Special to the AmNews
If NFL fans displayed the same type of concern for issues that are written about on the front pages of this newspaper, currently directed at the NFL office, there could be much more social change taking place in society.
Now don’t count on an “Occupy the NFL” or a “Flood the NFL” civil campaign, but the climate of attention now given to the NFL office suggests that its commissioner, Roger Goodell, may want to retain a Ray Donovan for damage control, in addition to his new hires and committees.
The New York Jets may want to retain, or augment, their secondary and receiver core to prevent Jets fans from unoccupying their stadium seats, switching channels or turning off their games. Although it’s been acknowledged that the first half of this season would be difficult, fans don’t expect the Jets to be down 14 points in the game’s opening minutes, on their first possessions. Fans don’t expect, or want, permeating fears of turnovers and flags thrown throughout the game, nullifying completed plays. Fans don’t expect dysfunctional, sideline errors to impede the Jets’ victories.
These questions are of immediate concern: How is quarterback Geno Smith progressing? Does he have enough weapons to succeed? Is he seeing his receivers? Is he getting protection? How does he adjust and manage during broken plays? Is he seeing the game in real time? Is he comfortable with the play calling of Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg? Does Mornhinweg call plays to Smith’s strengths or the offense’s strength?
These questions are also pressing: How much time will Smith be afforded to learn before he’s pulled? How high is the Jets’ ceiling of opportunity? Will he receive the suggested three years needed to determine if he’s this team’s quarterback? When will Smith have that breakout moment that causes Jets fans to say, “Yeah, that’s our quarterback!”?
Smith gets protection, time to throw. It’s been proved that he can take a hit. Sunday’s home game against Detroit will provide another opportunity for Smith and for the Jets. A win can prevent us from again hearing, “We’re focusing on being better” and “I’ve got a lot more to learn.”