Palladino: Jets GM Idzik Comes From School Of The Big Lie
By Ernie Palladino
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So now we have heard from the general manager of the Jets, John Idzik, whose words ring about as true as those coming out of the CDC's stance on Ebola.
If you believe either of them, well, one deserves what one gets. The only difference is that many of Idzik's constituency are paying cash on the barrelhead for the privilege of hearing his thoughts, which could just as well emanate from any graduate of the government's School of the Big Lie.
Idzik's biggest lie, backed up by what obviously is now a puppet coach in Rex Ryan, is that Geno Smith could eventually mature into a franchise quarterback. Ryan even left open the possibility that Smith could start over Michael Vick at some point after Sunday's game in Kansas City, overlooking completely the fact that Idzik's second-round pick of last year has performed more like Akili Smith than Alex Smith.
Alex actually played through the second half of the Chiefs' 34-7 trouncing of the Rams last week with a shoulder strain, putting up 24 points despite the pain. Geno had no such excuse as his decision-making on three first-quarter balls left Buffalo defenders with near effortless interceptions.
The comparison with the eminent Akili Smith is no accident either. Cincinnati turned him into third overall pick of the 1999 draft. Heralded as their franchise quarterback, he didn't throw a total of 20 passes his last two of his four years with the Bengals after mucking things up his first two seasons.
But then, that was Cincinnati, and nobody cared about the Bengals. This is New York, and one can see the furor Idzik's gamble on this Smith has produced.
His comments on Smith alone would have turned the State of the Jets Union press conference into a laugher. But Idzik went even further. If nothing else, he proved he had a firm grasp of the obvious when he termed his own performance unsatisfactory.
That wasn't exactly an "Aha" moment. His two drafts, especially this year's, have by and large been disasters. Yes, he drafted Sheldon Richardson and Jace Amaro and, and, well…
He also let Darrelle Revis go, and then refused to sign him back when it appeared he would have loved to come back. He let Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie walk out of the building and sign five minutes later with the Giants. He did sign troubled Dimitri Patterson, whose literal disappearance necessitated his release. He has taken a chance on a loose cannon in Percy Harvin, whose overall demeanor might do more harm than good on a 1-7 squad.
He likes to cite his time in Seattle as proof his system works. But he never picked the players there. His job was salary cap, and he did well at managing it. Apparently Woody Johnson appreciates his efforts in maintaining a $13-million cap cushion. For what purpose? That's anybody's guess.
Finding talent, as onlookers have become acutely aware of, is another story. He's not so great at addressing positional holes, either, as Buffalo receiver Sammy Watkins might attest to after burning the secondary twice for a long, celebration-abbreviated gain and a touchdown.
The coach? Idzik praised Ryan, too. Oh, he's doing a great job. The man proved long ago that he has no concept of offense. But this so-called defensive genius now presides over a unit that can't stop anybody in the red zone, create a turnover, or prevent a big pass play at key times of the game.
The owner? He's great. Apparently Johnson has just been a bit distracted lately from selling his Fifth Avenue co-op for $80 million.
So, to summarize: The 1-7 Jets have all the pieces in place for a winner. Wonderful up-and-coming quarterback, great coach, great front office, great owner.
Everything's OK, so relax. Go about business as usual. No problem here.
Where have we heard that before?
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