Jets mailbag: Teddy Bridgewater is an intriguing QB option
As the Jets go for their third straight win, let’s take a look at the Jets’ mailbag:
Richie V (@RVSavagePlay)
What do you think about Teddy Bridgewater as an option next year if the jets continue to play themselves out of the QB lotto? #nyj
This is an interesting option if the Jets don’t wind up taking a quarterback in the first round. Bridgewater looked like he was on his way to being a good starter before a devastating knee injury in 2016 that still has him sidelined.
First of all, the doctors would have to sign off on it. Is his knee healthy enough to play? There was some discussion of that knee injury being career-ending when he suffered it, so it is a huge question.
If the doctors give him the OK (a big if), then his contract demands would be a question. If he does not play at all this season, that’s two years away from football. He won’t have much leverage. A team should be able to get him on a one-year, “prove it” deal where he can earn a big contract the following year. It would probably be filled with playing-time incentives.
If the Jets strike out on the quarterbacks in the draft, Bridgewater deserves a look. But that knee would scare me.
Mike Simlescu (@mjsimu)
Isn’t it time for Ken O’Brien to be inducted in the Jets Ring of Honor? He’s probably the second or third best QB Jets ever had. #NYJ
O’Brien is probably the second- or third-best quarterback the Jets have ever had, but that’s a bad list. I can’t see the Jets ever putting O’Brien into the Ring of Honor. Yes, he is second all-time in many franchise passing categories behind Joe Namath, but his career was so up-and-down. He was fantastic in 1985 (25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 3,888 yards), but he had no other seasons like that. O’Brien is probably underrated because of the inevitable comparisons to Dan Marino, who was picked after him in 1983. Still, I don’t think he belongs in the Ring of Honor.
Hal Paul (@hpjr)
Did Bowles save his job with the coaching staff tweaks he’s made? At DB, LB, DL and offensive coordinator?
Jets Tourettes (@SportyQuips)
If the season ended today, does Bowles keep his job?
Todd Bowles’ job security is an issue we’ll be looking at all year. Yes, if the season ended right now, I think he’d be safe. They are a .500 team and has shown improvement in the past two weeks. But there are 12 games to go. It’s hard to see the Jets maintaining this stretch of good play beyond this week against the Browns. The schedule gets much tougher. Let’s see how they look against the Patriots, Falcons, Chiefs and Broncos.
The point about his coaching staff is a good one. This looks like a better-coached team than last year. Dennard Wilson has made a big difference as the secondary coach. Passes are no longer sailing over DBs’ heads. I also think offensive coordinator John Morton has done a really good job. Give Bowles credit for making those fixes on his staff.
ra (@_radavis)
is Leonard’s slowish start cause for concern?
No. Leonard Williams does not have any sacks yet, but he played really well last week. He nearly got Blake Bortles in overtime, but Bortles scrambled away from him and ended up throwing it away to avoid the sack. Williams was hampered by a wrist injury early in the season, but I think he’s feeling better. His play has improved in recent weeks. He has been a beast against the run.
Matt Giola (@giolabeans)
If Jets get pick from 7-10 would they draft Josh Allen or would they maybe try to trade a 2nd round pick for Jacoby Brissett?
Allen all the way. Why would you give up a second-round draft pick for a player who shows promise but has not really proven himself?
Adam B. (@wa2k_1999)
The special teams play seems to have improved from last year. Is this due more to new players, Brant Boyer improving, or both? #NYJ
The special teams had a good game last week, but don’t forget that they had a huge gaffe in Oakland. I think Boyer is a very good coach, but he’s only as good as his players. Chandler Catanzaro and Lachlan Edwards came through with big plays in overtime last week after struggling earlier in the game. The coverage teams have been good. But isn’t it time the Jets get a kick or punt return for a touchdown? It’s been a long time (2012 for both).
Chiqui Rodriguez (@chiquirods19)
Why hasn’t Forte to Vikes happened yet?
Rick Jobin (@JOBES72)
once healthy does Forte have any trade value, even for a low (6th) round pick? You’d think the Vikes would be interested?
I think everyone can forget about Matt Forte getting traded now that he has a turf toe. Those injuries linger. I can’t see him being 100 percent before the trade deadline. Plus, he has not been that impressive when he’s played. Teams that need running backs will go with cheaper options in free agency like the Vikings just did by signing Stevan Ridley.