John Idzik is the architect of the New York Jets, a team that has lost seven straight games after a Week 1 victory over the still-winless Oakland Raiders. As such, the responsibility for another disappointing season ultimately falls on him, something the general manager communicated during his mostly downtrodden half-hour press conference on Monday.
GM John Idzik offers little on Rex Ryan, Jets’ frustrations
The Jets general manager dodged questions at his midseason press conference.
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Idzik spoke for 20 minutes without saying anything concrete, especially concerning the future of head coach Rex Ryan. He complimented the roster, coaching staff and Jets owner Woody Johnson while consistently accepting blame for the 1-7 team’s shortcomings. Though it would be easy to throw Ryan under the bus, Idzik expressed confidence in the embattled head coach throughout the press conference, saying, “All the traits that make Rex Ryan our leader, out football coach, are still intact.”
After Idzik eventually opened the floor to questions, he provided little in the way of answers. He acknowledged that the Jets need "more consistent quarterback play" when asked about second-year quarterback Geno Smith, who threw three interceptions in the first quarter Sunday against the Bills and was benched for Michael Vick. Ultimately, Idzik toed the party line and said, "He's still a New York Jet. We're still developing Geno Smith."
Several media members questioned Idzik on his draft and free agency record, pointing out that the Jets added only Dimitri Patterson and a pair of rookie corners, none of whom have played a down for New York this season.
“Every decision that’s been made along the way has been geared towards succeeding in 2014 and going forward,” he said, arguing that his process is aimed at more than just this year.
On a related note, Idzik discussed the salary cap situation. Because of the house-cleaning he performed on the roster when the Jets hired him as GM, New York has more room under the cap than all but a few teams. Idzik says he plans to utilize that in a number of ways.
"Cap space can be used for free agency and re-signing own guys," he said, "We like having the room for those purposes." The Jets will soon need to reach a contract extension with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and have been connected with impending free agent Ndamukong Suh.
Still, for Idzik to take advantage of those salary cap resources he’ll have to remain in New York. If the Jets don’t rebound from their 1-7 start, a third year isn’t guaranteed.
See More:
