The New York Jets have spent the offseason addressing several of their most pressing needs. Talent has been added across the roster. Competition has increased at key positions, and there is a growing sense that the organization is moving in the right direction.
The journey back to consistent winning football, however, still revolves around one position: quarterback. That shouldn’t be shocking. This is the most important position in sports. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the positions where the Jets have the most questions.
New York is placing its faith in Geno Smith. The veteran returns to the organization that drafted him more than a decade ago. He brings experience, leadership, and a renewed opportunity to prove he can guide a franchise back into contention.
There’s reason for optimism. Smith will be surrounded by a supporting cast that many quarterbacks would gladly trade for. The Jets have invested heavily in improving the talent around him, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich has built a reputation for helping quarterbacks succeed.
The Jets’ offense is still taking shape
Even so, there’s work to be done. It’s important to remember how much has changed since Smith last wore a Jets uniform. Not only is he a different player, but he’s entering an entirely new offensive environment with coaches who are still learning exactly how to maximize his abilities. That process remains ongoing.
Recently, Jets quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave offered some insight into how the coaching staff is approaching Smith’s development within the offense. Thank Eric Allen, the official team’s website’s senior reporter, for the quote.
“Think the mechanics are what they are, especially with Geno at his age, really with a lot of QBs, they’ve kind of evolved to be in where they are mechanically. We can work on footwork all day long, and that’s good because we want to be on time, and at times even early, with a lot of our throws. So, the footwork is always at the forefront of what we talk about technique-wise, but otherwise, we’re really thinking players before plays, and what Geno does well, we want to be able to tailor our system, which Frank does to a great degree. Tailor the system, tailor the concepts to fit Geno’s skillset.”
Musgrave’s comments reveal a philosophy that has become increasingly common among successful NFL offenses. Rather than forcing players into a rigid system, the best coaches often adapt their schemes to accentuate individual strengths. That’s exactly what Reich and company appear to be doing with Smith.
The veteran quarterback is coming off a disappointing season, but the Jets aren’t focused on what happened elsewhere. Their attention is centered on identifying what Smith does best and building an offense that allows those traits to flourish.
Training camp should provide a clearer picture of what that offense ultimately looks like. Until then, the Jets appear committed to a simple but effective approach: build around the quarterback, not the other way around.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Tailoring Jets’ offensive attack to Geno Smith remains ongoing process
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
