Jamal Adams Was Right

Adam Gase. Photo Credit: Bill Kostroun.

Actually, I came to this conclusion back in Week 4 of the season when the Jets lost to the Denver Broncos with a third-string quarterback (Brett Rypien) who they just activated off the practice squad earlier that week. What was Jamal Adams right about, you ask? Well, back in July, the Jets traded the disgruntled safety--who is now playing for the Seattle Seahawks, I'm sure he's glad--for a few reasons, but his comments on Adam Gase not being the right coach to get the team to the promised land in an interview with the New York Daily News is what took the cake.

As it turned out, he was absolutely correct. In two seasons with the Jets, Adam Gase went 9-23, this year being particularly abysmal, finishing 2-14, which lead to his firing not long after their loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. To be honest, when the head coach position became available in 2018, Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, was the guy I was hoping they would've given a shot, but no, they listened to Peyton Manning and allowed him to convince them to hire Gase. I know Petyon has a name. I get it, but gee, not only was that a miss, that was a straight-up air ball.

Now, there's another opportunity for them to land Bieniemy, and hopefully, they get him this time around. Well, he's first on my list--he was in 2018, and he still is today. I like Bieniemy's hand in the development of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who, to me, is the best quarterback if not the best player in the league. Of course, their head coach Andy Reid, a known quarterback guru, had a lot to do with it, but Bieniemy was also instrumental in the process. He has the respect of his players, which goes a long way to making it as a head coach. I'm not saying that hiring him is going to guarantee instant success, but I like the upside in this coaching prospect, so I'm hoping they at least give him a try.

 I can't speak for all Jets fans, but I gave this Gase experiment a shot. I was more than patient, but it didn't take long for me to realize that Jamal Adams was absolutely right about him--as far as his tenure in New York goes. Perhaps he goes somewhere else and eventually land a head coaching gig again, you never know, but I'm glad this nightmare here is over. I'm sure Jamal is somewhere in Seattle while he's prepping for his play-off debut against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, smiling--or laughing his can off. 

Soaring in Seattle

Photo courtesy of newyorkjets.com.

Yesterday, the Jets traded All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for safety Bradley McDougald-- who was in the final year of his contract as Adams was-- two first round picks and a third round pick. I was hoping it didn't come down to this, but the writing was on the wall, particularly after he gave his side of the story in an interview he did with the New York Daily News I read earlier that day. A couple of hours later, I checked the web again to see if they traded him yet, and it was official: he was traded to the Seahawks.

He stated his unhappiness with the front staff, and if what he said is true, I totally understand his frustration. One of the things he stated that jumped out at me was the report that Jets chairman Chris Johnson wanted Adams to be "monitored," I guess to see if Jamal's loyalty was really with the Jets. If that's the case, I see why he felt disrespected. Monitor him? As if he's eight-years-old or something.

He also expressed that he didn't think coach (Adam) Gase was the right guy to lead the Jets to a championship, stating that the he doesn't establish a bond with the players. According to Adams, Gase wouldn't even address the team at halftime. He would let another coach speak to them.

Although I was aware that this mess had been going on the past several months, I didn't know it been going on longer than that. During the season, he removed the Jets from his social media accounts, although to be fair, their his account(s), so he's not obligated to follow them. That was just a spark, what took place in the off-season was a freaking inferno.

Initially, I understood both sides of the situation. Although he was in the final year of his rookie contract, he wanted an extension. They were more focused on building and bringing in more talent, hoping he would wait. However, from what I've gathered it seems they jerked him around, going from making it a priority to extend him, but reneged as time drew closer, eventually making no offer at all, which led to him making a trade request. If that was the case, again, I totally understand his frustration and why he felt disrespected.

I also understand why this move had to be made. The way this was going with him publicly castigating the front office and the head coach along with openly expressing his discontent with the contract situation, he could've possibly been a distraction in the locker room and/or he could've played out the final year, but due to everything that went down, he might not have given 100 percent on the field. This brings me back to square one; although they could've been more upfront with him about their intentions, I understand both sides.

Adams also made it clear that this had nothing to do with the fans. Again, I understand. He spoke of their loyalty and appreciation of them embracing him the past three seasons. To me, if you read between the lines of his statement concerning the fans, he was saying his good-bye, then.

