Athletic Article Paints Damning Picutre of 2023 New York Jets

 A blistering article about the inner workings of the New York Jets paints a distressing picture from the 2023 season, and leaves fans with nothing but questions about how much worse things could get. 

The story published by The Athletic via writers Dianna Russini and Zach Rosenblatt, drops a number of disappointing and disturbing nuggets about the franchise, namely an apparent lack of accountability and innovation on the part of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as well as "paranoia" from Head Coach Robert Saleh. 

Russini and Rosenblat say right off the bat they spoke with over 30 sources both from within and outside the organization, and that the Jets and Rodgers would not comment. 

The article is mostly a follow up to a piece Rosenblatt and Russini did back in December when word came out that quarterback Zach Wilson was "reluctant" to get back into the starting lineup for the Jets after getting benched by the team prior to it's week 12 contest against Miami. 

And they don't hold back.

 "Publicly, Saleh avoided criticizing Zach Wilson or even acknowledging his struggles. Privately, the coach pinned many of the teams offensive issues on Wilson, the line and the receivers and told people getting to eight wins with Wilson at quarterback would be a 'miracle,'" the article states. 

If that is true, why did the Jets stick with Wilson for so long? 

The story continues..."When [Aaron] Rodgers went down, the Jets reache dout to some veteran quarterbacks - like Chad Henne, Carson Wentz, and Colt McCoy -- but decided instead to roll with Wilson until (or if) Rodgers returned. Joe Flacco -- was available, but key decision-makers inside the building didn't think Flacco would be an upgrade..." 

That is a condemning statement about the Jets, and possibly GM Joe Douglas, since he would be the primary decision maker on personnel. As we all know now, Flacco came off his couch to send the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, all while beating the Jets en route in Week 17. 

The article also claims that Rodgers and Wilson grew distant over the course of the season. 

Moreover, Robert Saleh grew upset when the Wilson story leaked out. 

On page seven of the story, Russini and Rosenblatt state: "The coach held a meeting with his staff two days later when he asked the leaker to reveal himself, according to multiple people in attendance. "If you come forward now, you won't get in trouble," he told them while threatening to take their cell phones." 

On Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett

The Athletic story goes hard after Hackett and Rodgers. At one point a source is quoted as calling Joe Douglas the "assistant GM" to Rodgers. Furthermore, Rodgers relationship with Hackett is more "frat brothers than player/coach." 

Hackett is also blasted for lacking "attention to detail," and for not getting together with staff until the "last minute of game prep." 

Already we have seen that the Jets have made moves to change their coaching staff, such as the hiring's of Tony Dews as running backs coach, and Shawn Jefferson as wide receivers coach. Perhaps that goes more in line with the statements in the story that speak of a "collaborative" effort with the offensive game plan. 

Still this story is a damning one. It looks bad on everyone. The worst part is it comes out perhaps four weeks too late. 

The Coaching Carousel is virtually complete, save for the Washington Commanders job. The Jets already committed to Saleh and Douglas returning to action in 2024. All Jets fans can hope for is that the team wins and wins alot in order to make stories like this go away. 

Aaron Rodgers & Jimmy Kimmel Disputes Ends with A-Rod Off McAfee Show

 I really don't know where to go with this one. The twisted web of hatred between Jimmy Kimmel and Aaron Rodgers boiled over and exploded the past two weeks after Rodgers allegedly linked Kimmel to the infamous Jeffery Epstein list, and now, after just about everyone from both sides of the political isle jumped in on this debate, Rodgers segment on the Pat McAfee show is over. 

And it's probably for the best. 

It all started last Tuesday when Rodgers, McAfee and A.J. Hawk were tossing around conspiracy theories, to which Hawk asked:

"This got something to do with the Epstein list?"

"Hey that's supposed to be coming out soon. There are lot of people including Jimmy Kimmel who are really  hoping that doesn't come out..." Rodgers answered. 

That response set off a firestorm and chain of events that culminated Wednesday. 

First Kimmel blasted Rodgers on Twitter for dabbling in conspiracy theories, and for putting him in "danger" by connecting him to Epstein. He even threatened legal action against the former Green Bay Packers legend.

Then on Monday, Kimmel continued to hit back in a seven minute diatribe, during which he questioned the quarterback's intelligence. 

Rodgers hit back on Tuesday, by saying his words were taken out of context.

"I totally understand how serious an accusation of pedophilia would be. I am not stupid enough, even though you think I am an idiot, and you made a lot of comments about my intelligence. I am not stupid enough to accuse you of that without concrete evidence. I am glad you are not on that list," the Jets quarterback stated.

 

Rodgers later went scorched earth on ESPN executives, the COVID-19 Vaccine before finally talking football with McAfee. 

