Why Joe Namath's Tough Words for New York Jets Are Right

When Joe Namath speaks, Jets fans listen. 

His words may leave his mouth more slowly and slurred than in the past, but the passion for his former team has not diminished. Also, Namath is certainly not afraid to voice a negative opinion to the ubiquitous Big Apple media if he doesn't like what he sees.

In a recent interview with Adam Schein of SiriusXM NFL radio, Gang Green's legendary quarterback said the following regarding the Jets:

"

Namath: "I'm concerned with how the Jets are trying to build a team & win a championship. They seem more interested in the headlines."

— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) August 29, 2012"

Tough words for a team already dealing with overwhelming scrutiny from the media about its relatively pedestrian offense that hasn't scored a touchdown in the preseason, as well as with the perpetual Tim Tebow circus.

For as simple and straightforward as his statement is, Namath couldn't be any more correct. 

To break down his statement, first let's begin with Namath concern with the way the Jets are building their team to win a championship.

The team did add a much-needed pass-rusher in the draft in Quinton Coples. After that, Stephon Hill was picked to add a dynamic dimension to a questionable receiving corps. However, the critical right tackle position was not addressed in free agency or the draft, and Wayne Hunter utterly embarrassed himself and the organization in his first few exhibition outings.

Now, the Jets will enter the season with either career practice-squader Austin Howard or enormous draft bust Jason Smith on the right edge of their offensive line. 

The running back position wasn't upgraded, either. 

After a disappointing regression from two straight AFC championship games to 8-8 in 2011, did New York's front office make a concerted effort to get better? 

Eh. 

Namath's "headline" comment seems to be spot-on as well. Unless the Jets truly don't believe in Mark Sanchez and are crazy enough to believe that Tim Tebow is the team's savior at QB, his addition seems to be more of an attention-grabber than anything else. 

Sure, he'll have his own Wildcat package that could aid an occasionally inept offense, but as Namath put it, "the only reason to run the wild cat is if your offense isn’t working."

Namath did say he believed the defense is good enough for the Jets to win nine or 10 games, but his initial worries are undoubtedly warranted. 

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