Woody Johnson, Jets’ Head Coach, would spend ‘absolutely’ for a vet quarterback
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Woody Johnson has watched the New York Jets miss the postseason for the past 12 years and feels the same way as the fans.
He’s frustrated. And he wants this horrible, embarrassing run over to be over.
Johnson, Jets owner since 2000, has not issued a playoff mandate for next year. He has never done so.
But after what he called “a roller-coaster” season during which the Jets went 7-10 and ended with a six-game losing streak, He made it clear that it was time for Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh to win.
“This team is loaded, I think,” Johnson said, “and ready to go.”
You can also be a quarterback.
Zach Wilson had a terrible second season. He was even benched twice. It is doubtful that he will ever be able to live up to his potential as the No. 2 overall pick in 2021.
“Zach had a tough year, there’s no denying that,” Johnson said. Johnson stated, “I still believe in myself. I’ve seen some kernels of real talent there. … But the confidence level, whatever it was, went down.”
He shared the sentiments of Mike LaFleur (now-former Jets offensive Coordinator), who acknowledged last week Wilson might have been better served sitting behind a veteran quarterback As a rookie.
“I think we could’ve done a better job, for sure,” Johnson said, “and we will do a better job next year.”
It is likely that this offseason will be a priority to bring in a veteran quarterback who can steer the offense away from the inconsistent and unproductive mess it was during the past two seasons.
And Johnson is “absolutely” on board — even if it’s a pricey proposition.
“We’ve got a (salary) cap, so you’ve got an amount you can spend,” Johnson said. “But yeah, that’s kind of the missing piece. You saw the incredible story of our defense this year. From last to near the top in defense in any measurable, it was amazing. If you can do the same thing on offense, it looks pretty good, right?”
Fans and media will mention names like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr and possibly even Lamar Jackson when discussing the Jets’ QB situation in the coming weeks.
New York will then be searching for an offensive coordinator. the Jets and LaFleur agreed to part ways Wednesday.
Saleh said Thursday that Johnson has been supportive and gives him and Douglas “full autonomy” on decisions. Johnson acknowledged he has “a voice” in the overall process, but leaves it up to Saleh and Douglas — and that includes the move with LaFleur.
The Jets finished near the bottom of the league during LaFleur’s two seasons running the offense, and Saleh said he’ll “cast a wide net” on finding a replacement — who will also have input on the quarterback situation.
The Jets have reached the Super Bowl just once in their history — 54 years to the day — in 1969 during the glory days of Joe Namath. New York wants to be in the playoffs this year, which is a goal that was impossible the last 12 years.
“I don’t do mandates,” Johnson insisted. “We’ve all had a long wait — 54 years from the last Super Bowl is too long. It is far too long. I’d like to change that fast, but mandates don’t work. Every game is a win-win situation. That’s our mindset.”
Johnson also spoke out about other topics during the 11-minute interview. He asked reporters whether the franchise-record playoff drought was part of his legacy as a owner.
“I really don’t look at things that way,” he said. “I see it year after year, and I’m working to improve. I want more wins than anyone. I hate losing. I want to win. Both the coach and general manager feel the exact same. They’re all in. …
“Do the 12 years make me happy? No. But, I don’t think about legacy. Legacy is what I do today and tomorrow.”
Johnson maintains Jets fans he speaks to remain “optimistic” despite the struggles of the past decade-plus.
“I want to give them what they want,” he said. They want wins and they deserve wins and I’ll try to get them wins. I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen for them.
“No stone unturned. Saleh will make it happen. Douglas will do the same. The coaches will do it.”
NOTES: Saleh said wide receivers coach Miles Austin, who’s facing at least a one-year suspension By the NFL for gambling. He will not be back next season. John Benton, the Jets’ offensive line coach, will not return to the team. … Saleh said his “sales pitch” to prospective offensive coordinator candidates includes mentioning the Jets’ top-five defense, several talented offensive skill players, how they’ll “attack” improving the offensive line and their “aggressive as heck” approach to addressing the QB position.
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