Success of NFL backups sheds more light on Jets' QB disaster area

The 4-8 Jets can't blame their backup quarterbacks for all the team's offensive woes. GM Joe Douglas — the person ultimately responsible for the disastrous QB situation and the rest of the roster — is much farther up the team's food chain.

With New York's QB situation once again in disarray, Douglas deserves criticism for his decision to not bring in a serviceable No. 2 behind Aaron Rodgers. In Week 13 alone, backup quarterbacks Joe Flacco (Browns), Gardner Minshew (Colts), Jake Browning (Bengals) and C.J. Beathard (Jaguars) played well, completing a combined 90-of-133 (68%) passes for 983 yards and recording six total touchdowns (and only one interception).

Meanwhile, New York's quarterback carousel continues spinning in the absence of Rodgers, who went down with an Achilles injury four snaps into the season. After the team benched first-round pick Zach Wilson in the third quarter of a 32-6 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 19, New York handed the keys to the offense to veteran Tim Boyle. Yet the 29-year-old hardly fared better in Wilson's relief over two starts, eventually getting benched for Trevor Siemian in a Week 13 loss to the Falcons.

With Boyle and Siemian failing to kick-start New York's pathetic offense (260.1 YPG, 31st in NFL), Gang Green appeared ready to reinstate Wilson as the starter for Week 14 at home against Houston, but The Athletic reported the 24-year-old is reluctant to play. (HC Robert Saleh later pushed back on these claims).

The success of other backups in the league also sheds light on the ugly truth behind the Jets' struggles: their offense was built for Rodgers — and only Rodgers — to succeed.

The Jets brought in some of Rodgers' former colleagues in Green Bay, including offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, tackle Billy Turner and wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Because of those additions, however, the Jets failed to adequately address several of their roster's biggest holes. With the four-time MVP sidelined and no longer able to elevate their play, all have floundered in New York.

Due to Lazard and Cobb's lack of production, the Jets lack a true No. 2 receiver across from Garrett Wilson. Corey Davis' surprise retirement before the season and the Mecole Hardman Jr. deal to Kansas City at the trade deadline have also brought down the passing game.

Meanwhile, injuries have ravaged the offensive line. A lack of continuity among the front five has hampered New York's running game — Breece Hall last eclipsed 100 rushing yards on Oct. 8 against the Broncos.

Considering the sad state of New York's offense, it's hard to fault any quarterback not named Rodgers for the struggles. The blame for the backup QB situation, though, falls squarely on Douglas.