Gase considers handing off play-calling duties
NEW YORK — Adam Gase might be ready to call an audible on play-calling duties.
With the New York Jets off to an 0-5 start for the first time since 1996 and struggling mightily on offense, the coach acknowledged Monday he is considering handing off calling plays during games so he can take a wider-angle view of the entire team.
“I don’t think I’m ever opposed to trying something to change things up,” Gase said during a conference call. “I’d say everything’s on the table at this point.”
Gase said he has called the offensive plays during every game he has been a head coach, including his three seasons in Miami, but acknowledged he has “toyed with the idea” at times. While he wouldn’t commit to relinquishing those duties this week, it sounded as though more input from offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and/or running backs coach Jim Bob Cooter is possible.
“I’m considering everything,” Gase said. “I’m just looking at everything and just trying to figure out whatever can help us turn this thing in the right direction.”
The Jets rank last or close to last in nearly every major offensive category. They have dealt with several injuries, including quarterback Sam Darnold missing Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals with a sprained right shoulder, and a handful of wide receivers sidelined during the first five games.
Running back Le’Veon Bell (hamstring) returned Sunday after missing three games, but had little impact in the 30-10 loss to Arizona. He ran for 60 yards on 13 carries and had a 7-yard catch on the only pass that came his way.
Bell raised some eyebrows after the game when he “liked” a few social media posts that questioned whyhe wasn’t used more in the passing game — and one that suggested the Jets trade him. Bell didn’t speak to reporters after the game or Monday.
Gase said he hadn’t yet spoken to Bell about the situation, but understands the running back’s frustration over the team not winning.
“I hate that’s the route that we go with all this instead of just talking to me about it, but that seems to be the way guys want to do it nowadays,” Gase said of players using social media.
What’s working: The best player on the field for the Jets has been wide receiver Jamison Crowder, despite missing two games with a hamstring injury.
Whether it has been Darnold or Joe Flacco under center, Crowder has been consistently reliable. He has three straight games with 100 or more yards receiving and leads the Jets with 22 catches. The next closest players in receptions are Chris Hogan (14 receptions) and Chris Herndon (13) — and they’ve played in all five games.
What needs help: Well, the list could go on and on. But the inability to score touchdowns in the red zone has been critical.
New York has had its chances this season, but is a league-worst 25%(3 of 12) inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. The Jets went 1-for-3 Sunday, Flacco connecting with Crowder on an 11-yard TD.