The 4-8 Jets can’t blame their backup quarterbacks for all of the team’s offensive problems.
General manager Joe Douglas – the person ultimately responsible for the disastrous QB situation and the rest of the roster – is much further down the team’s food chain.
With New York’s QB situation once again in disarray, Douglas deserves criticism for his decision not to insert a serviceable No. 2 behind Aaron Rodgers.
In Week 13 alone, backup quarterbacks Joe Flacco (Browns), Gardner Minshew (Colts), Jake Browning (Bengals) and C.J. played.
Beathard (Jaguars) did well, completing a total of 90 of 133 passes (68%) for 983 yards and recording six total touchdowns (and just one interception).
Meanwhile, New York’s quarterback carousel continues to spin in the absence of Rodgers, who went down four times this season with an Achilles tendon injury.
After the team benched first-round pick Zach Wilson in the third quarter of a 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on November 19, New York handed the keys to the offense to veteran Tim Boyle.
However, the 29-year-old barely improved after two games, much to Wilson’s relief, eventually ending up on the bench for Trevor Siemian in a Week 13 loss to the Falcons.
With Boyle and Siemian failing to spark New York’s pathetic offense (260.1 YPG, 31st in the NFL), Gang Green appeared poised to reinstate Wilson as the starter for Week 14 at home against Houston, but The Athletic reported that the 24-year-old is reluctant to play. (HC Robert Saleh later quashed these claims).
The success of other backups around the league also highlights the ugly truth behind the Jets’ problems: Their offense was designed for Rodgers — and only Rodgers — to succeed.
The Jets brought in some of Rodgers’ former colleagues in Green Bay, including offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, tackle Billy Turner and receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
However, due to these additions, the Jets have failed to adequately fill some of the biggest holes on their roster. With the four-time MVP sidelined and no longer able to elevate his game, everyone in New York is in shock.
Due to the lack of production from Lazard and Cobb, the Jets are missing a true No. 2 receiver in Garrett Wilson.
Corey Davis’ surprise retirement before the season and Mecole Hardman Jr.’s deal with Kansas City at the trade deadline also derailed the passing game. Meanwhile, injuries have plagued the offensive line.
The lack of continuity across the top five has hindered New York’s running game. Breece Hall last topped 100 yards rushing on Oct. 8 against the Broncos.
Given the dismal state of New York’s offense, it’s hard to blame a quarterback not named Rodgers for the struggles. However, the blame for the backup QB situation clearly falls on Douglas.
