Is Rex Ryan Facing A 9-Game Audition?
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets have lost 6 games in a row, which for the most part has eliminated the team from post season contention. Now the question is whether or not the Jets failure to make the playoffs for the fourth season in a row marks the end to Rex Ryan's tenure as the head coach. Or is there a possibility that Ryan is facing a 9 game audition for the remainder of the season?
A fighting chance
There is a growing notion that Rex Ryan is a dead man walking as general manager John Idzik is anxious to bring in his own head coach. The thinking is that Idzik has to bring in his own coach in order to fully implement his program and principles. This is a fair point of view as every team looks for an excuse or scapegoat when things are not going well. But contrary to popular belief I think that Rex Ryan still has a fighting chance to retain his job.
A flawed team
Heading into this season it was no secret that the Jets were a tainted team as there were several question marks at key positions including quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. John Idzik took calculated risks trying to address these positions with hopes that draft picks and lower tier free agents would pan out. Unfortunately for Idzik he missed more than he hit and there is egg all over his face as the mistakes are glaring. The draft class has been decimated by injuries while the free agent signings, or the lack thereof, left the team with talent and depth issues. Far too often this season the Jets have had to sign free agents off of the street to fill needs on game day, especially at wide receiver and defensive back. These personnel issues are inexcusable and put the head coach in a precarious situation.
The schedule lightens
Combine a team that is working through some personnel issues with an extremely difficult strength of schedule and you have a recipe for disaster, or a 6 game losing streak. Gang Green faced 5 of the NFL's best teams over the first 7 weeks of the season including the Broncos, Chargers, Packers, Lions, and Patriots. For the most part the Jets remained extremely competitive minus a complete meltdown against San Diego. Looking forward, New York's schedule lightens which will provide the team with an opportunity to regroup and salvage the season. This is where Rex Ryan's chance to shine comes into play.
The Jets head coach has to make this a 9-game season and present new challenges to his team. Rex must continue to work with Geno Smith and give the second year signal caller every opportunity to prove himself down the stretch. Ryan must open up the offense to utilize and identify all of his playmakers. On defense the Jets head coach has to continue working on creative game plans that maximize his resources. Lastly, Rex Ryan must motivate his team to ensure that they play hard, smart, physical football. Ryan has to hold everyone on his team accountable, including his staff.
16 game season
The first seven games of the season have not gone well for the New York Jets. Let's give Rex Ryan the remainder of the season before hasty decisions are made. If we have learned anything about Rex it is that he is a resilient guy. If his team follows suit they could find a way to keep Ryan's job.
For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.
Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