By Wednesday McAfee announced that Rodgers would not appear on the show for the foreseeable future. Whether that means just until the end of the NFL playoffs, or until next season, or forever is anyone's guess. 

Fact is this was a feud that got out of hand. It all started two years ago when Kimmel questioned Rodgers vaccination status. Rarely do people hit back at Kimmel's jabs, Rodgers did, and the two have been slapping at each other ever since. 

While it made for good social media fodder and I am sure it spiked the rating for both Kimmel and McAfee, the truth is this didn't make anyone look good. Everyone looked bad on this.

Rodgers said the other day in his Jets postseason press conference that it was time to get the "B.S." out of the building. He could set the example himself by not feeding into the political nonsense of the day.

NFL Coaching Carousel Gets Bigger With Peter Carroll Departure

 Who knew that the Black Monday would stretch all the way out to Black Wednesday, but that is the world we live in now. 

Two more coaches have been fired by their respective organizations, and they are both big names: Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans and Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks. 

They join a growing list of coaches who have hit the unemployment line as seven teams are now looking for a head coach. That number could expand to eight when the New England Patriots do what many expect them to do, and that is release Bill Belichick from his remaining year of his contract. 

And watch out for Dallas and Philadelphia. Rumblings on social media have indicated that Mike McCarthy and Nick Siriani aren't exactly safe if either the Cowboys or Eagles are eliminated this weekend in the Wild Card round. 

There is even a report that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin could step away if the Steelers lose to Buffalo on Sunday. 

It's pretty wild. 

Carroll's departure is somewhat surprising. There was never an indication that he was on the Hot Seat, even after a disappointing 9-8 season where Seattle just barely missed the playoffs. 

However after Caroll met with team ownership the decision was made to move in another direction. It was reported he could move into an advisory role. 

It is expected that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could head back to Seattle as its new Head Coach. Quinn was an assistant under Carroll from 2009-10 and again as his Defensive Coordinator in 2013-14 when Seattle won the Super Bowl. 

After taking the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 2017, Quinn became Dallas' D.C. in 2021 and has managed one of the NFL's best units. He would be an easy fit in Seattle. 

Meanwhile Vrabel's departure from Tennessee is interesting, and it could also impact New England. 

Vrabel was reportedly interested in the Patriots job, and was inducted into their team Hall of Fame this past October. He would be the most logical replacement for Bill Belichick. Of all the Belichick disciples, Vrabel has been the most successful with a 54-45 record as a head coach. 

We shall see, because Belichick is still operating as if nothing is going to happen up in Foxboro. 

 

 

Martindale and Giants FINALLY Part Ways

 It was a bizarre 48 hours, but the New York Giants are finally looking for a new defensive coordinator. 

Wink Martindale and Big Blue formally agreed to part ways according to Ralph Vacciano of Fox Sports, ending two bizarre days that was highlighted by reports Martindale cursed out Head Coach Brian Daboll before storming out the building. 

 

Martindale and Daboll have long been at odds. Back in November it was reported that there was a chance the Giants could move on from their defensive coordinator in season. When pressed by the media about the rift, Daboll tried to make a joke of it, stating that the only argument they've had was over pizza. 

Right, sure coach. 

 

Martindale reportedly grew upset over the ouster of two of his assistants, Kevin and Drew Wilkons, both whom were fired on Monday. Martindale got in an argument with Daboll, left the building and went straight home to Florida. 

Now free, Martindale forfeits the $3 million he would have been owed in 2024. He is now free to seek employment elsewhere. 

The Giants meanwhile need a new Defensive Coordinator. 

Leslie Fraizer -- who worked with Daboll in Buffalo has been speculated as a possible replacement. Antonio Pierce, if he doesn't land a head coaching job could be another candidate. 

The Giants were ranked near the bottom in the NFL in total defense, despite turning up the pressure on opponents toward the end of the season. 

Let's just say this was a good thing that both sides finally move on.

Giants Go All in to Beat Eagles, Keep Philly in Wild Card

 GIANTS 27 - EAGLES 10 

Don't tell Brian Daboll and the New York Giants that this game didn't matter. It did to them. 

A divisional game against a hated rival, with a chance to knock your rival into a worse playoff position? The Giants said 'sign us up.'

The Giants dominated the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 27-10 as the Egales didn't know what hit them. 

Philly came into the game still with hopes of winning the NFC East division. By halftime, Nick Siriani was trying to assure nobody else got hurt. A little late, considering both A.J. Brown (right knee) and Jalen Hurts (finger) left this game in the first half. 

