Head coach Todd Bowles is happy his team is finding ways to win, but he does not like that Chris Ivory continues to be the biggest producer on offense. Heading into a rivalry matchup against the New England Patriots, Bowles wants more out of his receiving game which is struggling despite the marquee names headlining it. Will roster additions be the only way they get it?
Both Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall had their ups and downs in the Week 6 win over the Washington Redskins. Both players recorded fumbles in the win. While Marshall rebounded with a touchdown catch, Decker had two drops and lost fumble in the win. Those types of headlines have been an issue for the Jets all season. The team is not getting production out of Jeremy Kerley as he has dropped off the map. Kellen Davis and Jeff Cumberland are non-existent in the offense. Chris Owusu has been injured while Devin Smith has yet to get worked back into the plan. Bowles is not thrilled.
"Going forward, we're going to need a third and fourth option," Bowles said, via the New York Daily News. "And probably a fifth option, if we want to get to where we need to be."
ESPN's Rich Cimini notes that while trades could be an option for the Jets, they are unlikely. The ESPN writer denied Vernon Davis being an option. Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings would be cheap, but unproductive. Of course there are free agent options like Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne that remain available. The addition cannot hurt the Jets at this point as they need more offensive production heading into games against the Patriots. The team is also losing Quincy Enunwa for four games according to USA Today for violating the leagues personal conduct policy. The addition of another receiver would not hurt.
For the short-term, giving Smith more reasonability might be the best option while also getting the tight ends worked in more. Smith is requesting more targets saying, "I want it to happen just because I want to make a big play. That's what I came here for," Smith said, via the Daily News. "That's what I do. I'm just looking forward to us connecting and me helping the team in any way I can." The rookie was a high draft pick for a reason and the Jets need to find a way to use him.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is doing all he can for the offense, but getting little balance from the receiving game is not going to help the team sustain long-term success this season. The defense certainly sounds ready for the matchup as Willie Colon is ready to strike against the defending Super Bowl champs.
"When they smell blood they kill," Colon said, via ESPN.com. "The Pats are still king, not only of our division, but of the league. They're the Super Bowl champs. It's going to take all of us on deck, ready to go. ... If we're not on our P's and Q's, we're going to get embarrassed."
