New York Jets: Analyzing Latest Buzz Surrounding Gang Green

Despite a three-game skid, the New York Jets are still in the thick of the AFC East division race. This is one of the few bits of good news for Gang Green after an overall poor showing against the Detroit Lions in Week 4.

The jeers for Geno Smith struck a nerve in the second-year quarterback after losing at home last week—prompting the frustrated signal-caller to drop an F-bomb toward heckling fans, captured by a CBS camera. Smith immediately apologized at a postgame presser but is yet to answer critics on his subpar performances.

Much talk about the Jets' dreaded three-game stretch continues despite Tom Brady's horrid performance on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. Nonetheless, Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning are playing at their best through four games.

Consecutive losses to the AFC West will send the Jets organization into a frenetic panic that could lead to Geno’s benching.

The urgency is already present leading up to a tough road game against the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have won their last five home games dating back to the 2013 season. Experts weigh in leading up to the Week 5 matchup.

Mike Florio: Jets’ Dreaded Players-Only Meeting

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According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, players-only meetings carry a bad omen. However, Smith felt the need to address his teammates for his substandard play on the field.

Per Florio, “via multiple reports, Smith disclosed the meeting to the media, explaining that he was one of the speakers — and that he apologized for his turnovers.”

It’s noble of Smith to own up to his miscues and turnovers, but an apology means absolutely nothing if he cannot back it up with his play on Sunday.

Secondly, he should address his receivers other than Eric Decker about poor separation from coverages. Rookie tight end Jace Amaro was Smith's most prominent target in crunch time as the Jets tried to rally for a comeback that failed against the Lions.

Smith placed the blame on his shoulders as leaders should, but he cannot make plays on his own.

The Jets offense doesn't have an array of explosive players. Furthermore, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is still experimenting with Smith's capabilities. Initially, he admit to putting too much on Smith's plate, according to the New York Daily News' Seth Walder. Last Sunday, Mornhinweg oversimplified the game plan early—forcing the Jets to dig themselves out of a two-touchdown deficit. 

Gregg Rosenthal: Rex Ryan Remains Confident in Geno Smith

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Per Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, Coach Ryan made it clear he’s still backing his second-year quarterback who’s learning on the job.

"I'm confident in Geno. If Geno's healthy, then Geno Smith will start," coach Rex Ryan said after the game. "I'm not gonna replace him. I feel good about Geno, and again, I think he's gonna get it turned. He's a tough, resilient young man, and I think we're gonna win."

Ryan also deflected a portion of the blame away from his quarterback under fire.

"If it was just him making mistakes and all that type of stuff, then we might have a different solution there. But I don't believe it rests on one man," Ryan said.

Ryan was criticized in the past because of his allegiance to Mark Sanchez. Sanchez was in his fourth year and struggling. Geno is in the early stages of his second year, but a popular backup QB stands behind him.

Loyalty in the league ends with the desperation to win games. If the coaching seat gets scorching hot and Smith continues to falter, Ryan will likely change his tune.

If the Jets lose the game against the Chargers Sunday, the quarterback will be evaluated separately. Interceptions, fumbles and missed throwing opportunities will be taken into account when deciding if Smith should be benched for the following week against the Denver Broncos.

Manish Mehta: Dee Milliner Will Play Against the Chargers

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The Jets’ pass defense hasn’t given up a ton of yards on the field (ranked 10th in yards allowed), but it gives up touchdowns in critical moments. An active Dee Milliner could prop up the Jets' red-zone defense on the back end. 

According to the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta, Ryan announced that Milliner will play against the Chargers.

Milliner is a major disappointment this season due to very limited playing time. The Jets need all the help possible—the defense failed to intercept a pass within the first four games. Rivers is throwing with 70 percent accuracy; a turnover or two will be an essential key to victory.

Per Mehta, Ryan praises Milliner as a talent capable of making big plays on the field when healthy. The key is availability—and the Jets are in desperate need of his presence. The defense should anticipate added pressure on the defensive backs with elite quarterbacks on the upcoming schedule.

