The Jets have finally dropped the hammer on embattled head coach Todd Bowles.
Bowles was relieved of his duties Sunday night some four hours after the Jets listless effort in a 38-3 season ending loss to the Patriots in Foxboro. Bowles finished his Jets career with a record of 24-40, including three straight years of 11 or more losses.
The writing has been on the wall for Bowles for almost two months. In November the Jets suffered one of the worst losses in franchise history losing to a 2-7 Buffalo Bills team that, at the time, was the worst scoring team in football. They lost that game by a score of 41-10, with Buffalo resorting to its third string quarterback in Matt Barkley.
Many called for Bowles to be fired in the aftermath of that loss, but CEO Christopher Johnson refused to make the decision that quickly. Instead he let Bowles remain as coach for the final six weeks of the season, where the club went 1-5.
Bowles's tenure will be remembered for fielding teams that looked unprepared, and played indiscipline football. Last week's 16-penalty showing against Green Bay was the latest example. Not to mention there was talk of locker room turmoil constantly during his time as Jets coach.
Just this year there was a clear problem with cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who was benched by Bowles for the final week of the season because he missed meetings and practice. Earlier in the year, safety Jamal Adams hinted that there were some bad seeds in the locker room and that he wanted to sit down with the franchise's braintrust to find out how they plan to fix this mess.
The locker room issues were eerily similar to what happened two years ago when a sideline feud between Brandon Marshall and Sheldon Richardson divided the team, and sent that season spiraling out of control to a 5-11 finish.
Oddly enough Bowles' tenure actually started with a flourish in 2015 when the Jets opened the season 10-5 with wins against the Giants, Cowboys and Patriots to boot. However needing just one win in their final game of the season in Buffalo to make the playoffs, the Jets spit the bit 22-17 with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick turning into Fitz-tragic before everyone's eyes. It has been downhill ever since.
About the only thing that went well for Bowles was the development of two players: Adams and quarterback Sam Darnold.
Adams became a Pro Bowl safety in 2018. While Adams wields a big tongue, he is a hard hitter and improved dramatically in his sophomore season. He is going to be apart of this re-tooled Jets squad moving forward.
Darnold had a bumpy rookie year. He started the season well, leading the Jets to a 3-3 start, but soon hit a wall by midseason. In Week 9 he suffered an ankle injury in Miami that put him on the self for a month. When he returned December 9 against Buffalo, Darnold was a different player. He led the Jets on a spirited come-from-behind win against the Bills, then put forward terrific efforts against the Texans and Packers in the following two weeks. For the first time in a long time, quarterback isn't an issue for the Jets.
But now the long, painful road with Todd Bowles is now over for the Jets. The focus now turns to the future. Mike McCarthy and Jim Caldwell have been rumored to be potential candidates for the job. McCarthy has a Super Bowl title under his belt. Calwell went to one as a head coach, but isn't considered as good a coach as McCarthy is. We'll see what direction the Jets go here.
They could go with the young offensive assistant approach, which has been employed successfully by the Eagles (Doug Pederson), Bears (Mat Nagy) and Rams (Sean McVay) in recent seasons.
The other big news is General Manager Mike Maccagnan will likely remain as GM. This is a controversial decision, considering Maccagnan drafted and signed many of the players who caused problems for Bowles during the past four years. In fact over 90 percent of this roster is his. Outside of Adams and Darnold, Maccagan's drafts have produced below average results. There is pressure on him to figure this out, or he could be on the way out next season.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Eli Manning's Future Takes Center Stage for Giants
Was this the last time we will see Eli Manning in a Giants uniform?
If you are sick of hearing this question, we can't blame you. For the second straight season finale, the question about Manning's future again dominated Week 17, and the answer is the same this year as it was last season, "we'll see."
Manning is entering the final year of contract next season, and is said to count $23.2 million against the Giants salary cap. The Giants could recoup $17 million of it if the release him this off-season.
It is a heady decision that General Manager David Gettleman has to make, and one that is going to be incredibly polarizing.
Moving Manning has not been easy for this team. In fact it cost the previous regime their jobs.
Last season, coach McAdoo had to bench Manning after the quarterback refused to sit the second half of the Raiders game so they could see how the other quarterbacks on the roster (at the time Geno Smith and Davis Webb) would do. Because Manning refused to sit, McAdoo elected to bench him, starting Geno Smith instead.
The decision proved deadly for McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese, as the two of them were roasted by New York sports talk radio for weeks on end. Nobody wanted Manning to go, even though it was becoming obvious that father time was robbing Manning of his gifts.
Instead, McAdoo and Reese took the blame and were promptly fired. In came Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur, and both vowed commitment to Eli Manning as their quarterback for 2018. They drafted Saquon Barkley, signed Nate Solider to sturdy the offensive line, and made it clear they intended to compete.
As we know the season was basically over before it started. A 1-7 start doomed the Giants as the limped to the finish line at 5-11. While Manning played well this year, throwing for over 4,000 yards, and cutting down the turnovers to just 11 interceptions, there is a sense that the team has to move on.
The question is is now the time?
Asked about Manning and his future, Shurmur said he believes in Manning still, and would like to have his players back for 2019. That doesn't mean it will happen of course.
The Giants are not exactly in position to find a quality starter in this year's draft. Not after Oregon's Justin Herbert, whom the Giants heavily scouted this year, opted to return to Eugene for his senior year.
That means signing a veteran. Names like Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater are the likely veterans that will hit the market this year. Will the Giants release Manning only to turn around and sign a 33-year old Flacco, who really isn't any better or worse than Manning is?
It's an awkward situation to be in. But it's the situation the Giants find themselves in with a popular two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, who at times has shown signs he still has something in his right arm.
The only thing that is certain is Manning's days in New York will eventually come to an end. We just don't know when.
If you are sick of hearing this question, we can't blame you. For the second straight season finale, the question about Manning's future again dominated Week 17, and the answer is the same this year as it was last season, "we'll see."
Manning is entering the final year of contract next season, and is said to count $23.2 million against the Giants salary cap. The Giants could recoup $17 million of it if the release him this off-season.
It is a heady decision that General Manager David Gettleman has to make, and one that is going to be incredibly polarizing.
Moving Manning has not been easy for this team. In fact it cost the previous regime their jobs.
Last season, coach McAdoo had to bench Manning after the quarterback refused to sit the second half of the Raiders game so they could see how the other quarterbacks on the roster (at the time Geno Smith and Davis Webb) would do. Because Manning refused to sit, McAdoo elected to bench him, starting Geno Smith instead.
The decision proved deadly for McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese, as the two of them were roasted by New York sports talk radio for weeks on end. Nobody wanted Manning to go, even though it was becoming obvious that father time was robbing Manning of his gifts.