Tyrod Taylor vs. Eagles. Getty Images

Meanwhile, Tyrod Taylor showed off his skills. Even with a thumb injury, Taylor tossed for 297 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 38-yards. Philly had no answer for Talyor who killed them with the deep ball all afternoon. 

In the second quarter, Taylor hit Wan'dale Robinson on a 28-yard post pattern down the sideline that set up shop nicely for Saquon Barkley who scored easily to give the Giants a 10-0 lead. 

After an Eagles three-and-out, Taylor was at it again, completing three-consecutive passes, including gains of 23-yards to Darren Waller and 19-yards to Robinson, before Barkley plunged in for the score to make it 17-0. 

Taylor capped off his incredible first half with a 19-yard scoring strike to Darius Slayton that gave Big Blue a 24-0 lead. 

They would never look back. 

At 6-11, the season was not what the Giant had hoped for. There are reports that the team expects Daniel Jones to be under center Week 1 next fall. Whether the Giants draft a new quarterback is a question. Big Blue selects sixth in first round of April's draft. 

The other big question is Saquon Barkley, who likely could wind up getting hit with a franchise tag again. Barkley wants a contract. This will be the story of the off-season to come. Barkley finished with 916 yards rushing, a down year compared to his eye opening 2022 season. We'll see how this plays out in the coming months. 

NOTE: 

The Giants 2024 opponents are as follows: 

Home: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Indianapolis. 

Away: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Carolina, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Cleveland.

Jets Likely Send Belichick Packing with Loss in 2023 Season Finale

 JETS 17 - PATRIOTS 3 

For many members of the 2023 New York Jets, they weren't even born, or at least in diapers, when Bill Belichick fatefully decided to write on a napkin, "I resign as HC of the NYJ," and handed it to then Jets team President Steve Gutman in the winter of 1999/2000. 

Days after those 1999 Jets wrapped up a disappointing season with hopes at 8-8, and Bill Parcells "retired" to the front office, many assumed that Belichick would take over and keep the momentum that Parcells started in 1997 going for years to come. 

We all know what happened. 

Belichick resigned. He held that awkward press conference at the Jets old digs in Hofstra and was out the door. Days later he became the HC of the NEP. 

Bill Belichick - Getty Images

After a 5-11 season in 2000, Belichick ran into a pot of gold when Tom Brady came in for an injured Drew Bledsoe and the rest as they say is history. 

Six Super Bowl titles, 17 AFC East titles, 11 trips to the AFC Title game. The Patriots under Belichick and Brady became the dynasty to end all dynasties. The Jets in turn became the Washington Generals to the Patriots, Harlem Globetrotters. 

While the Jets got the Pats number in the early Rex Ryan years, including pulling out an upset in the divisional round of the playoffs in January of 2011, it wasn't enough. 

The Jets could never match the Pats under Belichick.  And heading into this season finale, New England had won 15 in a row against New York. Wild.

So on this snowy afternoon in Foxboro, Massachusetts with both the Jets and Patriots reeling at 6-10 and 4-12 respectively, the Jets inked out a 17-3 win over New England in what is likely Belichick's final game as Patriots Head Coach. 

While it was little consultation to Jets fans who watched in horror as the man who was once their Head Coach for all of five minutes become the 21st Century answer to Vince Lombardi and Don Shula with the hated Patriots, a win is a win. Even if it cost the Jets draft position. 

The Jets-Pats game on Sunday was a total slopfest. Indicative of two teams sputtering down the stretch. If you watched that game -- it likely set football back 90 years. It was awful. Hopefully you switched over to the Jaguars-Titans game which had higher stakes and better quality football on display. 

Breece Hall - Getty Images.

 

By the fourth quarter the Jets rode the legs of Breece Hall, arguably the team's best offensive weapon who gashed the Patriots for 178 yards, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion to ice the game at 17-3. 

Hall finished the season six yards shy of 1,000, with 994 yards rushing. A bit of shame, because everyone knows that Hall is as talented as any back in the league right now. 

And to think the Jets found him sitting there in the second round of the 2022 draft. What a steal. 

Speaking of finding gold in the draft. Many fans were upset that Gang Green didn't tank the game for a higher pick.  While the Jets wound up with the 10th overall pick in the draft, many fans were upset, thinking that a good player won't drop that far. 

That's ridiculous thinking. Just look at the two great players the Jets have on offense. Garret Wilson was the 10th overall pick two years ago. Hall was the 36th overall pick. It's not where you pick. It's how you pick. 

Now it is up to Joe Douglas and company to get to work, and find a way to replicate that off-season of two-years ago. They need to. It's now or never for Douglas and Robert Saleh in 2024 to run it back with a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a re-tooled team next fall with eyes on ending another skid: 13 playoff-less seasons.