NFL analyst/former player say that penalties happen those individuals getting seriously outplayed and physically beaten.  Insofar as the Jets are concerned, this could not ring more true.  I do not disagree with the decision to move on from Todd Bowles.  I'm merely saying the front office did him no favors.

However, Todd Bowles is not free of blame.  Considering he's a former defensive coordinator, the Jets allowed over 400-points this season, which is on par with the NFL's other last place teams.  One  can cycle that back around as being Maccagnan's fault, but one must still agree Bowles in-game management skills left a lot to be desired.  Moreover, an overall failure to clean up habitually maddening mistakes are on him.  Far too often the Jets did more to beat themselves than did the competition which invariably points back to Bowles.

Above all else, the organization must now do right by Sam Darnold.  With a potential franchise quarterback in their possession, they must ensure he receives the utmost support.  That being said, Bowles and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates proved quite the un-dynamic duo.  Aside from surrounding him with much needed complimentary talent, the mentoring and developing of Sam Darnold is where the Jets most need improvement.  If Todd Bowles is gone, Jeremy Bates should be following very close behind.

One of the local radio shows also recently mentioned the last person with previous head coaching experience hired by the Jets was Bill Parcells.  That's something this front office should consider as well.

It is now incumbent upon (not so innocent...) Mike Maccagnan to finally spend some money on quality talent, and do a vastly better job in the draft.  A change in structure is needed as well.  He must be given autonomy in searching out a new head coach; his own head coach; a head coach who will not report directly to Christopher Johnson.  That must stop.  I believe it's in Mr. Johnson's best interest to implement a chain of command, then get the hell out of the way.  The general manager and next head coach become a package deal.  If and when Mr. Johnson decides they're not doing a good job, he can fire them both.  Point being, the system whereby the general manager and head coach share equal footing on the owner's rug doesn't jive, particularly when one doesn't necessarily agree with the other.  Because truth be told, Bowles and Maccagnan have never been on the same page.

Yet, Todd Bowles was fired by Christopher Johnson, not Mike Maccagnan.  I therefore blame much of this mess on the Brothers Johnson, whom have continually put their coaches and general managers in positions to fail.  Thus making Todd Bowles only the latest coach infected by Gang Green disease.

N.Y. Jets Failed Todd Bowles, Not Other Way Around

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

The Brothers Johnson 

merely picked up where Leon Hess left off.

New York Jets: Like so many players presently failing to correct countless and very costly mistakes, the team's upper hierarchy continues repeating their own mistakes as well.

Jets ownership have long established a workplace condition where by both head coach and general manager invariably wind up putting more effort into saving their own respective jobs rather than working jointly towards improving the team.

It happened with Eric Mangini/Mike Tannenbaum; it happened with Rex Ryan/Tannenbaum/John Idzik; and it's happening again with Todd Bowles/Mike Maccagnan.

Christopher Johnson was begging for trouble, when in 2015 he hired Todd Bowles first, then hired his general manager second.  If you recall, Rex Ryan believes he was undermined by Idzik, whom was indeed guilty as charged of failing to back fill talent, be it through inadequate drafting or withholding salary cap reserves.  Fast forward to Todd Bowles second season: Mike Maccagnan purges the team of certain talents, but has yet to spend his large sums of salary cap reserves.  Like Idzik, his draft results have also left much to be desired.

And that's why in fairness to Todd Bowles, and for sake of continuity and stability, I've tried supporting him as head coach.  Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult defending him in light of very dispiriting losses among others, against the Browns, Bills, and Sunday's gut-wrenching loss against the Titans in particular.  Entering the season with only modest expectations, the Jets have failed to even achieve those.  At the very least, the Jets should have been better than 4-9 through Week Thirteen.  Instead, they're presently one victory above being league bottom feeders.  Far too often they've sabotaged their own efforts more so than any opposing team's conjuring.  Week upon week, repeated and very costly mistakes have spearheaded a precipitous fall well below par which now warrants a reexamination of Gang Green's present and future priorities.

All the talk of late surrounds the Jets losing six games in a row.  But the narrative is unfairly omitting injuries to Sam Darnold and Bilal Powell.  Rather, we're being made to believe (by media) Todd Bowles words are beginning to fall on deaf ears.  To that I say either the players are woefully undisciplined, or Mike Maccagnan has thus far failed to adequately upgrade talent.  Like Idzik, it appears (IMO) as if Maccagnan is maneuvering to bring in his own coach.

The Jets potentially have a franchise quarterback on their hands, something they haven't had quite literally since Joe Namath.  Above all else, Sam Darnold's development should be the Jets primary focus.  If that means parting ways with Todd Bowles, so be it.  But they better make sure to bring in an instructional quarterback coach, a creatively cerebral offensive coordinator, and perhaps an offensively minded head coach for a change, whom all together will help transform Sam Darnold into the quarterback Jets fans hope and pray finally ushers in many years of sustained winning football.

N.Y. Jets: Players Owe Coach Bowles Victory Over Buffalo

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK TEN

Buffalo Bills

vs.

New York Jets

New York Jets: Talk of Blaming Todd Bowles Just a Bunch of Buffalo Patties.  After Week of Venting, Players Owe Their Head Coach Better Performance.

If I'm not mistaken, this is supposed to about progress, right? 

After going 10-6 in Coach Bowles first season as head coach, the team makes a concerted effort to overhaul the roster.  And that's why I say his 13-28 record since 2016 is more reflective of that decision than anything else.  But it is the right decision.

The Jets go on to post back-to-back 5-11 seasons by stitching up their quarterback situation with the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh McCown.  The 2016 season actually reflects fairly well upon Bowles, but the 2017 season for some reason not so much. 

