A lot of deep balls that Fitz threw this season were dropped, very true. However, on many of those, the receiver seemed to be pretty well covered. That could be because he isn't getting enough zip on the ball to lead the receiver properly or he doesn't have the right timing to release the ball when the receiver makes his break. In either case, I think we can all agree that Fitz doesn't have the strongest arm in the league and that could be an issue going forward. While I don't expect him to regress (he's too experienced for that), I do expect opposing defenses to take him more seriously and try to exploit his weaknesses to a greater degree as we saw in the final game.
I wouldn't object to re-signing Powell; but he's not the kind of back that I have in mind. I want to draft a back who can turn a screen into a 60 yard touchdown, a Darren Sproles type, that's not Powell.
First priority is the Oline. We have several players that were projects to develop. We just fired the assistant O line coach so I'm guessing we may not have a lot of help on the roster. If that is the case, I would expect a high pick there especially if they have LT future potential. Second for me in offense improvement would be speed at RB. If I had to pick one guy to bring back it would be Powell but in a true three headed rotation. Ivory I think is to one dimensional, has durability issues and will likely cost to much. Lamar Miller paired with Powell I find intriguing. I want the guys on first and second down to be viable check down receivers and able to protect the qb when needed. A third and maybe fourth rb via FA,later draft, or undrafted FA. One with great speed who you develop to replace Powell and can help on returns and one short yardage banger who might double as a fb on earlier downs as I don't want to waste a roster spot on Bohanon. Let banger and Enunwa cover his role. TE has never figured prominently in a Gailey offense. Amaro, Sudfeld come back from injury, Saxton a year older dump Davis. I think a true blocking TE could be found cheaply or use a 6th lineman (if/when we have better lineman for short yardage).
Your point is fair but Fitzpatrick led the NFL in "Turnover Worthy Passes" with 32 and also had the lowest ratio of those passes intercepted at 15/32. (By Pro Football Focus' count). It's not like he's going to throw 30 picks next year but I'm expecting a pretty sizable regression. He'll probably be back into his usual low 20s range.
This is way too negative. No NFL Qb throws no interceptions. I don't like it when Fitz does, but his ratio was acceptable and it's really unfair to say it should have been higher because defenders had opportunities they did not cash in on. We all know he doesn't have the greatest arm strength, but the Jets did not and probably still do not have an opportunity to get a better Qb. He can make it work next year based on his showing this year.
One of the positive aspects of Fitz is his consistency. He threw for at least one TD in every game this season, except the Oakland game where he was 4 for 5 before he got injured. The last few years it wasn't a given that the Jets would throw TD's every game so that has been refreshing. Also, Fitz' stats this year for the Jets were comparable to his stats last year in Houston, about a 2-1 TD/INT ratio, 60% completion percentage. He has been consistent at the 60% completion ratio throughout his career (mediocre at best) but he has considerably improved on his TD/INT ratio, which suggests exactly what Fitz says, that he has matured as a QB, learned alot in Houston, is better at reading defenses and playing situational football and understands his physical limitations better. So in my view its a safe bet that Fitz can duplicate his numbers next year (if the core remains healthy) and hopefully Mac can bolster the OL and get a take it to the house weapon for a running back. Get some speed at the LB position and eliminate the Special Teams mistakes and this team will be fun to watch.
I never complained about his interceptions. I agree all QB's throw them and he's certainly an improvement over Geno. Also agree with the second part. There doesn't seem to be much choice going forward. All other things being equal (i.e. the same defense and the same offense) I think the Jets can make the playoffs next year, but I'm skeptical about how far they can go. If the Jets drafted a QB in round 1 who the CS really believes in, I wouldn't be too upset, because I don't see a SB in the Jets future with Fitzpatrick..
Unless we can get Rivers or the Peyton/Osweiler situation shakes the availability of potential upgrades on Fitz then I'd expect our 'D' will probably get the most attention come draft day unless a Todd Gurley type RB or Stud RT/RG is sitting there when we get to pick. Otherwise just get the right vets in FA to replace Ivory, resign Powell and hope Jace Amaro proves competent (and healthy) - I think we'll remain competitive and around the Wc conversation.
The Good Fitz vs The Bad Fitz Bad Fitz has surfaced repeatedly throughout the season during the first half and then usually a better version (The Good Fitz) emerges second half of games. Buffalo he was bad for the most part in entirety. In our losses opponnents have him figured. I like Fitz, he put together records with Mars/Decker, he broke season TD record...but he really is an overachiever. I bet if you looked at all his Ivy L games ( and Ive seen a few Ivy/Patriot) he was so so the first half and then was killing it second. This is who he is. Can he get better, turn the corner?? Dont know. He might because Chan is helping him. Offense 2016-17 At some point I would like to see what Petty can do that Fitz cant, although I dont see Bryce in there while RF plays well. Who knows? Petty may be a Brady sleeper. The schedule next year is hardly our friend, as all of us know, and Fitz will need all the help he can get out of the backfield.So if you get a Lamar Miller or a healthy Powell we win games. Gotta draft a workhorse back to replace Ivory. We need better receivers backing up our # 1 duo..kendrell and Quincy blew it last game. Lets see what CG does to use Amaro, could be interesting IMO Mac should load up on players to specifically beat NE and now Buffalo. The love affair is too strong with Fitzpatrick so I dont see another FA QB or draft QB for that matter. We beat NE, Buff head to head in 16 we probably wont have the problems we did making it to post season this year
Regression toward the mean, my friend I promised myself I wont get caught up in the Fitz hoopla come September...let me be pleasantly surprised SMH
