NFL Notebook, Week 15: Lamar Jackson, rebuild candidates, mock draft and more

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he runs with the ball during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he runs with the ball during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 12: Head coach Adam Gase of the New York Jets looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 12: Head coach Adam Gase of the New York Jets looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Bedlam in the Big Apple

On the topic of teams that need a fresh start, add the Jets to that list. Hiring Joe Douglas as the new general manager was a good start, but let me recap this dreadful situation.

Before the Jets settled with Adam Gase, they wanted Baylor coach Matt Rhule. The Jets gave Rhule a list of assistant coaches to pick from, so Rhule said never mind and fled. Former Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy also backed out of the job.

Here’s where things get really nutty.

After Gase’s hire, the team forced him to sign Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator, who Gase has “shockingly” not meshed with. Then, general manager Mike Maccagnan was fired two weeks after the NFL Draft. Finally, Douglas came along only to inherit a coaching staff he never wanted and an overpaid running back he never wanted.

At least the season solved these issues, right? Wrong. New York’s best player, Jamal Adams, grew unhappy after trade rumors started flying, Bell has had his worst season yet, and it looks like quarterback Sam Darnold was not all too happy with Gase in Thursday night’s loss.

Owner Christopher Johnson may have gotten it right by hiring Douglas, but Gase and Bell should headline the next mass exodus from the Jets’ messy organization. If only someone had seen this coming…

"“As for the Jets, new head coach Adam Gase is ironically probably the last person who would want Bell. However, he’s not calling these shots. The Jets have been known to go after flashy names while also making head-scratching decisions in the process (like dropping over $16 million on a running back). While Bell is still one of the best running backs in football, I truly think the Jets are the only team with the money and stupidity to give Bell the hefty contract he demands. -Me; March 1, 2019"

Oh yeah. It was clear as day for me, even back in March.