The Seahawks easily defeated the Jets 28-7 yesterday and Rex Ryan must be envious of how Seattle wins games. The Hawks are using a strong game of running, defense and timely passing to be in the hunt for a playoff spot. This is the same formula the Jets used in 2009 and 2010 to reach the AFC Championship game. However, things have gone badly for New York thanks to highly questionable personnel decisions by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Mark Sanchez gets a lot of attention for the team’s unproductive offense, but the erratic running game is the offense’s main culprit. It’s easy to forget that the Mark Sanchez-led Jets beat Peyton Manning and the Colts in the postseason. They also beat Tom Brady and the Patriots in the playoffs the following week. Sánchez is not and will never be an elite quarterback who can run an offense. However, he gives Sanchez a strong running attack and can be effective throwing out of the game action.
Tannenbaum decided that Shonn Greene was the comeback leader of New York’s “ground and pound” offensive philosophy. Greene (15 carries for 58 yards (3.9 per minute) vs. Seattle) is a decent No. 2 running back, but he just isn’t good enough to anchor a running game. Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch (27 carries for 124 yards (4.6 per minute), 1 TD vs. New York) is the type of defender the Jets desperately need. The Jets passed over Doug Martin in the 2012 NFL Draft and the explosive rookie has done wonders helping trade Josh Freeman. New York also struck out with the pick of Joe McKnight in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. The hope was that McKnight could provide the running game with some big plays due to his speed and quickness in a complementary role. However, McKnight has been tried at running back and unproductive. The Jets are mediocre at running backs and it’s one of the main reasons why “ground and hit” on offense too often turns into “duck and drop.”
An almost always-running Shonn Greene isn’t the only reason for New York’s disappointing running game. The Jets’ offensive line has taken a step back the past two seasons with right tackle and left guard as weak points. By contrast, Seattle has improved their offensive line over the past two seasons and they do a good job of opening up holes for Marshawn Lynch to get through.
The Jets are likely to miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The pressure is mounting on Mike Tannenbaum to right the ship. The big question this offseason will be whether or not Tannenbaum decides that Sanchez is the scapegoat for the offense. The Jets are basically starting over if Mark Sanchez takes the fall. The best way to do it right might be for New York’s scouts to find a running back who can create his own and solidify the offensive line.
