Tough Cuts Loom Tough Decisions Facing GM Mike Maccagnan
The New York Jets have some tough decisions to make regarding the final back up spots on the team. By Saturday 4pm est, NFL rosters must trim down to 53 players.
The Jets have a plethora of talent and depth going into the start of the season, this may even be the deepest Jets team in recent memory. First question everyone is asking, How many Quarterbacks will the Jets take to start the season?
Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in week 1 against the Browns, but it still remains to see who the back up Quarterback will be. The Jets have made it clear that Bryce Petty will be “red-shirted” this season. The Jets brass doesn’t feel comfortable having the rookie Quarterback as a back up to Fitzgerald, and want him to learn the game from the sidelines. The team brought in Josh Johnson and the Veteran Matt Flynn for insurance purposes.
Josh Johnson and Matt Flynn saw a heavy dose of action in the final preseason game. Both played well and made a case to win the back up job. Flynn showed poise and ran the offense very fluently, he was aided by a good rushing attack. The offensive line gave him time and he made some great throws. Flynn went 10 for 14 with 136 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. Although it was against a shotty Eagles second string defense, he managed Chan Gailey’s offense well and looked comfortable running it.
Josh Johnson took over in the second half and also had a solid game. He escaped the pocket and eluded defenders during designed running plays. He ran the ball effectively. On seven carries, he totaled 76 yards rushing, while in the air he went 7 for 12 for 86 yards.
The biggest thing you can take away from his second half action was his ability to keep plays alive, to go along with his good rushing performance.
The battle at QB might go to Flynn, but I’m sure Johnson has opened up a lot of eyes with his performance and we expect him to be signed to the practice squad.
Other players on the bubble include Chris Owusu, Shaq Evans, Rontez Miles, Joe Mays and Walter Powell just to name a few.
All are deserving, but Miles has been arguably the best safety in camp and preseason. It’s hard to think that Head Coach Todd Bowles wouldn’t keep him on the Roster, especially with the way he values defensive backs. Walter Powell has improved a great deal since last year, and looks like he can be a force on special teams.
A lot of rumors also think that Jeremy Kerley could be cut, which would come to a bit of surprise, considering last October he signed a four-year, $14 million dollar contract extension. Kerley has been seeing alot of reps with the back-ups as Quincy Enunwa has taken alot of the third receiver snaps. He seems like a shoe in for a roster spot.
With the lost of Amaro for the year, many hinted that Enunwa’s size can be ideal for using him as a WR/TE. Todd Bowles has been non committal when asked such questions.
Head Coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan have their work cut out, and I’m sure NFL teams will keep a close eye on the Jets roster moves. There is no doubt that these players can contribute at the NFL level and many teams will scramble to sign alot of former Jets. By Saturday afternoon, all Jet Fans will know who will go into Week 1 on the 53 man roster.
The Athletes Hub will keep you posted, follow us on Twitter @HubOfAthletes
