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Time For The New York Jets To Embrace Change

By Tyson Rauch

The New York Jets enter the final week of the 2014 season as one of the worst teams in the National Football League with a record of 3-12. The Jets will be missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, which has many believing that there will be significant changes made throughout the organization.

Reports are starting to circulate that Woody Johnson will hire two consultants, with one identified as former Texans and Redskins General Manager Charlie Casserly, to help the Jets owner determine a plan of attack for his franchise.

If these reports are indeed true, this is a very good first step by Woody Johnson as he starts to right some of his wrongs. Mr. Johnson has to find proven football guys to help him make crucial football decisions. The Jets, as they currently stand, are in desperate need of a complete makeover starting with the front office and personnel department.

New perspective

One of Woody Johnson’s biggest problems is that he remains loyal to several members of his staff including Terry Bradway, the team’s Senior Director of College Scouting. In order for the Jets to truly start over, this approach has to change with the new decision makers allowed the ability to bring in their own people. The new leaders in the front office should no longer be forced to inherit scouts or personnel associates.

A new voice

Rex Ryan did a tremendous job of changing the culture within the Jets organization as he gave the team some much needed bravado and confidence. Ryan became the face of the franchise and a coach that the players loved to play for. Unfortunately for Rex, his presence has started to diminish as the losses pile up. The Jets coach continues to talk, but no one seems to be listening, which is evident by the team’s obvious lack of discipline and accountability.

At this point, Gang Green needs a stern disciplinarian that will hold each player accountable on and off of the field. If a player does not practice, study, or perform up to the mandated expectations then they do not see the field. There needs to be a new sense of leadership and respect established in the locker room with increased expectations.

A bright future?

All is not lost with the New York Jets as the team will be entering the 2015 season with a significant amount of cap space and a top 10 draft pick.The Jets have some solid players to build around including Nick Mangold,Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Eric Decker and Chris Ivory. Now it is up to owner Woody Johnson to put together a staff that can maximize the organization's resources.

A decisive change in direction and leadership could have Gang Green competing for the postseason sooner than later.

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.

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