To say it’s been a rough second year for New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles would be a huge understatement.
New York, after losing in ugly fashion Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, is now 3-6 on the year. It’s a far cry from last year’s 10-6 record during Bowles’ rookie season as an NFL head coach.
Always a straight shooter, Bowles is taking full responsibility for his team’s performance.
Jets coach Todd Bowles was asked about his job performance: "I haven't done a good job. We're 3-6. Record speaks for itself."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 7, 2016
He also seems to understand that, in every conceivable way, the Jets have been dysfunctional this year.
Q: Does it bother you that perception is your team is dysfunctional and undisciplined?
Bowles: "Not at all. I know what reality is." #jets
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 7, 2016
The offense has been a hot mess, with Ryan Fitzpatrick playing as bad this year as he was good in 2015. He’s now completed just 56.5 percent of his passes while throwing eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Things got so bad that Bowles benched Fitzpatrick in favor of Geno Smith, who promptly tore up his knee, paving the way for Fitzpatrick to come back.
Bryce Petty might have to play in Week 10, as Fitzpatrick now has a knee injury that could keep him out of action for a bit (more on that here).
Todd Bowles’ baby, the defense, has been among the worst in the NFL against the pass all year. Darrelle Revis is a shell of his former self, and the entire back end of the defense is undisciplined and prone to mistakes.
New York’s defense also allowed the Dolphins’ offensive line to dictate the action Sunday to the tune of 137 yards and a touchdown at a clip of 4.6 yards per carry. The coverage unit was also burned when Kenyan Drake scored the game-sealing touchdown on a 96-yard kickoff return late in the fourth quarter.
It’s hard to imagine the Jets will even get back to .500 this year. They’ve yet to play the New England Patriots this year and have to face the Dolphins again, along with the Buffalo Bills.
Being that this is Bowles second season, it’s conceivable that he’s safe for at least another year. But if the Jets continue to tank like we’ve seen this season, it shouldn’t come as a shock if he does lost his job.