New York Jets: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Vikings in Week 7

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets is sacked against the Minnesota Vikings during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets is sacked against the Minnesota Vikings during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – 2005: Jeremy Bates of the New York Jets poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – 2005: Jeremy Bates of the New York Jets poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Getty Images) /

2. The Jets should consider elevating Bates this offseason

No, the Jets shouldn’t fire Todd Bowles now, but I am seeing the light after this game. It’s time to let Bowles go when 2018 ends.

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We will never know the true effect of the decision by Bowles, but instead of calling a timeout and have more than a minute at his disposal, Bowles decided to let the clock run and have three timeouts with less than 50 seconds. Instead of going into halftime tied at 10 or with a 14-10 lead (though we can’t assume the PAT is a given), the Jets ended up trailing 10-7, and the game ended up being a rout.

If they fire Bowles, the Jets would have to find a new head coach. Instead of bringing in a completely new voice, and potentially a brand new system — even though Sam Darnold may be able to learn it quickly — they should just elevate Bates. Why? It’s very simple.

Early on, it seemed like it was “the same old Jets” on offense. The offense seemed dull, boring, and predictable. However, Bates has opened things up recently. Receivers are getting open, but he’s also been victimized by overthrows, underthrows and dropped passes. So Bates is calling good games, and the team just isn’t executing.