This is NOT how you tank. Many on this board will remember how the Jets did this very successfully more than 20 years ago and I think our front office could use a history lesson. They should have signed high-priced free agents, including the best quarterback available and book-end offensive tackles to protect him. They should have brought in receivers rather than cutting them. In 1996 the Jets spent $70 million in free agent contracts—and $70 million was a lot of money in 1996. They brought in Neil O’Donnell, Jumbo Elliot, David Williams, Jeff Graham and Webster Slaughter. They went all-in to compete and win a Vince Lombardi Trophy. The result was perfect. They went from 3-13 to 1-15 and got the No.1 draft pick for the second year running. Of course, it helps if you have Rich Kotite as head coach, and the jury is still out on whether or not we actually do. As far as I can see the Jets have only done one thing right so far this time around—double-double-dipping in the draft. In 1996 they took wide receivers with their first two picks (Keyshawn Johnson and Alex Van Dyke), and defensive backs with their next two (Ray Mickens and Marcus Coleman). This year they did it the other way round. But everything else has been the polar opposite, and I’m fearful this team might not tank enough to get that precious top pick. I hate it when the lessons of history are ignored.
Sorry but that 1-15 team had more talent on it than the current team has (most notably on the offensive side of the ball) - we're on our way to a similiar record this season.
Thing is, Parcells took that basically same team , added Curtis Martin and Testeverde...and managed to to the get the team 1 game from the Super Bowl. And, if they happened to play Denver at home instead at their turf, the out come could have been quite different. All it takes is a good QB with a sprinkle of key talent here and their, bingo, instant winner. Picking Keyshawn at #1 was not the wisest move. Vandyke pick was just plain horrible. They should have traded down and stock piled but, from what I recall that year, the draft class was not very deep.
We had the No.1 pick in consecutive years when there wasn't a single decent QB coming out of college (at least not after Manning decided to stay in school). How's that for luck?