This year, the Jets finally draft whom many believe is their long awaited franchise quarterback.  The team enters Sunday's game with an unsettling 3-7 record.  In their three victories this season (against the Lions, Broncos, and Colts), Darnold and the Jets average a whopping 41.3 points per game.  But we all know they're not that good.  In their six losses this season (against the Jaguars, Vikings, Bears, Browns, and two against the Dolphins), the Jets average just 12.3 points per game.  But few believe they're really that bad.  Therefore somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

All coaches have their detractors no matter what.  The media and a growing faction of fans have been busy these last few years listing their every critique of Bowles play calling ability and game management, down to his seeming inability to extinguish repeated and sometimes potentially ruinous mistakes regarding comportment and/or execution.  Now they're insisting Todd Bowles be graded according to his record.  Moreover, they're even saying a loss against Buffalo would be unforgivable.  As if to say his entire narrative will be written during this one game.

That's where the naysayers lose me, because they along with everyone else know damn well Sam Darnold is out this week with a foot injury.  And that the same dude whom helped the Jets to a 5-11 record last season will be the same dude taking snaps this Sunday.  I would also argue some of this vitriol is being fueled by the Jets present three game losing streak, which is completely understandable.  But I think people lose sight of recent injuries to Bilal Powell and center Spencer Long which negatively affect the ground game, not to mention Sam Darnold being deprived of several wide receivers.

Woody and now Christopher Johnson must slam the breaks on their repeated acts of impetuousness.  They are on their fourth head coach and general manager, respectively, of the new century.  That averages out to 4.5 years per tandem.  That's no way to build a winner.  What they need now most of all is patience and to maintain continuity.  Not until Mike Maccagnan reaches deep into his treasure chest of salary cap reserves and starts spending for high-end talent should Todd Bowles be judged for his results.

As an aside, Mark Sanchez had a much better offensive line and a pro-bowl center protecting him than does Sam Darnold.  Something for Maccagnan to consider.  Something else to consider, either Jeremy Bates is offensive coordinator, or quarterback coach.  He shouldn't be both.  Let Bates continue as the OC if they must.  However, Maccagnan might want to seek out a new quarterback coach this off season for his prized player.

In the meantime, the education of Sam Darnold continues.

N.Y. Jets: Into the Wild Green Yonder

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

This Johnson Is Not Like The Other

New York Jets: Sam Darnold Brushes Aside Opening Mistakes; Regroups for Calm, Cool, and Collected Finish to NFL Debut.

For nearly two decades now, the number of quarterbacks to don a Jets jersey has been commensurate with the carousel of head coaches and general managers exhausted by this organization's upper hierarchy.  It's a condition for which I blame Woody Johnson.

Enter Jets CEO Christopher Johnson, who on Tuesday said it would be "counterproductive" for him issue a playoff ultimatum for Coach Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan (both of whom received two-year contract extensions at the end of last season), according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

The Jets are only one game into the regular season, but coupled with their selection of Sam Darnold with the third overall pick of the draft, this just may prove to be the smartest start this organization has gotten off to in quite some time.

Although, it didn't seem that way as Sam Darnold on his first ever NFL pass attempt from scrimmage throws a pick-six.  His second possession proves no less futile.  But supported by a very effective running game, the rookie was able to brush aside any missteps and finally start proving his worth with a calm. cool, and collected finish.  He ends Monday night's game throwing 16 of 21 (76%) for 198 yards, the one INT, and the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career on connections to Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson.

In addition to his abilities on the field, Darnold brings stability to the coaching staff.  I know Todd Bowles has his detractors, but I believe he gets far more out of his players than any available replacement would.  Mike Maccagnan, meanwhile, will have tons of money available to spend next season.  And so there is every reason for Christopher Johnson keep this operation together regardless of the Jets final record and standing.

Time finally seems to be changing ...

N.Y. Jets: The Sam Darnold Era Begins

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

New York Jets

vs.

Detroit Lions

FROM
Motor City

New York Jets: With Sam Darnold in the fold, it's time for Chris Johnson to halt his brother's practice of turning over general managers and head coaches.

The Jets haven't won, much less appeared in a Super Bowl since Joe Namath guaranteed victory over the (then) Baltimore Colts fifty years ago.  I remember Broadway Joe's last two seasons with the Jets, and every year of the ensuing four decades since spent trying to replace him.

If Richard Todd and A.J. Duhey never cross paths, or Ken O'Brien pulls the Jets out of a fatal nosedive, or if Vinny Testeverde's Achilles heel never snaps, or Chad Pennington weren't so fragile, or Marc Sanchez comes out of USC with just a tad more polish, the history of the Jets reads quite differently.

Monday night, all this gets thrown on the shoulders and arm of a rookie poised to be the youngest quarterback to ever start an NFL game since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger.  That being said, Sam Darnold might finally be that guy: a rare franchise quarterback capable of carrying a team through years of sustained success, and ideally, Super Bowls.  Even as a Giants fan, there's no denying I'm experiencing palatable anticipation leading up to his pro debut.

However, Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles are still piecing together everything else surrounding Darnold.  And I believe they're doing a good job turning things around, despite what the Jets recent season records indicate.  Maccagnan has been methodical but effective, and players respond to Coach Bowles.  But above all else they need time, and there in lies the rub ...

Woody Johnson long ago created a condition among his various general managers and head coaches in which they were more or less compelled into making decisions based on job preservation over that of making actual long term progress.  Team CEO and acting owner Christopher Johnson is seemingly applying the brakes on that trend.  He already extended both Maccagnan and Bowles through 2020, ensuring both are provided an opportunity to see this through for a change.  However, Bowles' extension came before they drafted Darnold.  If the Jets are throwing Sam Darnold into the fire, Mr. Johnson must remain open minded about extending even further both Maccagnan and Bowles.