Only time will tell how everything will play out. Personally, I have mixed thoughts about it. They let a helluva player walk (via trade) but they did get helluva lot in return with two first round picks, a third round pick and a decent player in Bradley McDougald. On a side note, with Adams moving on, hopefully they will extend Marcus Maye, who is also in the last year of his rookie contract. I'm sure a lot of Jets fans are steamed by the trade. I hate to see him go, but he ( Jets GM Joe Douglas) freaking cleaned up from he got in return. I wish Jamal nothing but the best in Seattle.

Gotham Green Grades: My Take on the Jets 2020 NFL Draft

From left to right: Mehki Becton, Joe Douglas and Denzel Mims. Photo: Bill Kostroun/AP.

Joe Douglas just completed his first NFL draft as GM with the New York Jets. With a lot of his picks, I found myself often thinking: "I don't hate/dislike the picks; I get it. I understand where he was going with it, but I thought there were better playmakers who were available at those spots." 

Well, there was one pick I disliked, but I will explain all of that and more, plus my overall draft grade in this analysis. Usually I do an exclusive post with the first pick, then another post on the rest of the draft later, but with other projects on the horizon, it's easier for me to combine their entire draft at this point.

First Round: Mehki Becton, OT, Louisville

An example of what I was talking about when I said I didn't hate or dislike the pick, but I thought there were playmakers there who could possibly come in and contribute right away were available starts with their very first pick. Honestly, I wanted edge rusher Chase Young, but realistically I wanted WR CeeDee Lamb, who I thought was the best receiver in the draft. By that I mean, I knew 9 times out of 10 Young was going with the first two or three picks, so the odds of him being available at No.11 was slim-to-none at best, but they had a realistic shot at drafting Lamb, and he went to a team I literally despise, so of course my thoughts of him have immediately changed.

I was thinking with Joe loading up on offensive lineman in free agency, you can pick a WR here and get solid OL later, but I understand the need to protect Sam (Darnold). The offensive line gave up 52 sacks last year, the second most in the league. It's going to be hard for Sam or any quarterback for that matter to do anything if he's constantly on his back.

Anyway, I was a tad disappointed they didn't draft Lamb, but when the slight disappointment subsided, the more I looked at Mehki's tape and did research on him, the more impressed I am with his upside and warmed up to the pick. The guy's 6-7, around 360 pounds, but he's no stiff. He ran a 5.10 in the 40 at the Combine, which is fast for a dude his size, he's nimble and light on his feet. One analyst during the draft referred to him as a "dancing bear."

Last season, he won the Jacobs Blocking trophy (best blocker in the conference) and made First Team All-ACC. Of course, there were concerns about his weight and if he can keep it under control, and a few concerns about some aspects of his technique, but those things are easy fixes with time and coaching.

The Jets are all-in on building around Sam and it starts with protection. If Mehki plays up to or exceeds his upside-- I'm confident that he will-- Sam may never get sacked from that side of the field again. I say that jokingly, but it's going to be hard to get around him. It's hard enough getting beyond or around a wall, nevertheless, a mobile one.

Grade: A

Second Round: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Okay, so I was thinking with this pick they should go after a pass rusher. An edge rusher was what I really wanted with the first pick, but I didn't think there was anyone of that caliber to be taken that high after Young was drafted, which is why I was hoping they would've drafted Lamb. I wanted an edge rusher, but I didn't want him to reach to get one, so kudos to Joe for not nutting up.

In this round, I was hoping he would've picked edge rusher Zack Baun from Wisconsin, who I thought was the second best rusher in the draft, but I knew his stock would drop once I found out he lacked prototypical size for an NFL edge rusher. He traded down in this round in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, picking up an extra pick in the third round-- which I liked. Baun was still there when he picked at No. 59, but he chose WR Denzel Mims.

Again, I understood that Sam needed more weapons at the receiver position. I don't hate or dislike the pick, but with a deep receiver class, I thought at this point-- especially with three third round picks at the time-- this position could've been addressed later. Anyway, Joe traded down and still got the player he wanted.

In Denzel, they're getting a receiver with size, speed and is reliable in the clutch (I watched a few Baylor games last year). Being that he dropped so low in the draft considering he was viewed by most as a first round pick, plus stating that he felt slighted by that notion and that he has been underestimated most of his life, he's coming in with a chip on his shoulder and a ton of motivation, which could spell trouble for those who passed him up.

