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The New York Jets have found their replacement for former offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and it is Marty Mornhinweg. Mornhinweg has spent the last 10 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and he was the head coach of the Detroit Lions before coming to Philadelphia. He’s also had stops with the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers.
Mornhinweg is an interesting addition to the Jets staff because he seems to be the exact opposite of Rex Ryan. Ryan has preached a ground and pound offense for the Jets since he became the head coach but Mornhinweg is known for passing the football. He runs the west coast offense which is predicated on an accurate quarterback and a short passing game.
Mark Sanchez might not be able to run this offense because he’s one of the most inaccurate quarterbacks in the NFL. The team doesn’t have the best set of wide receivers and running backs either so Mornhinweg will have to get creative. The Jets will return Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley as wide outs. It’s not known if Braylon Edwards will return. Starting running back Shonn Greene is a free agent as well as top tight end Dustin Keller.
Michael Vick is expected to be released by the Eagles but he doesn’t seem to be a match for the Jets. Vick supposedly wants to be a starting quarterback next season but also wants starter’s money. The Jets are over the salary cap already and unless they can trade Sanchez it doesn’t seem possible both will be on the team. Vick’s injury history will also have to be considered.
Some very good quarterbacks have been made the Pro Bowl while working with Mornhinweg. These quarterbacks include Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, Steve Young and Jeff Garcia. If he can turn Sanchez’s career around it would really add to his legacy.
I didn’t think Mornhinweg would get the job after being interviewed due to his passing background. This just solidifies that Ryan is serious about getting away from the ground and pound and actually having a functioning offense. Ryan needs this to work as this is now his third offensive coordinator since he took the job.
