{"id":97407,"date":"2020-11-05T07:00:46","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T12:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=97407"},"modified":"2021-03-20T10:08:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T14:08:27","slug":"2020-new-york-jets-mid-season-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/11\/05\/2020-new-york-jets-mid-season-review\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 New York Jets Mid-Season Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier this week, the NFL trade deadline came and went rather quietly. And by no surprise, the winless New York Jets<\/a> were sellers. Having cut running back Le\u2019Veon Bell<\/strong><\/a> and trading multiple veterans including nose tackle Steve McLendon<\/strong><\/a> and middle linebacker Avery Williamson<\/strong><\/a>, it is clear the Jets are preparing for the future. The team is 0-8, with a 57.2 percent chance to earn the first overall pick per ESPN\u2019s FPI projections<\/a>. As General Manager Joe Douglas<\/strong><\/a> has begun preparing the team for the off-season, he must continue to analyze the players currently on the team. That being said, here is the 2020 New York Jets mid-season review.<\/p>\n

2020 New York Jets Mid-Season Review<\/h2>\n

Quarterbacks:<\/h3>\n

Since the quarter-season review, 2018 third overall pick Sam Darnold<\/strong><\/a> has only made two starts for the Jets, neither great. Against playoff contenders Buffalo Bills<\/a> and Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>, Darnold went 30 for 53 for just 253 yards and two interceptions. The Jets offense has been dysfunctional in the second halves of every game this season, and Darnold has not exactly helped. While he continues to make some dazzling plays, the fact of the matter is he has not put enough consistent play together to undoubtedly be the team\u2019s quarterback in 2021.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Darnold\u2019s status for Week 9 is up in the air. After suffering a big hit against the Denver Broncos<\/a>, he missed two games with a shoulder injury<\/a> that has continued to linger. His backup, former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco<\/a>, has not faired much better than Darnold. The team is 0-2 in his starts, with only 10 points. Simply put \u2013 there is a good possibility at this moment in time that the Jets 2021 starter is not currently on the roster.<\/p>\n

Running Backs:<\/h3>\n

One game after being activated from injured reserve, the Jets parted ways with Le\u2019Veon Bell. The three-time Pro Bowl back went from a Hall of Fame track to a committee back during his time with the Jets. And already he has proven that away from Jets Head Coach Adam Gase<\/strong><\/a>, he has juice left in the tank.<\/p>\n

As for Gase, he continues his committee backfield headlined by 37-year old Frank Gore<\/strong><\/a>. Since Bell\u2019s departure, the Jets run blocking has actually improved, and with it the effectiveness of the run game. From weeks five through eight, Gore alone has 41 carries for 166 yards, which is good for a 4.0 yards per carry average. In the big picture, these are not numbers that will blow anyone away, but given how irrelevant the Jets run game has been over the past two seasons, it is huge progress.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, Gore is not the future of the Jets backfield. Neither is waiver wire pickup Ty Johnson<\/strong><\/a>. Going forward, Jets fans should look forward to seeing more and more of fourth-round pick La\u2019Mical Perine<\/strong><\/a>. Over the past three weeks, Perine has seen 26 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully, in the second half of the season, Perine will receive more touches in an improving run game.<\/p>\n

Wide Receivers:<\/h3>\n

At the trade deadline, Douglas acknowledged that he regrets losing<\/a> Robby Anderson<\/strong><\/a> in free agency. Currently, Anderson has 688 yards receiving, good for third in the league. That is more than the Jets two leading receivers combined. Plus, the Jets have only had their top three receivers healthy for one game so far this season. Rookie Denzel Mims<\/strong><\/a> started the year on injured reserve, Breshad Perriman<\/strong><\/a> has battled injuries, and when healthy Jamison Crowder<\/strong><\/a> has put up career numbers, except he too has been beaten up.<\/p>\n

The Jets have some solid pieces at the position. Mims has looked good in limited action. Slot receivers Crowder and Braxton Berrios<\/strong><\/a> lead the team in receiving. But do not let that distract from the fact the Jets pass offense has been abysmal. The team only has four passing touchdowns on the season and averages 180 yards a game. With the team in evaluating-talent mode, expect Mims, Crowder, and Berrios to be the focal points of the Jets.<\/p>\n

