Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the New York Jets Offseason and What they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
13
Number of passing touchdowns thrown by Jets quarterbacks in 2013. It was the worst total in the NFL. In addition, the Jets produced only 2,932 yards through the air, good for 31st in the league. How will New York fix its atrocious passing game this offseason? It seems pretty likely that the Jets will sign Michael Vick, but it is up for debate whether or not they will start him or Geno Smith. At the very least, Vick would serve as a good mentor for Smith. But, if the Jets want to have a winning season in 2014, they should start someone other then Smith—Vick may be the guy.
43
Number of receptions made by the Jets’ leading receiver in 2013, Jeremy Kerley. To put it in perspective, 94 other players made more catches than Kerley. 94. If the Jets do end up signing Vick, they may want to consider nabbing another Eagles free agent to further rejuvenate their passing attack: Jeremy Maclin. If the price tag for Maclin is too high, the Jets should look elsewhere in free agency. James Jones, Brandon LaFell, and Emmanuel Sanders could be acquired for less money than a guy like Maclin, Eric Decker, or Hakeem Nicks.
33
Number of field goals made by New York Jets’ kicker Nick Folk, out of 36 total attempts. Kickers often get overlooked during the offseason, but Folk shouldn’t; he drilled three game winning field goals for the Jets in 2013. Consistency and calmness under pressure—what more can you ask for out of a kicker? New York would be smart to quickly re-sign the veteran before a kicker-needy team such as New Orleans, Houston, or Miami makes a sweeter offer.
1
Number of times the Jets stringed together consecutive wins—in Weeks 16-17. In fact, the Jets were the definition of inconsistent throughout 2013. By the time their bye rolled around in Week 10, the Jets were 5-4, and all of their wins occurred in odd-numbered weeks. Their bye week evidently messed up the pattern, as New York dropped three straight games during Weeks 11-13. Not to beat a dead horse, but the root of this inconsistency issue stems from the Jets’ passing troubles. The Jets must find a solution at quarterback this offseason, or 2014 will be another frustrating season.
1
Number of buckets of Gatorade dumped on Rex Ryan in 2013. The New York Jets did not win the Super Bowl, nor did they win a playoff game. In fact, they didn’t even win their own division. So why were they dumping Gatorade on their coach? Because they won their eighth game of the season. This mentality, in which mediocrity is celebrated, must change before the 2014 season kicks off. Signing veteran with leadership qualities, who has also won a Super Bowl, would help shift the culture of the Jets locker room. Safety Antoine Bethea comes to mind; he was a member of the 2006 Colts, who won Super Bowl XLI, and was named the team’s “Man of the Year” in 2013.
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Main Photo Credit: Grant Halverson
