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New York Jets: Mike Maccagnan needs to learn from past mistakes

By Michael Pallas

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: New York Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan addresses the media during a press conference on January 21, 2015 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Maccagnan and Head Coach Todd Bowles were both introduced for the first time. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: New York Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan addresses the media during a press conference on January 21, 2015 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Maccagnan and Head Coach Todd Bowles were both introduced for the first time. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets selected Sam Darnold in the 2018 NFL Draft, and in order for him not to turn out like Mark Sanchez, Mike Maccagnan needs to learn from past mistakes.

Nov. 22, 2012 is a date which will live in New York Jets infamy. This is the date we were introduced to a new word into our lexicon — Butt Fumble. That was basically the end of Mark Sanchez as a viable option to start in the NFL. Did it have to end that way, though?

Two people ruined the career of Sanchez. Then-head coach Rex Ryan tried to turn Sanchez into something he wasn’t by opening up the offense, and Mike Tannenbaum was an inept general manager. Tannenbaum is the man we will focus on here, however.

In 2009, Sanchez had a decent cast of characters to throw to. His top three receivers were Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Braylon Edwards. In 2010, Tannenbaum added Santonio Holmes and LaDainian Tomlinson to that mix. They went to consecutive AFC title games.

That all changed by the end of 2012 — the year of the butt-fumble. By the end of that year, four of his top five receivers were Jeremy Kerley, Jeff Cumberland, Chaz Schilens, and Stephen Hill, with Keller sandwiched in the middle — not exactly a who’s who of receivers.

We look at Sanchez as a bust. However, it really was a combination of bad coaching and inept front office work that cost the Jets. We look at Tom Brady and see the work he’s done with average receivers and say it’s amazing, but even Brady wouldn’t have been able to make magic with the cast Sanchez had to deal with.

The real truth will be told about Maccagnan if he can surround Darnold with good receiving options and an offensive line. Maybe the duo of Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson will break out this year, and the Jets can find another receiver in the 2019 NFL Draft. Maybe Terrelle Pryor can give the Jets what he gave the Browns in 2016 also, and they can become a dangerous trio.

Then comes the offensive line. Maccagnan must learn from the Colts on how important that is. They don’t want an Andrew Luck situation in New York.

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking all 32 WR corps

In the end, it’s not only Darnold’s talent that will tell the tale of success. How Maccagnan builds this team around him will also either lead him to pasture or doom him. It’s up to Maccagnan to do his job well in order for Darnold to succeed.

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