Grade: A-

Thrid Round: Ashytn Davis, Safety, California (Berkley)

With his first pick in the third round, Joe drafted safety/return specialist Ashtyn Davis. I said myself that they needed to address safety depth after starters Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye (both dealt with injuries last season) so I don't hate or dislike the pick, but again, this could've waited, especially with Zack Baun still being available.

Another story of one being overlooked, Ashtyn didn't draw any attention from schools until he started to excel in track. He wound up attending California and getting on the team as a walk-on, a story similar to last year's fifth round pick Blake Cashman.

He's kind of small for a safety, but he plays much bigger than he looks. A rangy thumper, you can line him up all over the defensive backfield and he has some experience at cornerback, so I'm sure Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams will have fun utilizing him in his defense. I like his explosiveness and eye for the ball. He reminds me of Tyrann Mathieu, but better in coverage.

Grade: B+

Third Round: Jabari Zuniga, Edge Rusher, Florida

Finally, a pass/edge rusher is taken with Zuniga at No. 79 overall, but Baun was available at No. 68 before eventually being drafted by the New Orleans Saints at No. 74. After a breakout season his junior year, he decided to stay in school for his senior season that was plagued by injuries, which I'm sure hurt his stock considering he was viewed as first round value had he entered the draft last year.

Looking at his tape, he doesn't have the freak athleticism as Chase Young, but he's sufficient in that area, he has solid fundamentals and he's versatile, which goes a long way with any team. He seems like the type of player that will have solid production, but will fly under the radar. Another thing that will make Jets fans at him look side-eyed is the fact that they drafted Jachai Polite an edge rusher in the third round from Florida last year, who didn't even make the team.

Now, I don't think it's fair to automatically assume the same fate with Zuniga. He's not Jachai Polite. According to a professed Dolphins fan, he likes the upside of Zuniga as a prospect more than Becton. Again, I don't dislike the pick, it addressed a need, but I thought a better prospect was available earlier in the third round.

On a side note, the third 3rd round pick was traded to the New England Patriots, gaining an extra 4th round pick, and a sixth round pick for next year, a move that I thought was solid.

Grade: C+

Fourth Round: LiMichal Perine, Running Back, Florida

I liked this pick at this stage of the draft. I thought they needed to add depth behind Le'Veon Bell, and I think this was the right time to do so. Another pick who seems to have a chip on his shoulder, he was ousted by Auburn recruits stating he was a bit too slow, later burning them for 130 yards and a touchdown last year.

He strikes me as the type who won't wow you with natural athletic gifts, but compensates for that with hard work and being fundamentally sound. He's also a good receiver (out in the flat and you can line him up as a wide out). He's the prototype for coach Adam Gase's offense, and I think he and Bell will be a dangerous duo for years to come.

Grade: A-

Fourth Round: James Morgan, Quarterback, Florida International

My biggest question mark here. I didn't like this pick, at all. I know he has the measurables coaches and scouts covet (big and tall with a rocket arm) but there were more pressing needs. They could've picked another pass rusher here or even another receiver. You never know how these situations will turn out, but as of right now, he seems to be a project/third stringer at best.

I understand that Sam needed a backup (he has dealt with injuries his first two years in the league) but I was hoping they would've signed a veteran instead, which they still could. If they were going to go quarterback here, I would've preferred Tyler Huntley from Utah, someone who reminds me of Russell Wilson.

Grade: F

Fourth Round: Cameron Clark, Offensive Tackle, Charlotte

I liked this pick at this stage of the draft as well. He was named MVP of his team in 2017. That's unheard of from an offensive lineman on any level. Not to mention, you can never have enough protection for your quarterback(s).

Grade: A

Fifth Round: Bryce Hall, Cornerback, Virginia

From what I've heard about Bryce, it seems the Jets got a steal getting him this late in the draft. Most had him as high as the third round, but I'm sure his injury back in October is what dropped his draft stock. I like his size and he's good in press coverage, which is a plus in Williams' defense, where the corners are usually on an island.

He will be thrown into a pool of cornerbacks competing for the spot opposite of Pierre Desir. It will be interesting to see how this plays out come August and September.

Grade: B+

Sixth Round: Braden Mann, Punter, Texas A & M

Could've used another skill position, but a good pick at this point in the draft, where special teamers are usually taken off the board. He won the Ray Guy Award (nation's best punter) and Best Special Team Player in 2018 and made the First Team All-SEC two years in a row (2018 and 2019).