It’ll be forth telling to see who Milliner matches up against on the Chargers offense coming off a quad injury. Keenan Allen is the most talented of the Chargers receiving corps. If Milliner is matched against Malcolm Floyd to start, it’s indicative he may not be 100 percent or due to lack of field reps.

Adam Schefter: General Manager John Idzik Taking Some Heat

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The finger-pointing continues throughout the Jets’ three-game losing streak, and general manager John Idzik isn’t absolved of taking some heat.

ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reports grumbles within the organization stemming from Idzik’s nonchalant approach to free agency:

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What bothers some in the organization, according to sources, are the holes the Jets left -- especially at cornerback, but also at wide receiver, pass rusher and in the return game.

It wasn't as if the Jets couldn't spend money as the team is $21.2 million under the cap as of Sunday, which is why some in the organization are upset Idzik wasn't more aggressive on players such as cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (signed with the Giants), cornerback Darrelle Revis (went to Patriots) or wide receiver DeSean Jackson (joined Redskins).

"

It’s a reasonable gripe considering the Jets have zero interceptions, a top cornerback whose injuries have kept him out of the lineup and one reliable receiver nursing a bad hamstring. Hindsight is always 20/20, but who is Idzik saving the $21.2 million for anyway?

Gang Green is fortunate their prominent players on offense and defense are dealing with minor ailments. One significant injury to a key player could debilitate the game plan on either side of the ball, especially with Decker at wide receiver. Kerley was able to fill in as the top threat in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears but struggles with consistency.

Idzik decided to hold his chips, but his team struggles with depth. The NFL season is a grind. The majority of players aren’t close to 100 percent by Week 17. New York is stuck with the dilemma of maxing out on the production of their starters—and possibly burning them out without a group of capable reserves to fill in the gaps.

Jane McManus: Rex Ryan Reassures Authority When It’s Game Time

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Coach Ryan made an effort to dismiss the notion that he’s not in control on the sidelines, which ironically comes nearly three weeks after a mysterious timeout was called in Green Bay. Ryan initially claimed he didn't know who called the timeout, but knew he didn't call it.

According to Jane McManus of ESPN New York, Ryan explained that a previous answer to a question about deciding whether or not to bench a player was taken out of context. "That falls on my shoulders, and I think it's obvious," Ryan said. "What became obvious is that I should have handled that question differently."

Ryan initially mentioned benching a player would be an organizational decision, specifically including the input of general manager Idzik. Subsequently, he clarifies the decision is solely his call after kick-off.

"I just thought it was so obvious that, obviously in my position as the head coach you are going to make decisions that during a game -- who else is going to make them?" Ryan said. "I am not going to call Randy Rasmussen up and say, 'Hey Randy, what do you think?'"

At this point, the land mines are being laid for Ryan, but he eluded the hysteria that Smith’s position on the field is protected by the general manager who drafted him in 2013.

Ryan isn’t a quarterback guru by a long shot. Nonetheless, it’s clear that his young signal-caller shows signs of potential despite his critical mistakes, specifically in the red zone.

Smith is obviously a developing quarterback with possible upside for the future. Assuming Ryan completely backs Smith without pressure from Idzik, it appears Ryan believes his job can withstand the struggles of a developing quarterback. In that case, why not allow Smith to play out the season?

According to Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press, owner Woody Johnson has high expectations for the young quarterback. “I have a lot of confidence in Geno,” Johnson said Thursday during practice. “I think Geno can be a franchise quarterback, I really do. I see traits in him, and we all see traits in him, that are extremely positive and (leave) room for a lot of optimism.”

The consensus objective across the organization is finding out whether or not Smith is the quarterback of the future. Inserting Vick for an extended period of time stalls the evaluation process and hinders Smith’s progress. He must be on the field to make significant strides.

Ryan just received a contract extension earlier in the year and is guaranteed through 2015. If he’s confident in his job security, one of his primary objectives is evaluating the raw talent at quarterback via management. 

Assuming his job is secure until next year, 2015 will be the year Ryan coaches to win at the moment instead of building for the future. Expect Smith to start and finish Sunday’s game against the Chargers unless it’s a blowout on either side.