Whatever It Takes

 

It's not very often that a franchise Quarterback in the prime of his career asks to be traded from his team. It's even rarer that the player lists your favorite team at the top of his list of intended destinations. It's even more rare when that happens for the Jets. It took Robert Saleh all of 2 weeks to power wash the stench of Gase off the team, and Deshaun Watson is giving the Jets a second chance to have him wear Gotham Green.

Sit down kids, and let me tell you a story that begins in 2017. The Jets held the 6th pick in the draft, and Watson was coming off a National Championship with Clemson. The Jets QB room at the time had Ryan Fitzpatrick and the sophomore Christian Hackenberg. That was enough for Mikey Mac to pass up on both Watson and this snooch from Texas Tech Patty Mahomes who were taken 12th and 10th respectively. Instead, the Jets drafted Jamal Adams, who in his own right had a solid career as a Jet before forcing his way off the team last offseason for 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick.

Now, ironically enough, the Jets have enough draft capital, including the 2nd overall pick due to our incompetence last season, to put together a package that should rival any other team's in a trade for Watson. We also won't be compromising the future, since we would essentially be trading Jamal Adams and our first pick this year to get a bonafide stud at the most important position in the league.The best part about it, is that Gang Green also has the 3rd most cap space in a season where almost half the league is in the red before they start cutting players.

It's up to these three men to do whatever it takes to get Deshaun Watson to the Jets. Three firsts, a 2nd, and Darnold.... whatever it takes. Three firsts and Quinnen Williams... whatever it takes. We can even get creative and trade the 2nd overall picks for more first rounders and send the Texans a package that includes four 1sts... whatever it takes.

Being realistic, however, there is the possibility the Texans ignore Watson's trade request and either force him to sit out the season or deal with his fate when he signed his contract last year. That gives the Jets a few options at the QB position.

Keep Sam Darnold and improve the skill players. 

Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance during his three years in the league, however the good has often been outweighed by the bad. The most damning thing the franchise has done in the past three years is that they never gave Sam a good enough team to prove if he can hang in the league. There will always be that what if with him, and we can help fix that this season. You give Matt LaFleur the reigns, and draft and sign any combination of Devonta Smith, Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, Juju, Travis Ettiene, Chuba Hubbard, and run it back with him one more time, before deciding if they want to sign him long term to be our franchise QB. Worst case scenario is that you find out Darnold's not the guy, and our next QB will enter with a loaded offense.

Draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson and Trade Darnold

In my opinion, neither Fields nor Wilson are can't miss prospects. The Jets missed the boat on drafting a can't miss prospect in Trevor Lawrence when we beat the Rams. The knock on Fields for me is that he's on a powerhouse Ohio State team that can run up the score on inferior teams, but when he had to play top defenses like Indiana, Northwestern, and Alabama, you saw the weaknesses in his game. Zach Wilson on the other hand hasn't had to face any top teams since BYU is an independent school and plays an easier schedule. That isn't to say that neither guy can be a franchise QB, but with the 2nd overall pick you want to make sure you make the right choice. I think Douglas can still get a 2nd round pick for Darnold as there are still a lot of teams with questions at QB for 2021.

Draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson and Keep Darnold

This is the most unlikely scenario, but it can also work out. This gives the Jets a chance to let the new coaching staff work with Darnold in camp and see if he can shine in the preseason. Then, you wait for a team that becomes desperate when their QB gets injured and needs to give you a bigger haul. Or, you can let the season play out with the rookie sitting their first season and then weigh your options.

Week 11 Picks

NFL Season 33-28-1

Last Week 3-3

Hit with two of the worst all time bad beats last week, but still finished .500, and 54% overall for the season.

Falcons +3.5 @ Saints

Taysom Hill hahahahahaha. Sean Payton will regret this decision and if I'm being duped by all the reports I'll take the L. 

Patriots -1.5 v Texans

The Pats can run the ball better than almost any other team in the league, and Houston has trouble stopping the run. As much as I hate it, you can never count out the Pats.

Eagles +2.5 @ Browns

This line is fishy. The Browns are one of the worst 6-3 teams in NFL history, and I see Wentz bouncing back after a bad performance against the Giants.

Dolphins -4 @ Broncos

Drew Lock is questionable with a rib injury, and Miami is hitting their stride on both sides of the ball. Give me the better team with the points.

Colts -1.5 v Packers

The square betters are lining up to take Rodgers getting points here, but the sharps know better. Indy is a better team and will control the clock with their three-headed rushing attack.

Rams +4.5 @ Bucs

I think Brady's bedtime is 8 PM since he's looked awful in prime time this season. Tampa has struggled when they play better defenses, and Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and company need a win to keep pace with the Seahawks out west. 

Week 10 Picks - Home Teams Prevail

NFL Season 30-25-1

Last Week 2-4

Browns -4 v Texans

The Texans defense stinks, and I think Cleveland is actually better without Odell. The Browns are also getting Nick Chubb back on Sunday, and should be able to run all over Houston.