Grade: A

Overall, as I've said (repeatedly) for the most part, I didn't hate or dislike the picks. Needs were addressed, but I thought there were better prospects that were available at the time. I thought Joe did a solid job in his first draft. I definitely liked the way he spun trades. Speaking of which, he traded his second sixth round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Quincy Wilson.

He gave up a low value draft pick for someone who was a second round pick in 2017. From my understanding, it didn't pan out with the Colts (obviously) but he showed some flashes in the process. It was a low risk, high reward situation, in my opinion. Honestly, I liked his wheeling and dealing better than his draft.

Overall Grade: B

 

How Sweet It Is!

Sam Darnold. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/AP.

Yesterday afternoon, the Jets defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-22 to get their first victory of the season and under the era of Adam Gase. Aside from the Patriots, I couldn't think of a better team for them to get their first victory against than the Dallas Cowboys. I can't stand those scumbags; particularly Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott. My reasons are non-football related, so I won't discuss that here. Besides, I already wrote a post concerning that matter last year. I hate them more than I hate the Patriots.

Personally, I think they should be 2-3; they had no business losing to the Bills on Week One, but what's done is done, no use looking back. Moving forward, it was great for them to get Sam Darnold back, who missed the last three games due to mononucleosis. He threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns, including a 92-yard bomb to wide receiver Robby Anderson.

Speaking of which, those last three games which started with Trevor Siemian, who is now out for the season, and finished with Luke Falk-- who was recently released-- at the helm was god awful, and hopefully, those days are behind them.

On a side note, I was tied up with other things, plus I don't rock with the NFL too much anymore outside of perhaps watching play-by-play online, but I had no idea the game was on TV until I turned it on for a few moments to see the final seconds before turning it off again. Those few moments were great to see. No, it wasn't a Super Bowl victory-- it's not that deep-- but it has definitely made my week, so far.

Now the question is, where do they go from here? Personally, I don't see why they can't bounce back from an ugly start. Throughout league history, there have been teams who came out of the gate slow and had a strong finish. Case in point: the New York Jets. In 2002, under Herman Edwards, they started off 1-4 and finished 9-7 to win the AFC East Division and advanced past the AFC Wild Card round. It's a long season. We'll see what happens.

Prior to the game, I thought to myself how sweet it would be for them to get their first win against the Cowboys, not only for the reason I alluded to above, but because they desperately needed it. How sweet it is.

The Eagle Has Landed...in New York

Joe Douglas during his tenure with the Eagles.

The Jets search for a GM is finally over. On Friday, they hired former Eagles VP of Player Personnel, Joe Douglas as their new general manager. Before I give my take on the hire, I'm noticing this perception that reporters are creating about the Jets that gives me mixed thoughts. An ESPN reporter stated that the Jets would not take no for an answer from Douglas, claiming that each time he turned them down, they came back more relentlessly, until he relented.

Until or unless officially stated from someone in the Jets front office, to me, the only thing that gives this claim any validity is because from my understanding, they requested an interview from the Vikings' George Paton on more than one occasion. Otherwise, it seems that people are on this low-key smear campaign to make the Jets look like hopeless beggars.

Anyway, because Douglas was viewed as a favorite to the land the job from the beginning, and being an acquaintance of head coach Adam Gase, one of my reactions to this is "duh." Being familiar with Gase should help things run more smoothly. Not saying that they will always agree on everything, but I think more than likely they will be on the same page in terms of what players will fit and will not fit.

On a side note, Gase's last move as an interim GM was re-signing running back Bilal Powell, a move I wasn't expecting, and much better than the cheap trade-off getting only a sixth round pick for Darron Lee.With his versatility as a runner and receiver, Bilal should be a great fit in Gase's offense.  The backfield just got deeper with this acquisition, along with Ty Montgomery, Elijah McGuire and the major signing of Le'Veon Bell.

As I alluded to in my last post, I'm good with this hire because Douglas comes from two stable organizations in Baltimore and most recently Philly, so he has seen and knows what a championship-caliber team looks like. Known for being an integral part of turning teams around, it will be intriguing to see what he brings to the table. My optimism is that he will continue his penchant of helping turn a team from low-seed to steady championship-caliber contenders, this time from a higher position, being given the keys to the team's football operations.

