The Jets have already lost their best defensive player and
their best receiving option for the season. Their starting quarterback has been
unbelievably ineffective, and their backup option, while popular, might be even
less effective.
They surprisingly have one of the worst run defenses in the
NFL, and their 2-3 record is actually better than they deserve. How much
worse can things realistically get?
Well, while the Jets were mired in yet another dismal
offensive performance against the Texans on Monday night — even if the final score would
indicate otherwise — Rex Ryan might have gained some
understanding of just how bad it could be.
So, while Ryan continues to reaffirm his belief in Mark
Sanchez as his starting quarterback, the conversation now turns to how he can
help his struggling signal caller. That answer might have come in a tweet
during that Jets' loss on Monday night.
The Jets once again showed off some persistent problems
in the passing game on Monday, as Sanchez and Tim Tebow combined to complete just
14 of 32 passes. So, an out-of-work Terrell Owens decided to offer up his services
to the overmatched offense, and the Jets would be wise to pursue him, an idea
Ryan isn't totally averse to.
Owens, who last played in the NFL in 2010, failed to catch
on — literally — with the Seahawks during the preseason. But while his
production was nowhere to be found, his physical skills seemed to be more than
intact — something the Jets don't necessarily need, but could find value in
right now.
Sanchez has been arguably the worst quarterback in football
so far this season, completing an NFL-low 48.4 percent of his passes and six
interceptions compared to just six touchdowns. Tebow Time may not have come
just yet, but if Sanchez has any hopes of maintaining his starting job — and
it's a thin line he's walking — then he better beg and plead for capable
weapons in the passing game.
A motley crew of Jeremy Kerley, Chad Schillens, Jeff
Cumberland and Jason Hill just isn't going to work for a full season. Even the
return of talented rookie Stephen Hill, who had Jets fans frothing at the mouth
with five catches and a pair of touchdowns in Week 1, won't make enough of
a difference to save this Jets offense. But paired with a talent like T.O.,
there could be hope yet.
At 38 years old, Owens is not the same player who
consistently hauled in 80-plus catches and double-digit touchdowns almost
annually. But if he could produce at a similar pace to the 55 grabs and five
touchdowns he did in Buffalo three seasons ago, and just provide a deep threat
on the outside, then much more would be expected of the Jets.
The addition of Owens isn't going to suddenly turn Sanchez
into Tom Brady, or even Jay Cutler for that matter, nor would the addition of
old friend Plaxico Burress or two-time AFC East exile Chad Johnson. But given
some semblance of a receiving corps, at least Sanchez would have a fighting
chance and the Jets could accurately analyze their quarterback dilemma.
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