Tight Ends:<\/h3>\n

To say the tight end production in 2020 has been underwhelming is an understatement. Between the injuries at receiver and the potential he flashed his rookie season, to see Chris Herndon<\/strong><\/a> without a touchdown and being shopped at the trade deadline is disappointing. Backup Ryan Griffin<\/strong><\/a> has been a shell of himself from a year ago, and Trevon Wesco<\/strong><\/a> remains absent from the playbook his second year. One can hope the tight ends can re-emerge, although given their play this season, it may not be until 2021.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line:<\/h3>\n

Even when battling a lingering shoulder injury, rookie Mekhi Becton<\/strong><\/a> has established himself not only as one of the top rookies but one of the top left tackles in the entire league. As for the rest of the Jets offensive line, nobody\u2019s job is truly locked for 2021.<\/p>\n

After a strong start to the year, right tackle George Fant<\/strong><\/a> has been a below-average tackle. Dealing with injuries himself, his backup \u2013 former third-round pick Chuma Edoga<\/strong><\/a>, has posted an elite grade as a run blocker but has been a huge liability as a pass blocker. Unless Fant produces to his $27-million contract or Edoga makes strides in his second year, neither will playing opposite of Becton in 2021.<\/p>\n

The interior of the line is another story. Center Connor McGovern<\/strong><\/a>, the more crucial of the Jets lineman signings in free agency, has been one of the worst in the league. His 36.5 pass-blocking grade (per PFF<\/a>) has left guards Greg Van Roten<\/strong><\/a> and Alex Lewis<\/strong><\/a> cleaning up his mess. In fact, Van Roten (26th<\/sup> of 77) and Lewis (30th<\/sup> of 77) have graded out as above-average guards this season. Nevertheless, it did take them weeks to settle in. One can likely link the slow development of chemistry to the shortened training camp due to COVID-19. Ultimately, the offensive line, while there are changes needed to be made for 2021, has taken a step forward from last year.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line:<\/h3>\n

Following a surprisingly good campaign in 2019, Gregg Williams<\/strong><\/a>\u2019 defensive unit has leaked in 2020. The run defense has struggled, leaving the passing game in a bigger hole than it already is. The offense not being able to stay on the field certainly has played a role, one that Williams even called out earlier this month<\/a>. Yet the defensive line for the Jets certainly has had some bright spots this season.<\/p>\n

To begin with, Quinnen Williams<\/strong><\/a> is quietly emerging as a fantastic interior lineman. He still may not be the elite player immediately expected when he was taken third overall in 2019, but Williams is only 23. Currently graded out as the 31st<\/sup> interior lineman out of 119, Williams has posted career highs in sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. At the trade deadline, rumors flew about the Jets shopping Williams. If anything, Jets fans should be thrilled he was not, because if Williams continues to develop, he looks the part of a top defensive tackle. Joining him will be third-year defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi<\/strong><\/a>, who now with Steve McLendon gone, now enters the starting lineup. In limited snaps, Fatukasi is the 18th<\/sup> highest graded interior defensive lineman, giving hope he can become a mainstay on the interior.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line:<\/h3>\n

On the edge, veteran edge rusher Jordan Jenkins<\/strong><\/a> has underperformed and could be gone next season. And while he too is a free agent, Tarell Basham<\/strong><\/a> has been one of the team\u2019s better pass rushers in 2020. Joining them on the free-agent market could be Henry Anderson<\/strong><\/a> and Nathan Shepherd<\/strong><\/a>, who fit Douglas\u2019 money-saving bill. Therefore, over the next eight games, expect more of promising youngsters in Bryce Huff<\/strong><\/a>, Kyle Phillips<\/strong><\/a>, and rookie Jabari Zuniga<\/strong><\/a>, who was just activated off of injured reserve.<\/p>\n

Another name who will have a chance to solidify himself in a huge role next season is John Franklin-Myers<\/strong><\/a>. The formers Los Angeles Rams<\/a> 2018 fourth-round pick has played a well-rounded game for the Jets this season, flashing versatility along the defensive front. He, like the other younger lineman, should be seeing more action over the second half of the season.<\/p>\n

Linebackers:<\/h3>\n

Entering the season, the Jets linebackers were supposed to be CJ Mosley<\/strong><\/a>, Avery Williamson<\/strong><\/a>, Patrick Onwuasor<\/strong><\/a>, Neville Hewitt<\/strong><\/a>, and Blake Cashman<\/strong><\/a>. Now, the top two are Hewitt and Cashman. Hewitt, who is an upcoming free agent, has become a quality starter since originally signing with the team as a special teams ace in 2018. Meanwhile, the second-year linebacker Cashman has had his ups and downs but will be pushed into a bigger role with Williamson now with the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>. Expect Harvey Langi<\/strong><\/a> and practice-squad call-up Bryce Hager<\/strong><\/a> to get snaps too.<\/p>\n

Cornerbacks:<\/h3>\n

One of the bigger surprises for the Jets at the trade deadline was the team not dealing one of their contract-year defensive backs. Veteran Pierre Desir<\/strong><\/a> is on a cheap one-year deal with the hope his down season in 2019 was a fluke. Thus far, he has three picks but has been repeatedly exposed in coverage. In the slot, Brian Poole<\/strong><\/a>, who also is on a one-year deal, is once again one of the top slot corners in all of football. His name was floated around, although Gregg Williams is likely thrilled to keep Poole for his unit.<\/p>\n

As for the other cornerbacks, it has been a revolving door. Despite a strong finish to his rookie year, Blessuan Austin<\/strong><\/a> has had some poor games, to go with only a few good games. Undrafted rookie Lamar Jackson<\/strong><\/a> has split time with Austin, though has not been much better. Rookie Bryce Hall<\/strong><\/a> and Arthur Maulet<\/strong><\/a> have just returned to practice and should be getting action soon.<\/p>\n

Safeties:<\/h3>\n

With veteran Bradley McDougald<\/strong><\/a> hitting injured reserve, third-round pick Ashtyn Davis<\/strong> is set to take on a starting role alongside Marcus Maye<\/strong><\/a>. Now, Davis will hope his insane athleticism can translate into becoming the team\u2019s starting free safety going forward. After all, McDougald and Maye are free agents. McDougald, acquired in the Jamal Adams<\/strong><\/a> trade, has underperformed as Maye has produced yet another quality season. Chances are if Douglas looks to re-sign anybody from this roster, Maye certainly is a top candidate.<\/p>\n

Special Teams:<\/h3>\n

This season, the special teams have been the Jets\u2019 biggest bright spots. Punter Braden Mann<\/strong><\/a> has been phenomenal in his rookie season, with 44 punts with a 45.3 average. At kicker, Sam Ficken<\/strong><\/a> went nine for ten on field goal attempts prior to injury. And his replacement, Sergio Castillo<\/strong><\/a>, has done well in his own right going four for five. In the return game, the Jets have not had flashy returns this season, but the return game has not been a glaring issue.<\/p>\n

Coaching:<\/h3>\n

It has become clear that Adam Gase should not be the Jets Head Coach by the end of the season. The offense has not been competitive, there has been little to no development on either side of the ball, and various stars have worked their way out. The team\u2019s first-half offense has seen improvements, but nothing drastic enough to make up for the poor second-half adjustments. Simply put, there no evidence to prove Gase should be the head coach in 2021.<\/p>\n

Overall:<\/h3>\n

At this time last year, the New York Jets were 1-7, and things looked bleak for Darnold and company. Fast forward a year, and things are even worse. However, this year is much different. Chances are there will be no 6-2 run in the second half or uptick in competitiveness. Odds are the Jets have the first overall pick insight, as well as being the third team in history to go winless. Jets fans \u2013 have hope. Douglas has a direction for this team. One that while it may be painful and a headache, it will build this team the right way \u2013 through the draft. And only eight games remain until the league will get to see Joe Douglas work his magic.<\/p>\n

Main Image:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>