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New York Jets: Gang Green must avoid penalties in 2018

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 24: Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 24: Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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In 2017, one of the biggest issues for the New York Jets was penalties. Will they be a big issue for the team again in 2018?

Penalties are the bugaboo of NFL coaches and fans. They set the team back, and most of the time they can be avoided. That’s why the New York Jets have made it a primary emphasis in training camp.

There’s only so much a coach can do, though. They have “punished” the team, but it’s up to the players to fix their discipline issues.

Early on in camp it was a huge issue. According to Andy Vasquez of northjersey.com, they were averaging seven penalties per practice, but they have cut it down in the last two days:

"After averaging nearly seven penalties per practice the first four days, the Jets cut way down on their penalties late in the week. They had only four flags on Wednesday and two on Thursday."

That’s a good sign, but it must work it’s way into games. In 2017, the Jets averaged seven penalties per game for an average of 65 yards per game (119 total penalties, 1,035 yards). The biggest culprits were holding and false starts. They were called for 17 holding on both offense and defense and 14 false start penalties.

The biggest individual culprits were Buster Skrine (11 penalties for 105 yards; eighth in total and ninth in yards in the NFL), Brian Winters (eight penalties for 65 yards), Morris Claiborne (seven penalties for 66 yards), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (seven penalties for 65 yards) and Brent Qvale (six penalties for 39 yards).

If the Jets are to be successful, they can not be near the top of the league in terms of most penalties committed. If Sam Darnold ends up as the starter Week 1, this is especially true. They shouldn’t put a rookie behind the eight ball, because that will just cause more mistakes and more pressure.

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In the end, penalties are going to happen. It’s just a matter of quantity. Don’t commit stupid penalties, and don’t commit too many. If the Jets can avoid mounting up the penalties, they will be successful in 2018.

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