What went wrong for Jets offense in 2022
Mike LaFleur and the Jets "mutually parted ways" after the team's miserable 1-7 finish, putting New York in the market for an offensive coordinator.
For most of 2022, the offense was problematic and unspectacular. Whoever played quarterback — Zach Wilson, Mike White or Joe Flacco — got most of the blame, but other factors help explain why New York ranked 25th in yards per game (315.2) and 29th in points per game (17.4).
LaFleur worked with and under Kyle Shanahan from 2014-2020 -- most recently as his passing game coordinator with the 49ers. In 2021, the Jets hired him as offensive coordinator.
LaFleur's offense resembles Shanahan's, tying an outside zone rushing attack and complementary play-action concepts together.
In 2022, offensive tackle Mekhi Becton was the key to unlocking the Jets' rushing attack, but he was lost to injury for a second consecutive season in August. In his 2020 rookie season, he showed rare run-blocking dominance.
Even without Becton, the Jets ran for a season-high 179 yards against the Packers in Week 6 with the help from a few creative runs.
But the Jets' offense had its flaws magnified after rookie running back Breece Hall, a budding star, and top offensive lineman Alijah-Vera Tucker were injured in Week 7 against Denver.
The Jets ran for 75 rushing yards or fewer six times, including a season-worst 38 yards in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins. All six of those rushing performances came following Week 7, after Hall and Vera-Tucker were ruled out for the season.
Other than rookie wideout Garrett Wilson, the passing game didn't deliver. Wilson led all rookies in catches (83), receiving yards (1,103) and targets (147).
Tight end Tyler Conklin and receiver Corey Davis were the only other players to surpass 500 receiving yards. Wideout Elijah Moore, who early in the season requested a trade, had only 446 yards receiving, one TD catch and no on-field rapport with Wilson.
Owner Woody Johnson recently said he's willing to pay for a quarterback — a position he views as the "missing piece." Could Tom Brady be in the mix?
Brady or no Brady, the Jets must make many changes on offense. But first, they need an offensive coordinator to sort through the rubble.
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