Instead, McAdoo and Reese took the blame and were promptly fired. In came Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur, and both vowed commitment to Eli Manning as their quarterback for 2018. They drafted Saquon Barkley, signed Nate Solider to sturdy the offensive line, and made it clear they intended to compete.
As we know the season was basically over before it started. A 1-7 start doomed the Giants as the limped to the finish line at 5-11. While Manning played well this year, throwing for over 4,000 yards, and cutting down the turnovers to just 11 interceptions, there is a sense that the team has to move on.
The question is is now the time?
Asked about Manning and his future, Shurmur said he believes in Manning still, and would like to have his players back for 2019. That doesn't mean it will happen of course.
The Giants are not exactly in position to find a quality starter in this year's draft. Not after Oregon's Justin Herbert, whom the Giants heavily scouted this year, opted to return to Eugene for his senior year.
That means signing a veteran. Names like Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater are the likely veterans that will hit the market this year. Will the Giants release Manning only to turn around and sign a 33-year old Flacco, who really isn't any better or worse than Manning is?
It's an awkward situation to be in. But it's the situation the Giants find themselves in with a popular two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, who at times has shown signs he still has something in his right arm.
The only thing that is certain is Manning's days in New York will eventually come to an end. We just don't know when.
Giants Show Heart in Season Finale Loss to Boys
COWBOYS 36 - GIANTS 35
There have been times this season where the Giants showed tremendous heart, even in defeat. Sunday was no exception. With little to play for except pride the Giants gave the Dallas Cowboys everything they could handle as Dallas needed a miracle touchdown catch and a two point conversion just to beat the Giants 36-35.
The back-n-forth affair certainly didn't look the part early on with Dallas building a 14-0 lead on a pair of Dak Prescott touchdown passes to Blake Jarwin, yet the Giants caught fire thanks in major part to quarterback Eli Manning and running back Saquon Barkley.
Manning's 17-yard screen pass to Barkley on first and ten from the Giants' own 38-yard line seemed to get momentum moving in the right direction. A few plays later Manning found Sterling Shephered from 17-yards out for another key first down at the Dallas 21. Two plays later, seldom used Cody Latimer made his presence felt with a 21-yard touchdown reception to pull the Giants to within seven at 14-7 going into the break.
Still, the Cowboys wouldn't relent. Dallas didn't need the game; they had their ticket to the postseason already stamped, but they wanted to head into postseason on a head of momentum.
So Dak Prescott remained in the contest and drove his Cowboys 76-yards on eight plays, punctuating the drive on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Blake Jarwin to extend the Boys lead to 21-10.
Nobody would blame the Giants for giving up at this point, but they didn't. In fact, the zaniness of this one was only just getting started.
The Giants quickly answered. A 68-yard scamper by Barkley on 2nd and 20 from the Giants own 17, gave New York the jolt it needed. Two plays later Evan Engram took a Manning pass and dove into the end zone for the score to cut the Cowboys lead to 21-16. The Giants converted on a two-point conversion when Manning and Engram hooked up again to make it 21-18.
After a Dallas three-and-out, the Giants stormed out in front. Manning's 51-yard completion to Engram set up shop at the Boys' 14-yard line. The Giants then used Wayne Gallman as a battering ram on the next three plays, as Big Blue plowed into the end zone for the go-ahead score to take a 25-21 lead.
Prescott and the Cowboys accepted the challenge from their arch rivals, quickly driving down field to retake the lead on a Rod Smith 1-yard plunge. Suddenly it was Dallas 28, Giants 25 in a game that was starting to feel like the great Giants-Cowboys match-ups of yesteryear when these two teams would battle atop the NFC East.
With 9:05 to go, Manning again had the Giants moving on Dallas's stout defense. He hit Latimore for 11 yards, and Sterling Shepherd for 19 more to spot the ball at the Dallas 43. On third down, Manning connected with Latimore on an acrobatic catch that gained 31-yards to the Dallas seven, a play that was eerily similar to the kind of plays Giants fans are used to seeing Odell Beckham make.
A few plays later, Saquon Barkley went full Superman, flying into the end zone for the go-ahead score to make it 32-28.
Then, with 3:21 to go it appeared that Big Blue would find a way to steal one from Dallas when Amari Cooper put the ball on the ground, handing the football back to the Giants at the Cowboys' 25-yard line. New York settled for a field goal to make it a seven point game. With 2:29 the Cowboys needed a miracle to win this one.
And they got it.
Facing fourth and 15 at the Giants 32, Prescott rolled to his left and found cole Beasley streaking across the back of the end zone. Prescott lofted the ball into the end zone, and somehow Beasley caught the ball, and kept one knee in bounds for the touchdown. Instead of settling for the tie, the Cowboys converted on a two-point conversion when Prescott found Gallop to make it 36-35, sending the Dallas sideline into a tizzy.
The Giants had one last chance to win the game, but four Manning incompletions later iced it for Dallas. The Cowboys head to the playoffs at 10-6. The Giants limp home at 5-11. With one year remaining on his contract, the questions about Manning's future now turn center stage for the Giants as the off-season begins.
2019 Opponents Announced: The Giants now know who they will face in 2019. In addition to facing their division opponents in Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington, the Giants will see the NFC North, AFC East, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals in 2019.
Home: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Green Bay, Minnesota, Arizona, Buffalo, Miami
Road: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Tampa Bay, New England, NY Jets
There have been times this season where the Giants showed tremendous heart, even in defeat. Sunday was no exception. With little to play for except pride the Giants gave the Dallas Cowboys everything they could handle as Dallas needed a miracle touchdown catch and a two point conversion just to beat the Giants 36-35.
The back-n-forth affair certainly didn't look the part early on with Dallas building a 14-0 lead on a pair of Dak Prescott touchdown passes to Blake Jarwin, yet the Giants caught fire thanks in major part to quarterback Eli Manning and running back Saquon Barkley.
Manning's 17-yard screen pass to Barkley on first and ten from the Giants' own 38-yard line seemed to get momentum moving in the right direction. A few plays later Manning found Sterling Shephered from 17-yards out for another key first down at the Dallas 21. Two plays later, seldom used Cody Latimer made his presence felt with a 21-yard touchdown reception to pull the Giants to within seven at 14-7 going into the break.
Still, the Cowboys wouldn't relent. Dallas didn't need the game; they had their ticket to the postseason already stamped, but they wanted to head into postseason on a head of momentum.
So Dak Prescott remained in the contest and drove his Cowboys 76-yards on eight plays, punctuating the drive on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Blake Jarwin to extend the Boys lead to 21-10.
Nobody would blame the Giants for giving up at this point, but they didn't. In fact, the zaniness of this one was only just getting started.
The Giants quickly answered. A 68-yard scamper by Barkley on 2nd and 20 from the Giants own 17, gave New York the jolt it needed. Two plays later Evan Engram took a Manning pass and dove into the end zone for the score to cut the Cowboys lead to 21-16. The Giants converted on a two-point conversion when Manning and Engram hooked up again to make it 21-18.
After a Dallas three-and-out, the Giants stormed out in front. Manning's 51-yard completion to Engram set up shop at the Boys' 14-yard line. The Giants then used Wayne Gallman as a battering ram on the next three plays, as Big Blue plowed into the end zone for the go-ahead score to take a 25-21 lead.
Prescott and the Cowboys accepted the challenge from their arch rivals, quickly driving down field to retake the lead on a Rod Smith 1-yard plunge. Suddenly it was Dallas 28, Giants 25 in a game that was starting to feel like the great Giants-Cowboys match-ups of yesteryear when these two teams would battle atop the NFC East.
With 9:05 to go, Manning again had the Giants moving on Dallas's stout defense. He hit Latimore for 11 yards, and Sterling Shepherd for 19 more to spot the ball at the Dallas 43. On third down, Manning connected with Latimore on an acrobatic catch that gained 31-yards to the Dallas seven, a play that was eerily similar to the kind of plays Giants fans are used to seeing Odell Beckham make.
A few plays later, Saquon Barkley went full Superman, flying into the end zone for the go-ahead score to make it 32-28.
Then, with 3:21 to go it appeared that Big Blue would find a way to steal one from Dallas when Amari Cooper put the ball on the ground, handing the football back to the Giants at the Cowboys' 25-yard line. New York settled for a field goal to make it a seven point game. With 2:29 the Cowboys needed a miracle to win this one.
And they got it.
Facing fourth and 15 at the Giants 32, Prescott rolled to his left and found cole Beasley streaking across the back of the end zone. Prescott lofted the ball into the end zone, and somehow Beasley caught the ball, and kept one knee in bounds for the touchdown. Instead of settling for the tie, the Cowboys converted on a two-point conversion when Prescott found Gallop to make it 36-35, sending the Dallas sideline into a tizzy.
The Giants had one last chance to win the game, but four Manning incompletions later iced it for Dallas. The Cowboys head to the playoffs at 10-6. The Giants limp home at 5-11. With one year remaining on his contract, the questions about Manning's future now turn center stage for the Giants as the off-season begins.
2019 Opponents Announced: The Giants now know who they will face in 2019. In addition to facing their division opponents in Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington, the Giants will see the NFC North, AFC East, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals in 2019.
Home: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Green Bay, Minnesota, Arizona, Buffalo, Miami
Road: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Tampa Bay, New England, NY Jets
Jets Show Zero Effort in Todd Bowles Final Game as Coach
PATRIOTS 38 - JETS 3
Want to send someone out right? Try not getting incinerated. That is exactly what happened to the Jets on Sunday as they were flat out dominated by the New England Patriots 38-3 in a lopsided loss that was both emblematic of a 4-12 season, but a perfect example of the Todd Bowles era in New York.
The Jets had no shot from the word go. If you got a screen shot of the scoreboard before kick-off that was as close as the Jets would get in this game.
As he has done throughout his 19-year career, Tom Brady tore apart the Jets , tossing four touchdowns on 250 yards passing as New England improved to 30-1 against AFC East opponents at home in their last 31 attempts.
It didn't take long for New England to set the tone as Brady engineered a nine-play 59-yard drive that ate up five minutes, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Phillip Dorsett to give the Pats a 7-0 lead.
After the Jets answered with a field goal, Brady marched the Patriots again on a lengthy scoring drive, picking apart the Jets with short precise throws, before Rex Burkhead caught an 18-yard screen from Brady for the score to push the Pats lead to 11.
The Patriots put the game away courtesy of a fumble of Jets running back Elijah McGuire at New York's own 25-yard line. The Patriots wasted no time putting the ball into the end zone when Brady found Dorsett again, this time form nine yards out to give the Patriots a 21-3 advantage.
With the loss the Jets finish the season at 4-12. Todd Bowles' career as Jets coach ends with a record of 24 wins and 40 losses. The Jets announced they would fire him after the game, and the official announcement is expected by Monday morning.
The Jets need to find a coach who can light a charge into this team, and instill discipline into a football team that greatly lacks it.
Let the coaching rumors begin to heat up.
2019 Opponents Announced: The Jets now know whom they will face in 2019. The Jets will see the AFC North, NFC East, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars next season, in addition to their division rivals.
Here is the breakdown.
Home: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Dallas, NY Giants
Road: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington
Want to send someone out right? Try not getting incinerated. That is exactly what happened to the Jets on Sunday as they were flat out dominated by the New England Patriots 38-3 in a lopsided loss that was both emblematic of a 4-12 season, but a perfect example of the Todd Bowles era in New York.
The Jets had no shot from the word go. If you got a screen shot of the scoreboard before kick-off that was as close as the Jets would get in this game.
As he has done throughout his 19-year career, Tom Brady tore apart the Jets , tossing four touchdowns on 250 yards passing as New England improved to 30-1 against AFC East opponents at home in their last 31 attempts.
It didn't take long for New England to set the tone as Brady engineered a nine-play 59-yard drive that ate up five minutes, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Phillip Dorsett to give the Pats a 7-0 lead.
After the Jets answered with a field goal, Brady marched the Patriots again on a lengthy scoring drive, picking apart the Jets with short precise throws, before Rex Burkhead caught an 18-yard screen from Brady for the score to push the Pats lead to 11.
The Patriots put the game away courtesy of a fumble of Jets running back Elijah McGuire at New York's own 25-yard line. The Patriots wasted no time putting the ball into the end zone when Brady found Dorsett again, this time form nine yards out to give the Patriots a 21-3 advantage.
With the loss the Jets finish the season at 4-12. Todd Bowles' career as Jets coach ends with a record of 24 wins and 40 losses. The Jets announced they would fire him after the game, and the official announcement is expected by Monday morning.
The Jets need to find a coach who can light a charge into this team, and instill discipline into a football team that greatly lacks it.
Let the coaching rumors begin to heat up.
2019 Opponents Announced: The Jets now know whom they will face in 2019. The Jets will see the AFC North, NFC East, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars next season, in addition to their division rivals.
Here is the breakdown.
Home: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Dallas, NY Giants
Road: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Todd Bowles Will Be Fired on Sunday
Todd Bowles will become the former head coach of the New York Jets following the season finale in New England according to NFL's Ian Rapoport.
After a disappointing 4-11 season, that is expected to be 4-12 come Sunday afternoon, the Jets will officially part with Bowles who has managed to lose 40 games in four season with the Jets. New York never made the playoffs in Bowles' tenure, and lost at least 11 games in each of his final three seasons at the helm.
While Bowles's teams have been bereft of talent the last two seasons, his teams have been one of the least discipline and poorly coached units in the sport.
In 2015, Bowles had the Jets at 10-5 heading into the season finale at Buffalo. All the Jets needed to do was win in Buffalo and they would be playoff bound. Instead the Jets lost 22-17 in a game that became a microcosm of Bowles' stay with the Jets.
Two years ago, he allowed a Week 3 sideline dispute between divas Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Sheldon Richardson to fester and develop into a fractured locker room, which sent the 2016 season into a complete tailspin that ended at 5-11.
In 2017, many though the Jets overachieved winning five games, leading to CEO Christopher Johnson to award both Bowles and General Manager Mike Maccagnan two year contract extensions. That was a huge mistake.
While the Jets did draft a franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold this season, the club again underachieved, winning only four games. Safety Jamal Adams, who was named team MVP, lambasted team morale and focus all season long, which was a direct slap at Bowles, even if Adams didn't mean it to be.
A six-game losing streak in the middle of the season was punctuated by a 41-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. Everyone expected Bowles would be fired after the defeat, but ownership gave him a vote of confidence to finish the season. But let's not mince words here, Bowles days were numbered when the Jets gave no effort in the Buffalo game.
So this is the end for Bowles. Jets fans won't have to look at his taciturn expression anymore.
When asked about his record on Friday, Bowles told reporters that his record "speaks for itself." It certainly does.
Now the Jets have to find the right guy. With Darnold the centerpiece of the franchise, they must find the right guy to be the next head coach of this team.
You can cross John Harbaugh off the wish list after the Ravens said they would bring him back for the 2019 season. Those hoping Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley would be an option can forget that too. Riley said he has no interest in the NFL at this point, and who can blame him?
There were rumors the Jets would be all in for Jim Harbaugh, the current coach at Michigan, but Harbaugh has stated he's staying in Ann Arbor. Jets CEO Chris Johnson clearly stated the Jets have no interest in pursuing Harbaugh. Did the two sides speak already? Chances are they did, but it won't happen, especially now.
That means the best and most viable candidate out there is former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy won 125 games and Super Bowl in Green Bay, but was fired five weeks ago after the Packers stumbled to a 4-7-1 start to the season. His services are going to be in high demand, with teams like the Buccaneers and Cardinals already intimated as possible landing spots for McCarthy.
If the Jets want McCarthy that badly, they better move quick. This has an Andy Reid feel to it. When Reid was fired by the Eagles on December 31, 2012, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs four days later on January 4, 2013. If McCarthy wants to coach he will get a job very quickly.
Another, but less popular option would be Jim Caldwell. Caldwell was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions in prior seasons. He has always been considered a mediocre head coach; his decision to bench Peyton Manning in order to prevent an undefeated season in 2009 was one of the most bone-headed moves of all time.
If the Jets are looking for experience, former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is also out there, but he has stated he would only un-retire if the browns came calling. Plus Arians is a close friend of Bowles. It's highly unlikely he would want to coach the team that fired his friend.
Looking at the pool of assistants that will be available, names like Matt LaFluer, the current Offensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, John DiFilippo the former OC of the Minnesota Vikings, and Eric Bienemy, the OC of the Chiefs are also possibilities.
After a disappointing 4-11 season, that is expected to be 4-12 come Sunday afternoon, the Jets will officially part with Bowles who has managed to lose 40 games in four season with the Jets. New York never made the playoffs in Bowles' tenure, and lost at least 11 games in each of his final three seasons at the helm.
While Bowles's teams have been bereft of talent the last two seasons, his teams have been one of the least discipline and poorly coached units in the sport.
In 2015, Bowles had the Jets at 10-5 heading into the season finale at Buffalo. All the Jets needed to do was win in Buffalo and they would be playoff bound. Instead the Jets lost 22-17 in a game that became a microcosm of Bowles' stay with the Jets.
Two years ago, he allowed a Week 3 sideline dispute between divas Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Sheldon Richardson to fester and develop into a fractured locker room, which sent the 2016 season into a complete tailspin that ended at 5-11.
In 2017, many though the Jets overachieved winning five games, leading to CEO Christopher Johnson to award both Bowles and General Manager Mike Maccagnan two year contract extensions. That was a huge mistake.
While the Jets did draft a franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold this season, the club again underachieved, winning only four games. Safety Jamal Adams, who was named team MVP, lambasted team morale and focus all season long, which was a direct slap at Bowles, even if Adams didn't mean it to be.
A six-game losing streak in the middle of the season was punctuated by a 41-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. Everyone expected Bowles would be fired after the defeat, but ownership gave him a vote of confidence to finish the season. But let's not mince words here, Bowles days were numbered when the Jets gave no effort in the Buffalo game.
So this is the end for Bowles. Jets fans won't have to look at his taciturn expression anymore.
When asked about his record on Friday, Bowles told reporters that his record "speaks for itself." It certainly does.
Now the Jets have to find the right guy. With Darnold the centerpiece of the franchise, they must find the right guy to be the next head coach of this team.
You can cross John Harbaugh off the wish list after the Ravens said they would bring him back for the 2019 season. Those hoping Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley would be an option can forget that too. Riley said he has no interest in the NFL at this point, and who can blame him?
There were rumors the Jets would be all in for Jim Harbaugh, the current coach at Michigan, but Harbaugh has stated he's staying in Ann Arbor. Jets CEO Chris Johnson clearly stated the Jets have no interest in pursuing Harbaugh. Did the two sides speak already? Chances are they did, but it won't happen, especially now.
That means the best and most viable candidate out there is former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy won 125 games and Super Bowl in Green Bay, but was fired five weeks ago after the Packers stumbled to a 4-7-1 start to the season. His services are going to be in high demand, with teams like the Buccaneers and Cardinals already intimated as possible landing spots for McCarthy.
If the Jets want McCarthy that badly, they better move quick. This has an Andy Reid feel to it. When Reid was fired by the Eagles on December 31, 2012, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs four days later on January 4, 2013. If McCarthy wants to coach he will get a job very quickly.
Another, but less popular option would be Jim Caldwell. Caldwell was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions in prior seasons. He has always been considered a mediocre head coach; his decision to bench Peyton Manning in order to prevent an undefeated season in 2009 was one of the most bone-headed moves of all time.
If the Jets are looking for experience, former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is also out there, but he has stated he would only un-retire if the browns came calling. Plus Arians is a close friend of Bowles. It's highly unlikely he would want to coach the team that fired his friend.
Looking at the pool of assistants that will be available, names like Matt LaFluer, the current Offensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, John DiFilippo the former OC of the Minnesota Vikings, and Eric Bienemy, the OC of the Chiefs are also possibilities.
Jets Ink Enunwa to 4-year extension
Inspite of spending the latter part of the season on the sidelines with a high ankle sprain, Quincy Enunwa knows he will be a Jet for a very long time to come.
The free-agent-to-be is a free-agent no more. The Jets signed Enunwa to a four-year deal that will pay him $36 million over the life of the contract, with $20 million guaranteed.
It has been a rough the last two years for Enunwa. Last season he missed the entire 2017 season due to neck surgery to remove a bulging disc. This season, he played 11 games before aggravating an ankle injury against the Tennessee Titans early in December. He hasn't played since.
He finished the season with 38 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown. The lone touchdown came way back in Week 1.
Even with the limited action, the Jets wanted to get Enunwa into the fold moving forward. Two years ago he was a break out performer, posting 857 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Earlier this year he was well on his way to putting up big numbers, proving to be a great security blanket for quarterback Sam Darnold.
When healthy Enunwa is a hybrid -- a guy who can be both a wide receiver and tight end, which makes his value in the slot so important for the Jets. The potential of what Enunwa can bring to the Jets on the field, and his good character off the field was an attraction for the Jets who have been trying to get a deal done with Enunwa since October.
For Enunwa he wanted to stay in New York and play with Darnold.
"I have a young quarterback that I can mold," Enunwa told reporters Friday. "No, seriously though, Sam is an amazing player and as a receiver that's who you want to play with. And we have so much talent around at every position. I've been here for so long and this is what I know and this is what I've come to love and I want to continue that."
The free-agent-to-be is a free-agent no more. The Jets signed Enunwa to a four-year deal that will pay him $36 million over the life of the contract, with $20 million guaranteed.
It has been a rough the last two years for Enunwa. Last season he missed the entire 2017 season due to neck surgery to remove a bulging disc. This season, he played 11 games before aggravating an ankle injury against the Tennessee Titans early in December. He hasn't played since.
He finished the season with 38 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown. The lone touchdown came way back in Week 1.
Even with the limited action, the Jets wanted to get Enunwa into the fold moving forward. Two years ago he was a break out performer, posting 857 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Earlier this year he was well on his way to putting up big numbers, proving to be a great security blanket for quarterback Sam Darnold.
When healthy Enunwa is a hybrid -- a guy who can be both a wide receiver and tight end, which makes his value in the slot so important for the Jets. The potential of what Enunwa can bring to the Jets on the field, and his good character off the field was an attraction for the Jets who have been trying to get a deal done with Enunwa since October.
For Enunwa he wanted to stay in New York and play with Darnold.
"I have a young quarterback that I can mold," Enunwa told reporters Friday. "No, seriously though, Sam is an amazing player and as a receiver that's who you want to play with. And we have so much talent around at every position. I've been here for so long and this is what I know and this is what I've come to love and I want to continue that."
Monday, December 24, 2018
Jets Deny Rumors of Interest in Michigan's Jim Harbaugh
While everyone is getting ready to sip on some Eggnog tonight on Christmas Eve, Jets CEO Christopher Johnson is busy playing damage control after rumors his football club has a strong interest in Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh got out to the press.
Johnson, who has been in charge of the franchise the past two years since his brother Woody became the United States Ambassador to England under President Donald Trump, said Monday, "Todd Bowles is our head coach. There is no truth to the report of our interest in Jim Harbaugh."
What does this quote mean? Is it an endorsement of Todd Bowles? Does this mean the Jets really have "no interest" in Jim Harbaugh?
Honestly the answers are very likely: no, it's not an endorsement of Todd Bowles. And yes, the Jets do have an interest in Harbaugh, but they aren't going to publicly flaunt it with Bowles still under the title of Head Coach.
Although it is odd that an owner would come right out and shoot down rumors of a coaching change so quickly. As was pointed out by the New York Post's Brian Costello on Twitter, Johnson could have said nothing, because most owners never speak about any coaching rumors during the season ... ever. Also, let us not forget after the Jets 41-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, Johnson refused to answer any questions regarding Todd Bowles's future. As we know the silence meant that Bowles would remain as HC of the NYJ through the rest of the season.
While the Jets have played better of late, they are 1-4 since that Buffalo meltdown, and stand at 4-11 on the season. With the season finale in Foxboro on Sunday against a Patriots team playing for a playoff bye, it stands to reason this season will end at 4-12. Bowles would be 14 - 34 over his final 48 games as head coach, certainly not worthy of returning.
But let's play Devil's Advocate here for second. While many assume Bowles will be a goner a week from today, there is no guarantee it will happen. If the Johnson Brothers keep him around another year they could use injuries, a lack of depth at the skill positions and the development of a rookie quarterback as excuses. Jets fans won't like it, but it wouldn't be the first time.
The Jets desperately need a new leader who can instill discipline and focus on this football team. Watching the Jets get flagged 16 times yesterday was more of an indictment of the lack of discipline instilled by Bowles, a problem that has persisted for years. They also need someone who can groom quarterback Sam Darnold into a top flight NFL starting quarterback. He's on his way, but he needs more help.
Regarding Harbaugh, the Jets have flirted with him twice before in 2009 and 2015, and got nowhere as Harbaugh took jobs with the 49ers and Michigan respectively. He would give the Jets the offensive minded coach they are looking for, and he has a reputation of winning big right away wherever he goes. He turned Stanford around into a top 25 team when he was there, and turned the San Francisco 49ers into a perennial playoff team during his four year tenure. At Michigan, while he hasn't beaten Ohio State, the program is better off today then it was before Harbaugh arrived in Ann Arbor.
At the same time, Harbaugh developed a cantankerous reputation, and tends to rub people the wrong way like he did in San Francisco. He is someone who doesn't stay long once he arrives.
If he came here, the Jets would have to make a lot of guarantees to Harbaugh, as some have speculated they would match the $7 million-a-year that Harbaugh gets paid annually from Michigan, which is absolutely insane for a head coach.
Perhaps the Jets kicked the tires again on Harbaugh, and he already told them, "Thanks, but no thanks." Harbaugh has already told the press that he intends on staying at Michigan for the foreseeable future.
He maybe telling the truth, or it could be all subterfuge. Only those intimately involved know the truth.
If he did say no, perhaps the Jets have turned their focuses to other candidates like former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy.
The game of musical coaching chairs has already begun at 1 Jet Drive.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Jets, Bowles Melt Against Aaron Rodgers Heroics
PACKERS 44 - JETS 38 - OVERTIME
It was the tale of two games. For three quarters, this game between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers was about the maturation of Jets rookie Sam Darnold.
The other quarter was an execution in ineptitude as the Jets couldn't slow down Aaron Rodgers, who single handedly brought the Packers all the way back from a 15-point deficit to beat the Jets in overtime 44-38.
And to top it off, Jets head coach Todd Bowles had one group to blame: the refs.
"I thought we played two teams. I thought we played the Packers and the stripped shirts."
Those are comments that almost certainly will get Bowles fined by the NFL, but honestly you can't blame him for being upset. The Jets got absolutely hosed a couple of calls in the overtime period as Rodgers was picking apart the Jets secondary.
The first penalty of the overtime came on third and ten at the Green Bay 40, when Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson was called for pass interference on his coverage of Marquez Valdez-Scantling. It appeared there was plenty of pushing and shoving by both sides, until Johnson appeared to grab Scantling's hand when the ball quickly approached. The refs are going to call that every time.
The penalty that really had to set Bowles off came two plays later. After the Packers were called for an illegal shift, the refs decided to review and penalize the Jets for having too many men on the field. The call was ridiculous considering the 12th man on the field was already on the sideline by the time the ball was snapped. The call was horrendous, and instead of forcing the Packers into a third and six, they replied the second down at the Jets 18, which Green Bay obviously converted.
Three plays later, Buster Skrine got called for pass interference against Valdes-Scantling on a incompletion by Rodgers. The Packers got a new set of downs, before Rodgers finally tossed the game winner to Dvante Adams.
While Bowles had every right to be upset, it didn't excuse the fact that the Jets defense imploded. The Jets were called for 16 penalties on Sunday, six of them coming in crunch time. Keep in mind on Green Bay's go-ahead touchdown drive in regulation, the Jets were never flagged. Instead Rodgers carved up the Jets with a mix of passes and naked bootlegs, as he maneuvered the Packers on an 11-play 83-yard drive before scoring on a one-yard plunge to make it 38-35.
The Jets were able to tie the game after Andre Roberts set things up nicely on a 51-yard kick return to the Green Bay 38, but the Jets didn't get far as the offense stalled at the Packers 15 with a curious play call on third down and ten as Darnold threw the ball away. Instead they settled for the field goal to tie it with 0:21 second in the fourth quarter.
Before everything came apart for New York, they were enjoying the fruits of a 35-20 lead. Sam Darnold was fantastic. He was cutting apart the Packers secondary with precise accuracy as he led the Jets to touchdowns on each of their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead.
Roberts then brought the house down with a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown that gave Gang Green a 21-7 lead.
After Green Bay closed to within one-point at 21-20, Darnold went right back to work, leading the Jets on a nifty seven-play 75-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown to Chris Herndon to give the Jets a 28-20 lead.
After the Packers fumbled the ensuing kick-off back to the Jets, it looked like Gang Green was going for the kill when Elijah McGuire barreled his way to the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown to make it 35-20 Jets with 2:50 to go in the third.
Darnold finished 24 of 35 on the day for 341 yards and three touchdowns. In the three games since his return from a foot injury, Darnold has throw for six touchdowns and one pick, and is quickly turning into a big time NFL quarterback before our eyes.
Even in defeat there was a lot to like about the Jets. Darnold being one of them. The others were Herndon who had six catches for 82 yards and a score, and Robby Andreson who hauled in nine balls for 140 yards and a touchdown. McGuire was very nice out of the backfield, but the Jets got away from him in the fourth quarter.
There is talent here. There is potential here. All the Jets need is a leader at the head coach position to prepare and discipline this team, better than Bowles has. This team is too out of control under Todd Bowles. If they get the right head coach, and the right pieces to put around some of this core, the Jets could be really good, really fast come next season.
It was the tale of two games. For three quarters, this game between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers was about the maturation of Jets rookie Sam Darnold.
The other quarter was an execution in ineptitude as the Jets couldn't slow down Aaron Rodgers, who single handedly brought the Packers all the way back from a 15-point deficit to beat the Jets in overtime 44-38.
And to top it off, Jets head coach Todd Bowles had one group to blame: the refs.
"I thought we played two teams. I thought we played the Packers and the stripped shirts."
Those are comments that almost certainly will get Bowles fined by the NFL, but honestly you can't blame him for being upset. The Jets got absolutely hosed a couple of calls in the overtime period as Rodgers was picking apart the Jets secondary.
The first penalty of the overtime came on third and ten at the Green Bay 40, when Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson was called for pass interference on his coverage of Marquez Valdez-Scantling. It appeared there was plenty of pushing and shoving by both sides, until Johnson appeared to grab Scantling's hand when the ball quickly approached. The refs are going to call that every time.
The penalty that really had to set Bowles off came two plays later. After the Packers were called for an illegal shift, the refs decided to review and penalize the Jets for having too many men on the field. The call was ridiculous considering the 12th man on the field was already on the sideline by the time the ball was snapped. The call was horrendous, and instead of forcing the Packers into a third and six, they replied the second down at the Jets 18, which Green Bay obviously converted.
Three plays later, Buster Skrine got called for pass interference against Valdes-Scantling on a incompletion by Rodgers. The Packers got a new set of downs, before Rodgers finally tossed the game winner to Dvante Adams.
While Bowles had every right to be upset, it didn't excuse the fact that the Jets defense imploded. The Jets were called for 16 penalties on Sunday, six of them coming in crunch time. Keep in mind on Green Bay's go-ahead touchdown drive in regulation, the Jets were never flagged. Instead Rodgers carved up the Jets with a mix of passes and naked bootlegs, as he maneuvered the Packers on an 11-play 83-yard drive before scoring on a one-yard plunge to make it 38-35.
The Jets were able to tie the game after Andre Roberts set things up nicely on a 51-yard kick return to the Green Bay 38, but the Jets didn't get far as the offense stalled at the Packers 15 with a curious play call on third down and ten as Darnold threw the ball away. Instead they settled for the field goal to tie it with 0:21 second in the fourth quarter.
Before everything came apart for New York, they were enjoying the fruits of a 35-20 lead. Sam Darnold was fantastic. He was cutting apart the Packers secondary with precise accuracy as he led the Jets to touchdowns on each of their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead.
Roberts then brought the house down with a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown that gave Gang Green a 21-7 lead.
After Green Bay closed to within one-point at 21-20, Darnold went right back to work, leading the Jets on a nifty seven-play 75-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown to Chris Herndon to give the Jets a 28-20 lead.
After the Packers fumbled the ensuing kick-off back to the Jets, it looked like Gang Green was going for the kill when Elijah McGuire barreled his way to the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown to make it 35-20 Jets with 2:50 to go in the third.
Darnold finished 24 of 35 on the day for 341 yards and three touchdowns. In the three games since his return from a foot injury, Darnold has throw for six touchdowns and one pick, and is quickly turning into a big time NFL quarterback before our eyes.
Even in defeat there was a lot to like about the Jets. Darnold being one of them. The others were Herndon who had six catches for 82 yards and a score, and Robby Andreson who hauled in nine balls for 140 yards and a touchdown. McGuire was very nice out of the backfield, but the Jets got away from him in the fourth quarter.
There is talent here. There is potential here. All the Jets need is a leader at the head coach position to prepare and discipline this team, better than Bowles has. This team is too out of control under Todd Bowles. If they get the right head coach, and the right pieces to put around some of this core, the Jets could be really good, really fast come next season.
Giants Choke Away Large Lead in Indy, Lose by One
COLTS 28 - GIANTS 27
Only the 2018 Giants could find a way to lose.
With leads of 14-0, 17-7 and 24-14, the Giants still found a way to give away a game to the Indianapolis Colts as Big Blue fell 28-27 in the next to last week of the season, allowing a desperate Colts team to escape with their playoff lives still intact.
For a Giants team that didn't even show up last week against Tennessee, they got off to a sizzling start with a 14-0 lead right out of the gate. But of course it wasn't enough.
The momentum started to turn when Colts quarterback Andrew Luck hit TY Hilton on a 55-yard catch-and-run to set up the Colts second touchdown of the day to cut the Giants lead down to 17-14.
After the Giants quickly responded with an eight play, 85-yard drive, culminating in a one-yard Eli Manning run to give Big Blue a 24-14 lead, the Colts stormed right back.
A seven play, 74-yard drive by Indy was highlighted by a hideous holding penalty on Janoris Jenkins, erasing a fumble by Luck that would have given the Giants the ball right back. Instead, Indianapolis retained position and scored two plays later on a Marlon Mack three-yard run to make it 24-21.
Unfortunately for Big Blue, the just don't have the horses to outlast a team like the Colts. A three-and-out by the Giants offense proved deadly as Indianapolis continued its roll offensively with Luck orchestrating an inspired two-minute offense to take the lead.
A 14-yard scramble by Luck moved the football to the Giants 30-yard line with two minutes to go. A few plays later, Luck hit Hilton again from 12-yards out to give Indy a new set of downs inside the Giants 10-yard line. Finally, Luck found Chester Rogers for the go-ahead score to give Indy a 28-27 lead.
As has been apropos of the entire season, the Giants had one more shot with 0:55 seconds to go, but Manning was picked off by Malik Hooker sealing the Giants fate.
At 5-10, Big Blue finishes this nightmare of a season next week against the Cowboys.
Only the 2018 Giants could find a way to lose.
With leads of 14-0, 17-7 and 24-14, the Giants still found a way to give away a game to the Indianapolis Colts as Big Blue fell 28-27 in the next to last week of the season, allowing a desperate Colts team to escape with their playoff lives still intact.
For a Giants team that didn't even show up last week against Tennessee, they got off to a sizzling start with a 14-0 lead right out of the gate. But of course it wasn't enough.
The momentum started to turn when Colts quarterback Andrew Luck hit TY Hilton on a 55-yard catch-and-run to set up the Colts second touchdown of the day to cut the Giants lead down to 17-14.
After the Giants quickly responded with an eight play, 85-yard drive, culminating in a one-yard Eli Manning run to give Big Blue a 24-14 lead, the Colts stormed right back.
A seven play, 74-yard drive by Indy was highlighted by a hideous holding penalty on Janoris Jenkins, erasing a fumble by Luck that would have given the Giants the ball right back. Instead, Indianapolis retained position and scored two plays later on a Marlon Mack three-yard run to make it 24-21.
Unfortunately for Big Blue, the just don't have the horses to outlast a team like the Colts. A three-and-out by the Giants offense proved deadly as Indianapolis continued its roll offensively with Luck orchestrating an inspired two-minute offense to take the lead.
A 14-yard scramble by Luck moved the football to the Giants 30-yard line with two minutes to go. A few plays later, Luck hit Hilton again from 12-yards out to give Indy a new set of downs inside the Giants 10-yard line. Finally, Luck found Chester Rogers for the go-ahead score to give Indy a 28-27 lead.
As has been apropos of the entire season, the Giants had one more shot with 0:55 seconds to go, but Manning was picked off by Malik Hooker sealing the Giants fate.
At 5-10, Big Blue finishes this nightmare of a season next week against the Cowboys.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Yankees Closing in on Manny Machado? OPEN MIKE PODCAST
On this edition of the Open Mike Program, I welcome back John Pielli of the Passed Ball show to talk about the Yankees chances of landing slugger Manny Machado this Christmas season.
Friday, December 21, 2018
John Harbaugh to Stay at Ravens, Jets Should Look at McCarthy
Jets fans hoping that John Harbaugh would coach
their team next season can now forget that pipedream.
To really nobody’s surprise, the Baltimore Ravens announced Friday
night that Harbaugh will remain with the franchise for the 2019 season and
beyond. The Ravens plan on working out a multi-year extension with Harbaugh,
whose current contract runs out at the end of next season.
Harbaugh, who is the winningest coach in Ravens history with a
record of 112-77, and a victory in Super Bowl XLVII, was rumored to be fired as
recently as mid-November when the team was standing at 4-5 after a 23-16 loss
to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then Harbaugh embraced change and went with rookie quarterback Lamar
Jackson over the oft-injured and ineffective Joe Flacco. It had to be a tough
decision for Harbaugh, because Flacco has been his guy their entire time
together in Baltimore. The Ravens responded extremely well with Jackson under
center; they are 4-1 in their last five games, with a hold on the final wild
card spot.
Harbaugh was expected to be the apple of many coach-deprived teams’
eyes this off-season, including the Jets. Instead the game plan is going to
have to change.
If the Jets want to an experienced head coach to lead the team the
only guy available with a successful resume is Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy was fired after the Packers lost to the hapless Arizona
Cardinals in week 13. McCarthy won 125 games and a Super Bowl over 12 seasons
in Green Bay. While his relationship with Aaron Rodgers crumbled the last two
seasons, he is the offensive-minded coach the Jets are looking for.
Last Saturday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said McCarthy was at the
top of the Jets’ wish list, and that Gang Green would be “big game hunting” for
a new head coach. With Harbaugh out of the picture, McCarthy’s value is only
going to increase.
After McCarthy the coaching waters get murky.
Do the Jets roll the dice on a college coach? Matt Campbell of Iowa
State has long been rumored to draw interest from the NFL, but he just signed an
extension. Everyone and their grandmother love Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley, but he
has shown no intention of leaving the Sooners anytime soon.
College coaches jumping to the NFL is a huge gamble. Outside of
Jimmy Johnson, and to an extent Barry Switzer (who was coaching Johnson’s
players in Dallas), college coaches struggle in the NFL. Nick Saban? Steve
Spurrier? Chip Kelly? All failed as NFL head coaches.
Then there are the NFL assistant coaches. John DiFilippo was
recently fired in Minnesota. Outside of being the quarterback coach for the
Eagles last year, DiFilippo has been fired at every stop he held an offensive
coordinator job.
Titans Offensive Coordinator Matt LaFluer has run the Titans offense
into the ground. Outside of Derrick Henry’s late season surge at running back,
the Titans never score, and quarterback Marcus Mariota has regressed.
Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bienemy and Saints Offensive
Coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. have also been named as potential head coaching
candidates. But how much impact do those two really have when Andy Reid and
Sean Payton are calling the plays for those respective teams?
A wild card candidate could be Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh
McDaniels. But let’s get real, Bill Belichick will never allow McDaniels to
leave the Patriots to coach the Jets. And considering McDaniel’s checkered
history, he would be an extremely risky choice.
If the Jets don’t go with the offensive coordinator route, they
could target Chiefs Special Teams coach Dave Toub.
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is also rumored to be on the
Hot Seat after the Panthers disappointing season this year. Rivera is a defensive coordinator by trade,
but he has done a solid job as a head coach in Carolina. Like Harbaugh, I’ll
believe a potential Rivera firing when I see it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Giants' Saquon Barkley makes his first Pro Bowl
Giants rookie running back is running to the Pro Bowl in Orlando after a spectacular 2018 campaign, becoming the first Giants' rookie to appear in the game since 1965.
It has been an unbelievable year for Barkley, who was drafted second overall in last spring's draft. He is third in the NFL in rushing with 1,155 yards, and leads the Giants in all-purpose yards with 1.809. He is just 403 yards away from tying Hall of Famer Erik Dickerson's record from his rookie year in 1983.
That is how special Barkely has become for the Giants. In a lost year, he, along with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., is a human highlight reel.
Ever the gentleman, Barkley took the nomination in stride, sounding like the complete opposite of Jamal Adams across town who bragged and whined his way to his first Pro Bowl nod this year.
"It's an honor to be up there," Barkley said. "But at the end of trendy, that doesn't really matter. It only matters how many wins you get, and we've got to figure out how to continue to get those wins."
Barkley isn't the only Giant heading to Orlando. Safety Landon Collins and kicker Aldrick Rojas also made the squad.
Collins probably won't play in the game after under going shoulder surgery, but it is a nice nod to him inspite of a rough season. Collins had his weakest year by his standards, recording only 96 tackles, no sacks, no interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Rojas has been terrific this year for the Giants' Special Teams unit. He has connected on 96 percent of his field goals and has missed only one extra point.
The Pro Bowl will be held the week between the Conference Title games and the Super Bowl.
It has been an unbelievable year for Barkley, who was drafted second overall in last spring's draft. He is third in the NFL in rushing with 1,155 yards, and leads the Giants in all-purpose yards with 1.809. He is just 403 yards away from tying Hall of Famer Erik Dickerson's record from his rookie year in 1983.
That is how special Barkely has become for the Giants. In a lost year, he, along with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., is a human highlight reel.
Ever the gentleman, Barkley took the nomination in stride, sounding like the complete opposite of Jamal Adams across town who bragged and whined his way to his first Pro Bowl nod this year.
"It's an honor to be up there," Barkley said. "But at the end of trendy, that doesn't really matter. It only matters how many wins you get, and we've got to figure out how to continue to get those wins."
Barkley isn't the only Giant heading to Orlando. Safety Landon Collins and kicker Aldrick Rojas also made the squad.
Collins probably won't play in the game after under going shoulder surgery, but it is a nice nod to him inspite of a rough season. Collins had his weakest year by his standards, recording only 96 tackles, no sacks, no interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Rojas has been terrific this year for the Giants' Special Teams unit. He has connected on 96 percent of his field goals and has missed only one extra point.
The Pro Bowl will be held the week between the Conference Title games and the Super Bowl.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Jamal Adams one of three Jets heading to Pro Bowl
Jamal Adams has finally got one of his wishes.
The Jets safety is heading to the Pro Bowl.
Adams was one of three Jets that were nominated to the AFC-NFC
contest, along with kick returner Andre Roberts and kicker Jason Myers.
It’s the first time the Jets have had multiple Pro Bowlers since
2015 when Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Muhammad Wilkerson got the nod.
Leonard Williams was a Pro Bowl replacement in 2016. The Jets sent no players to the Pro Bowl last
season.
Adams made no bones he was upset he got “snubbed” last year when he
vowed on social media that he will “never again” miss the Pro Bowl.
“I won’t miss another Pro Bowl. Believe that,” he Tweeted a year ago.
Let’s hope for the Jets sake, Adams one day can make an exception for "missing" a Pro Bowl if the Jets EVER become a really good team, since
teams that go to the Big Game never send their Pro Bowlers, which is held the
week between the Conference title games and the Super Bowl.
This year Adams turned down the rhetoric somewhat about the Pro Bowl
saying, “Obviously
I’m not going to sit here and say it doesn’t [mean anything],” Adams said.
“That’s definitely been a dream of mine to make the Pro Bowl. But am I focused
on it? No. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
Well it’s happened. And it
was deserved. Adams is tied for first among safeties in sacks (3.5), forced
fumbles (3), tackles for a loss (9) and quarterback hits (8), while also
ranking in the top five in tackles (94) and passes defensed (12).
As for Andre Roberts, he has
been a pleasant surprise this season. A nine-year veteran who has bouced around
the league with teams like the Redskins, Cardinals and Falcons, Roberts led the
NFL in punt return average at 14.9 yards, and has eight returns of 40-yards or
more.
His 78-yard punt return for a
touchdown helped ignite the Jets 48-17 win at Detroit in Week 1. He also had
his first touchdown catch at wide receiver in two years just this past weekend
against Houston.
Roberts leads the jets with
912 yards on kick-offs and 312 yards on punt returns.
Finally, the other Special
Teams standout, kicker Jason Myers earned his first Pro Bowl nomination with a
solid first campaign with the Jets. Inspite of the yips last week where he
missed two critical extra points, Myers has connected on 94 percent of his
field goals and 89 percent of his extra points this year.
The Jets came into the season
unsure of who their kicker would be, and Myers won the job after the team
signed him late in training camp. Certainly with such a solid season in 2018,
Myers may have found a home with the Jets.
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