That's not to say that success will happen overnight, it usually doesn't, but I'm optimistic that it will be sooner than later. After a three-week search and several interviews, it's official, the eagle has landed in New York. I call this: Broadway Joe: The Second Act.

My Choice for the Jets GM Job

Ozzie Newsome. Photo Credit: USA Today Sports.

As the Jets continue their search for a general manager, interviewing four out of the five candidates this past weekend. First, they interviewed the Seattle Seahawks' Co-Director of Player Personnel Scott Fitterer, the New Orleans Saints' Director of Pro Scouting Terry Fontenot, the Philadelphia Eagles' VP of Player Personnel Joe Douglas and finally, the Chicago Bears' Assistant Director of Player Personnel Champ Kelly from the Chicago Bears.

One of the candidates, George Paton of the Minnesota Vikings rejected the Jets request for an interview-- for the third time! They just don't get it, do they? Will they ever learn from dealing with Minnesota? This reminds me of that lame who keeps pursuing a woman who wants nothing to do with him. Leave that broad alone and find someone who wants to be on your team, so to speak. I try not to use choice words on this blog, so I'll give my advice to the Jets concerning him in an acronym: FTMF.

The favorite out of these candidates from the start has been Joe Douglas. He's familiar with Adam Gase, and from my understanding, he wants to run his own team. What I like about this candidate is aside from the familiarity with Gase, he comes from two stable organizations: currently Philadelphia and previously the Baltimore Ravens.

The Eagles won a championship two years ago, and they usually maintain a team that are contenders, as well as the Ravens. Assuming he's learned from the guys on those franchises, I like what he could possibly bring to the table.

Speaking of the Ravens, this brings me to the subject of this post. Needless to say I'm not a part of the recruiting/hiring process, but my personal favorite, if I could pick someone to manage the New York Jets, it would be former Ravens GM and current advisor Ozzie Newsome.

Ozzie Newsome (right), Lamar Jackson (left). AP Photo/Patrick Semansky.

Ozzie created a strong, stable, contending foundation in Baltimore. Most of his draft picks have been successful; Terrell Suggs, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Ed Reed and Haloti Ngata to name a few, and they won two Super Bowl titles under his watch. I'll admit, another reason is the fact that he's a brother, and while I'm for seeing people succeed in general, for me, it's extra special to see one of my own succeed.

I can hear the voices of certain people now: "Why everything has to be about race?" Screw you. Moving on, most would call this "wishful thinking," but hey, a brother can be optimistic, can't he? You never know.

Instigation and Speculations: My Take on the NY Jets "Drama"

Adam Gase. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II.

Yes, I know I'm late to the party in terms of reporting it, I've been wanting to give my thoughts on the fiasco that has been going in the Jets front office, but I've been busy with projects of my own. That being said, unless you've been living under a rock, the Jets unexpectedly-- to us, anyway-- fired Mike Maccagnan, who was the General Manager of the team since 2015.

Honestly, I thought his job was in question after the season, but they (initially) decided to keep him. Then, during the draft, word went around that there was some rift between Maccagnan and Adam Gase, and that Maccagnan was on his way out of the door, both allegations at that time were denied.

Maccagnan's track record wasn't particularly impressive, especially when it came to drafting. His standouts so far are Leonard Williams, Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, and I think Sam Darnold and Chris Herndon has a high ceiling. Jordan Jenkins, Elijah McGuire and Lachlan Edwards has been decent. He tried to finish on a strong note, signing some notable free agents such as Le'Veon Bell and CJ Mosley, and trading for two-time Pro-Bowler Kelechi Osemele, but that apparently wasn't enough.

Now, I don't know about the "rift" between the former GM and head coach, but the latter became obviously true after Maccagnan was let go nearly two weeks ago. Going back to what I mentioned about his job security, it wasn't so much the fact that he was let go that surprised people, it was the timing of it.

Mike Maccagnan.

Most chimed in that it was a decision they could've made after the season ended, where they could've brought in someone and started the new season off in a different direction as far as the GM's vision in a coach, player, and team versus waiting a few weeks after the draft, where now you have to hire someone on the fly.

Gase, who was named the interim GM immediately afterwards, made his first move by trading Darron Lee to the Kansas City Chiefs for a measly sixth round pick. I understand that although he showed some signs in his last two seasons, particularly last season, he didn't quite live up to his expectations as a first round pick, I was thinking they could've at least got a fourth rounder for him. Gee!