Giants +4 v Eagles

I love taking home dogs in divisional matchups. Both New York and Philly know each other well, and typically place close games. The Thursday night a few weeks ago was no exception, and I see this matchup playing out very similar.

Panthers +6 v Bucs

I'm going to keep riding Teddy Bridgewater as an underdog. I like the game better now that McCaffery is out since the line shifted two more points in our favor.

Cardinals -2.5 v Bills

Kyler Murray is putting together an MVP season, and might finish with over 4,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards. Neither team's defense is playing as well as we expected going into the season, and this game should be a shootout. I just trust Kyler more than Allen to make that one extra play to win. 

Dolphins -1.5 v Chargers

Not going to lie, this line scares me a little. Miami should be at least 3.5 point fIavorites in this situation, but I can't pass it up. If it loses on Sunday then so be it.

Rams -2.5 v Seahawks

The public is still in love with Seattle, but even with Jamal Adams back their defense can't stop a nosebleed. I think the Rams are back in form after a Super Bowl hangover and are well rested off a bye. Sean McVay had an extra week to gameplan some offensive schemes to get Jared Goff cooking. 

Week 9 - Keep the Train Rolling

NFL Season 28-21-1

Last Week 4-2

Another profitable week last week has us up 7 units on the season. It was great watching a Charger collapse being on the opposite side of it for once.

Seahawks -3 @ Bills

The Seahawks are the most entertaining team in the league offensively. Seattle's defense is getting Jamal Adams back this week, and he should be able to spy Josh Allen to prevent any big plays with his feet. I think that should give them enough of an edge to win and cover.

Colts +1.5 v Ravens

I think Indy is one of the more underrated teams in the AFC, and the Ravens didn't look the same last week after LT Ronnie Stanley was injured. Add to that CB Marlon Humphry is out this week with COVID, and I can see the Colts pulling off the upset.

Texans -7 v Jaguars

The Jags are terrible, and Minshew is out Sunday as well. Houston is coming off a bye, and as bad as they've played the first half, the roster is much more talented that Jacksonville.

Raiders +1 @ Chargers

The Chargers and Anthony Lynn are the funniest team in football, and no lead is safe. The Raiders are hard to get a read on since they play so inconsistently. Still, I'm going to ride with them after they upset the Browns last week on the road.

Dolphins +4.5 @ Cardinals

Hand up, I was wrong about Miami last week. Tua didn't need to do much in his debut as the defense and special teams got the Phins out to a large lead. I think the number is too high in this game, and see Miami keeping it within a field goal.

Bucs -4.5 v Saints 

In his Tampa debut, Brady threw two interceptions in a 24-23 loss to the Saints. He's only thrown 2 picks total in the last seven games and is getting comfortable with his weapons and that's a dangerous combo. Tampa sleep walked through 3 quarters on Monday and still came out with a win, and I don't think the Saints are as good as their record.

Week 8 - Tua's Debut and Two Big AFC Divisional Matchups

 NFL Season 24-19-1

Last Week 3-2-1

I was a missed extra point away from another 4-2 week, but I'll take the 1 unit win last week.

Colts -3 @ Lions    

I love the Colts coming off a bye against a Detroit team they're much  better than.

Bengals +7 v Titans

Change his nickname from Joe Cool to Joe Covers. Burrow and the Bengals are 5-2 ATS this season, and I think they get the backdoor here getting a touchdown.

Rams -3.5 @ Dolphins

LA put out a statement against Chicago on Monday, and will now face rookie Tua Tagovailoa in his NFL debut. I see Donald and Ramsey not being so welcoming to the former Alabama star.

Bills -4 v Patriots

If fans were allowed to attend games, Bills Mafia would be going nuts this week. The Pats are reeling with back to back losses, and they don't have Brady to save them. On top of that, Edelman and Harry are out. I can't see how they stay in this game.

Broncos +3 v Chargers

The Chargers are a pesky team, as Justin Herbert has played well his rookie season. That being said, their wins have come against the Bengals and Jaguars. I think the Broncos defense is good enough to keep them in this one and pull off the slight upset.

Steelers +4.5 @ Ravens

I think this is a matchup of two teams trending in opposite directions. The Black and Yellow are playing lights out and they keep the momentum going today.

Week 7 - Road Teams Will Prosper

NFL Season 21-17

Last Week 4-2

Browns -3 @ Bengals

Last time these two teams played, Cleveland ran the ball down the Bengals throats and should've easily covered the 6 point spread. However, Burrow led Cincy to a backdoor cover. Even without Nick Chubb, I don't expect this game to be much different. Everyone's making too big a deal out of Cleveland's loss to the Steelers.

Steelers +1 @ Titans

That leads me to this game. I think the Steelers are legit Super Bowl contenders. I didn't know how Big Ben would look after almost missing the whole 2019 season with an injury, as this is also his first season without Lev Bell and Antonio Brown. So far, the team hasn't lost a step. The Titans losing left tackle Taylor Lewan will be a big factor in this game, since they're throwing his backup into the fire trying to stop TJ Watt.

