New York Jets: Offensive play calling limited by talent on roster

For the second straight season, the play calling on the New York Jets offense is being questioned. It’s time to stop blaming the offensive coordinator.

It’s the job of the offensive coordinator to come up with a game plan that best fits the team he’s given. For the second year in a row, the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets is being called unimaginative and predictable.

There’s one problem with this. Everyone in a business has responsibilities, even in a pro sports organization. The weird thing is, everyone points the finger at offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, even though he is a relatively inexperienced offensive coordinator with a less than stellar roster.

Everyone that is, except for ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

The second question in that tweet is the most telling — talent. Who’s responsibility is it to procure talent for the team? This isn’t about who’s involved in the decision-making in procuring talent, but who’s ultimately responsible. That responsibility goes to Mike Maccagnan.

The Jets are on their second offensive coordinator in as many seasons, and it’s the same song and dance. The offense has been called dull, unimaginative and predictable. Instead of looking solely at the problem, the Jets need to find a solution other than just simply firing the offensive coordinator (even though he might have to go too).

Success starts at the top, and it’s time — at the end of the season — to let go of the two man that is the head of the organization. That being said, if the Jets fire Maccagnan, the new general manager is likely going to want to bring in a new head coach, and that head coach will likely want to bring in his own staff. So if the Jets fire Maccagnan, it’s likely going to lead to cleaning house.

There are two names out there that I’d consider. Scott Pioli — the current Falcons assistant general manager — helped build the Jets teams of the late 90s that almost went to the Super Bowl and helped build three Super Bowl championship teams in New England, and former Jets head coach Eric Mangini who was a part of the coaching staff on those three Patriots Super Bowl championships.

The Jets aren’t known for doing the right things. Their history is littered by holding on too long. However, the Jets have to get this right, because the future of Sam Darnold depends on it.