The New York Jets’ rocky 2024 marketing campaign has been formed by unorthodox decision-making, together with proprietor Woody Johnson reportedly counting on Madden NFL online game scores to judge gamers.
In keeping with the Athletic, Johnson vetoed a commerce for broad receiver Jerry Jeudy final offseason, citing the participant’s low Madden ranking. Jeudy was later dealt to the Cleveland Browns, the place he has thrived with 1,052 receiving yards, rating fifth within the NFL.
The Jets additionally signed free-agent guard John Simpson regardless of Johnson’s preliminary opposition primarily based on his low “consciousness” ranking within the sport. Simpson has since carried out solidly, however the workforce has struggled to a 4-10 report.
The Athletic cited sources throughout the group that mentioned Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, have influenced workforce selections. The proprietor has reportedly referenced their opinions, usually primarily based on on-line chatter and online game metrics, in conferences with executives and coaches.
“Once we’re discussing issues, you’ll hear Woody cite one thing Brick or Jack learn on-line that’s being weighed equally with workers opinions,” an unnamed Jets govt mentioned.
A Jets spokesperson denied the sons’ affect, calling their enter a “reference level”. Nonetheless, insiders described situations the place Brick and Jack handed out sport balls within the locker room, leaving gamers and workers uncomfortable.
The dysfunction has reached a peak this season. After a 1-3 begin, Johnson reportedly urged benching quarterback Aaron Rodgers, although the veteran remained the starter. Midseason firings of head coach Robert Saleh and normal supervisor Joe Douglas adopted.
Rodgers has underperformed and the Jets seem headed for a rebuild. Critics say the workforce’s reliance on unorthodox enter has contributed to its struggles.
“It was essentially the most awkward, cringe-worthy state of affairs I’ve been a part of,” one participant mentioned of the locker room environment.
The workforce’s future stays unsure because it considers transferring on from Rodgers and rebuilding its management construction.
