Fansided

NFL 2015: How will the first-year coaches perform?

By Matt Verderame

Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 8
Next
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets coach Todd Bowles speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets coach Todd Bowles speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Todd Bowles – New York Jets

The expectations are many for Todd Bowles and his New York Jets this season. After fellow first-year general manager Mike Maccagnan went out on a full-blown tear this offseason, many believe the Jets will contend for a playoff spot. In a place like New York City, the pressure will be on Bowles from the start to produce a winner, something he might be hard-pressed to do.

New York was aggressive this offseason, trading for receiver Brandon Marshall and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. In March, Maccagnan went out and signed a trio of corners in Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. On April 30, the Jets had the good fortune of landing defensive lineman Leonard Williams with the sixth-overall pick, getting to pair him with Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson.

So why is this job ranked so low? Geno Smith and Fitzpatrick. We have learned time and again in this league that without a head coach and quarterback, you have no chance. While Bowles appears to be very promising in his post after putting together an impressive run as defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals, Smith and Fitzpatrick aren’t the answer under-center for any real contender.

The smart money is on Smith winning the job, if for no other reason he has potential as a younger player. Fitzpatrick is well into his career and not getting any better. Sitting in the brutally tough AFC East, the Jets are going to have a tough time cracking .500. It could be a trying year for Bowles until he gets a capable quarterback in there to run the offense.

Next: I left my heart (but not my talent) in San Francisco

Home/Atlanta Falcons