Could the New York Jets have re-signed quarterback Joe Flacco this past off-season? Yes, absolutely, and they should have. Yet, here the Jets are, sending a conditional sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to bring the former Super Bowl champion back to Florham Park, New Jersey.
There is no question that this was the right move for Gang Green. With rookie quarterback Zach Wilson out 2-4 weeks with a knee injury, the Jets needed a solution because, without an experienced backup to step in, the Big Apple would have gone onto rot in 2021.
New York Jets Needed Joe Flacco to Survive 2021
Joe Flacco Can Still Play Ball
When the New York Jets signed Joe Flacco to a one-year deal last season, he was coming off of season-ending neck surgery with the Denver Broncos. At the time, nobody knew what the 36-year-old had left in the tank. Luckily, the Jets know better than anyone.
Last season, Flacco appeared in five games (four starts), throwing for 864 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. His completion percentage was a career-low 55.2%, and his average yards passing per game of 172.8 was also the worst of his career. Then again, that can all be chalked up to the fact the Jets offense was horrendous under former Head Coach Adam Gase.
The bottom line – the Jets have a capable starting quarterback. One that who will be throwing to the likes of Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, and Elijah Moore instead of Crowder and Breshad Perriman. With a revamped offensive line in front of him, Flacco’s 2021 New York Jets will feature quality passes.
Jets Upcoming Schedule
At 1-5, the Jets are not calling upon Flacco to lead them to the playoffs. New York simply needs his experience to help them play competitive football. Unfortunately, the odds of Flacco leading the Jets to a victory are slim over the next three weeks. Gang Green will be hosting the top team in the AFC, the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) on Sunday, with a quick road trip on Thursday Night Football to take on a rising Indianapolis Colts team (3-4).
While the Jets would then have an extended week to prepare for their next game, it comes at MetLife Stadium against the division-leading Buffalo Bills (5-2). It marks their first matchup against Buffalo this season, as the second comes in the season finale. The last time the Jets beat the Bills – Week 17, 2019, as Sam Darnold beat a Matt Barkley-led Bills 13-6.
As for Zach Wilson
In all honesty, this may wind up being a blessing in disguise. The Jets offense has not been able to find its footing so far in 2021, and who knows when it will? But, one thing for sure, the Jets have a golden opportunity to figure it out before Wilson comes back.
The biggest issue at quarterback once the Jets knew they would take a rookie quarterback was finding an experienced backup. Something they never did, as the Jets employ Mike White (whose first regular season gameplay came this past Sunday), and veteran Josh Johnson on the practice squad.
Thanks to Flacco’s experience, the Jets will be able to get more creative on offense, and hopefully, find a spark. All while Wilson recovers from injury and learns behind Flacco. That being said, the Jets should be excited to get the 14-year veteran back in Gotham Green.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