On a side note, if the Chiefs are going back to a 4-3 as I'm expecting, I think Darron's better served in that formation as weakside linebacker, versus being an inside/middle linebacker. Darron was too small to play in the middle of the defense where he would have to take on extra blockers, which is why I say I think he would thrive in a defense where there's an extra lineman to protect him up front, if they place him in the middle in Kansas City. Again, I think he's better served as a Will linebacker. Of course, there are exceptions in terms of small inside linebackers thriving, such as the late, great Sam Mills, but I'm talking about Darron Lee here.

Anyway, back to the drama. This brings me to the title of this post. Since Maccagnan's firing, there has been all types of speculating and instigating such as Gase ingratiating CEO Chris Johnson to overthrow Maccagnan, Gase being against the signing of running back Le'Veon Bell, rumors about them possibly trading Bell.

I think the allegations, particularly about Bell, is nonsense. One of the speculations out there that I think has some merit is Gase not wanting to pay that much for a running back. Especially when you consider that running backs aren't as valued as they were 10-20 years ago. Very few teams emphasize a run-oriented game. However, I don't know anyone who wouldn't want a top-three back on his team.

Then, there was talk about Peyton Manning taking the GM position. Again, I could see where this would have some merit, seeing that Manning has looked out for Gase, putting in recommendations for him to land the head coaching jobs at Miami, and now New York. He's the reason Trevor Siemian is now a New York Jet. However, the chances of that happening were/are slim.

 People just need something to talk about. I mean, football season is approaching, but the Jets gave them some material for them amplify in the meantime. Hey, if I'm wrong about any of my take of this Jets "drama," I stand corrected, but unless any of this is confirmed, it's all speculation and instigation.

A Gase at the Jets New Head Coach

Adam Gase, Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post.

The Jets hired their new head coach in Adam Gase after the firing of Todd Bowles. On a quick side note, I liked Todd and his approach, and the players usually play hard for him, but after three out of four losing seasons, three straight double-digit losing seasons-- I'm sure it wasn't all his fault-- it was time for a change.

Gase coached the Miami Dolphins from 2016-2018. After making the playoffs his first year with the Dolphins, he finished 6-10 and 7-9 respectively from there, leading to his firing after the season. When I heard Adam was being considered for the Jets vacancy, I'll admit, he wasn't who I had in mind. I was pushing for Bruce Arians, but I thought later that he probably wouldn't be interested in taking the job after they fired Todd Bowles, who was Arians' defensive coordinator when coached for the Arizona Cardinals, and have now reunited in Tampa.

I will say that prior to the hire, I mentioned that I would prefer him over a coach from college-- unless they've had prior NFL coaching experience, I'm not a fan of them coaching at the next level-- as they were pursuing some collegiate names as well. Right now, the only two college coaches I would roll the dice with is Alabama's Nick Saban or Stanford's David Shaw.

When Gase was hired over Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl winning head coach, and who was next on my list, I wasn't too thrilled, but there were a few things I considered immediately afterwards: he checked some of the boxes; he wasn't straight from college, the Jets wanted an offensive minded guy, and he's known as one of the best offensive minds in the game today, and he has beaten New England on more than one occasion.

Nearly every quarterback he has worked with improved their efficiency, most notably Jay Cutler, who had his career-best QB rating (92.3) under Gase. His completion percentage (64.4) was his second best, and his third down efficiency was the fourth in the league that year (2015). It's hard for me to credit him with Peyton Manning; Peyton was a household name prior to signing with the Denver Broncos, where Gase was the QBs coach in 2012-13, and the offensive coordinator in 2013-14, steering one of the most high-octane offenses in NFL history, nonetheless, and making a Super Bowl appearance that year.

Speaking of Peyton, it was him who recommended Gase during the Jets coaching search, which is what I think put him over and ultimately landed him the job. Although I wasn't the only one who at least initially who wasn't thrilled with the hire, I thought afterwards that the deal is done, it is what it is, give him a chance, let's see what he can do. He could be the next Sean Payton or perhaps better. I know, that's laughable now, but you never know. Sometimes it takes being in the right situation at the right time.

I'll say this: his reputation as a bright offensive mind combined with an up-and-coming quarterback in Sam Darnold, if the duo is anywhere near as lethal as Gase was with Manning, we could be talking about them being one of, if not the greatest quarterback/coach duo in history.