Panthers +7.5 @ Saints

I'm still riding Sir Purr and the Panthers. The Bears defense bent but didn't break last week, and Teddy Bridgewater still had the ball with a chance to tie the game on the final drive. The public still thinks these are the Saints of the past decade with Drew Brees, and I'll keep fading them in these spots. I'll even sprinkle the moneyline on Carolina as well. 

Seahawks -3.5 @ Cardinals

Seattle is 6-2 after their bye under Russel Wilson. This is a big game for the division, as the Seahawks can extend their lead to 3 games over Arizona with a win. I think the Kyler and the Cards are good, but I see Wilson leading Seattle to a game winning TD on the final drive for the win and cover.

Bucs -4 @ Raiders

The Raiders are just 3-7 after a bye since 2010. After a COVID scare, only one offensive lineman will be out for Vegas, but I'm not sure how the line will play after missing practice most of the week. Brady is getting more comfortable with his weapons in Tampa, and I see them winning this easily. 

Bears +6 @ Rams

The Bears do just enough to win every week, and playing like a team that believes in themselves. The 3-3 Rams have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season, with the only impressive performance coming against Football Team. Give me Big Dick Nick with the points and they may win outright as well. 

For Whom Lev Bell Tolls & Week 6 Picks

"Take a look to the sky just before you die. It's the last time you will."

The 2020 Jets are a comedy, but a bad comedy like Grown Ups, and I wish the season was already over. An injury Darnold inexplicably came back in the same game from, will keep him out a second week (same situation for Mekhi Bechton), so Joe Flacco will once again start for Gag Green. As the season continues to slip away into disaster, it's looking more and more likely that Trevor Lawrence will be the starting QB in 2021 before we even gave Sam a real chance at becoming that franchise QB three years ago. 

On Tuesday night, news broke that the Jets ended their much maligned relationship with running back Lev Bell. Yes, the same Bell that was a 1st team All-Pro three times with the Steelers. Yes, the same Lev Bell that had 1,800 yards from scrimmage for three straight seasons before becoming a Jet. Yes, the same Lev Bell that led the league with 406 touches in 2017. Yes, the same Lev Bell that Mike Maccagnan gave a four-year $52 million deal to last offseason. Yes, the same Lev Bell, that along with CJ Mosley, was going to make the Jets a destination for future big name free agents. Yes, the same Lev Bell, that it was clear soon to be exiled head coach Adam Gase didn't want on his team in the first place.

At the end of the day, the Jets franchise never deserved him. Jetlife Stadium is a place where careers go to die. In 17 games with the Jets, Bell averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, a full yard below his average with the Steelers. Bell has a lot to prove, and I hope he does well with the Chiefs, and gets the ring he wants in February.

So, where does that leave the Jets? As long as Adam Gase is the coach, we'll continue feeding the ball to 40 year old Frank Gore instead of giving rookie LaMichael Perine his fair share of the touches. Perine is one of the few Jets playmakers who has the potential of breaking a play for a touchdown, but we refuse to use him. Luckily, Bell's deal was practically a 2-year deal of guaranteed money, and we'll only take a cap hit of $4 million in 2021. 

I can't take any more disappointment. Goddamn Jets

NFL Season 17-15

Last Week 4-2

Had a good week last week, going 4-2 in my picks. The Steelers gave me a backdoor cover after the Eagles missed a game-tying field goal in the 4th quarter. I'll take the L when picking the Chiefs any day, there will be more profitable days betting for them than against them.

Bengals +7 @ Colts

Joe Burrow took a beating last week against a good Ravens team, and I think the rookie will have a good bounce back spot here against Indy. Phillip Rivers is starting to show his age, as Frank Reich is trying to quiet rumors that he will be making a change at QB. I feel like the Bengals are sneaky good enough to cover the touchdown spread.

Panthers -1 v Bears

Going to ride this Panthers wave, and they're probably my favorite team this year. Robby Anderson is showing the world the superstar that Jet fans knew he would become once he left that hellhole in the Meadowlands.

Falcons +170 ML @ Vikings

Going back to last week, you always take a team after they fire their coach. The Vikings will be without Dalvin Cook this week after a heartbreaking loss Sunday night in Seattle. I think Matty Ice hooks up with Ridley for a pair of touchdowns as the Falcons are ahead after 45 minutes and don't blow it in 4th quarter.

Giants -3 v Redskins

New York is enduring another season of bad football, but I think Ron Rivera and the Football Team are actually trying to tank after benching Dwayne Haskins. Joe Douglas has the Giants fighting for him and if they don't get a win here, I don't know when they'll have their next chance.

Bucs (Pick 'Em) v Packers

75% of bets are on Rodgers and the undefeated Pack, but Vegas has moved the line from -3.5 to a pick'em. This is reverse line movement at it's best kids. Brady had an extra three days to think about his fourth down gaffe, and will have a healthier receiving corps. Take the bet and thank me on Monday.

49ers +3 v Rams

This line stinks. The 49ers got blown out by Miami last week, while the Rams steamrolled the Skins. Yet, the spread is still only 3. When things are too good to be true, they usually are. Give the Sunday night dog.