Ganging up on Green
Season-ticket holders want Jets to tank
T HE REBUILD. The tank. The process.
The Jets’ plan for 2017 has plenty of names and has drawn plenty of opinions. I was curious what the people who spend the most on the Jets — the seasonticket holders — think about the direction of the team, so I solicited opinions from them on several topics.
The results were telling. They mostly support the team clearing out the costly veterans from their roster, even if it means a rough season. Owner Woody Johnson and coach Todd Bowles are not very popular. Most are taking a wait-and-see approach with general manager Mike Maccagnan.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Here is a sampling of what Jets season-ticket holders are thinking:
What do you think of the Jets’ current plan of getting rid of many expensive veterans and sacrificing the 2017 season?
SCOTT MASON, Alexandria, Va. Season-ticket holder since 1986 Section 332 — $1,200 for two tickets
“I like the plan. For far too long they have been trying to compete and rebuild at the same time, and it hasn’t worked. They desperately needed to infuse their roster with young players who have potential, and if that means a bad record in 2017, it will be worth it in the long run.” JAY SCHWARTZ, North Potomac, Md. Season-ticket holder since 2008 Section 129 — $5,000 for two PSLs and $2,300 for tickets
“I disagree with the ‘tanking’ talk. The ‘win-now’ philosophy was a disaster loading up the roster with overpriced vets. A new direction was needed. Start with a base of younger players and free up cap space for targeted [free-agent] acquisition, as FAs are needed to fill gaps. You cannot sustain winning with hired guns. Look at Denver. One and done — compare to New England, who built a dynasty on drafting young talent.” DAVID KLEIN, Yorktown Heights Season-ticket holder since 1977 Section 341 — $2,554 for two tickets
“This apparent plan is absurd. They are charging full price to see minor league football, while the team saves substantial amounts of money by cutting veteran players. The more experienced players can help lead and teach the younger players.” ELLIOT FEIT, New Milford, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 2002 Section 224B — $2,500 for PSL and $1,300 for tickets
“I’m all for it, enough of the 5-11s and 8-8s, need to bottom out and take two steps backwards in order to take five steps forward. Only way to improve.” KEVIN TOBIASSEN, New York Season-ticket holder since 2014 Section 309 — $1,100 on two tickets
“I think it’s something that had to be done. We’ve spent too long putting a Band-Aid on bullet wound. We weren’t very competitive with those players playing key roles, so I don’t know why saving some salary and trying to build is such a bad thing.” PATRICK KRULIKOWSKI, Pelham Manor Season-ticket holder since 2001 Section 314 — $3,000 for two tickets
“Although 2017 will be painful, I am in full support of playing younger players with an eye to the future. [The Jets] should ramp up to dethrone [the Patriots] in the AFC East in 2-3 seasons. This will only be possible if we find a long-term answer at QB.” KEN FALK, Glen Cove Season-ticket holder since 1984, father had them since 1974 Section 118 — $54,000 for nine PSLs, $13,100 for tickets, split among three friends
“I don’t agree with their plan at all. The Jets play in a top market. We pay top dollar for tickets and parking. ... [We] should be able to field a competitive team every year.” MAX BREWER, New York Season-ticket holder since 2007 Section 204 — $5,000 on two PSLs and $2,800 on tickets “It’s always painful when players leave that have been fan-favorites for so long, but in this league going 7-9 or 8-8 is the worst thing for a franchise. … This season is going to be an embarrassing one, but I think all Jets fans will trade in one lousy season for a promising future with an legitimate QB prospect.” BRIAN PISKADLO, Ledgewood, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 2002 Section 330 — $1,300 for two tickets
“I’m not sure that is the plan. Besides [Eric] Decker and [Brandon] Marshall (who may have been a bit of a cancer last year) the rest of the players were expendable. ... I think the whole veteran presence thing is a bit overrated and think there is enough leadership on the team to keep them on track.”
Will you root for the Jets to lose this year to help their draft position in 2018?
JOHN GALLAGHER, Douglaston Season-ticket holder in family since 1965 Section 311 — $4,200 for four tickets “I sat through every game of the [Rich] Kotite years and did not cheer for the Jets to lose. I have no intention to start this seaon.” BRENDAN ODWYER, Manhattan Season-ticket holder since 2000 Section 123 — $15,000 on six PSLs and $7,650 on tickets split with a friend
“I’ll try and enjoy the game the best I can. I will always want the team to win. I can get behind a team of young players winning games because the experience should help in the future.” IRA GENIN, Scarsdale Season-ticket holder since “Shea days” Coaches club — $28,000 on two PSLs and $14,000 on tickets
“I would never ... outwardly cheer for them to lose. That being said, I typically go into a weeklong depression according to my wife after each loss. This year, I’m very content with a 2-14 season or worse.” CAM VAN ZANDT, Manhattan Season tickets in family since early 1960s Section 339 — $1,200 for four tickets “I will root for the team to lose all 16
games, as winning three or four games does nothing for the franchise. I’ll never forget when [Eric] Mangini played the last game of the 2007 season (the day after the Pats’ 16-0 game, which I also attended) like it was the Super Bowl to beat the 4-11 Chiefs (no beer was sold at the stadium that day). A Jets loss would have given them the third pick in the draft (Matt Ryan was selected by Atlanta). Instead, the pick dropped to No. 6, where Vernon Gholston was selected!”
Will you attend fewer games this year?
LUKE SCHWEICKERT, Bolton Landing Season-ticket holder since 2013 Section 201 — $5,000 for two PSLs and $2,800 for tickets
“I will go to all of the games. It will make it all the more sweet if and when this thing ever gets turned around.” DANNY GLASER, New York Season-ticket holder since 1979 in family Section 228b — $5,000 for two PSLs and $2,854 for tickets “See you in 2018.” DAVE ARMSTRONG, Holmdel, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 2010 Section 247A — $12,000 on three PSLs (gave up one) and $2,800 on two tickets
“Depends on whether they are fun to watch. When the Jets had Wesley Walker, they were always fun to watch. However, the parking situation is atrocious, and getting out of that stadium takes forever. The food inside is a rip-off. The one great thing is our tailgate crew in J13.” JUSTIN CINIELLO, Upper East Side Season-ticket holder since 2008, but attended every home game since 1985 Section 103 — $8,000 for two PSLs and $2,654 for tickets
“No, I will attend all 10 games this year, just like my father and I have been doing for decades now. Call it benign masochism.” ZACH LATHAM, Meriden, Conn. Season-ticket holder since 2012 Section 123 — $8,000 for two PSLs and $2,654 for tickets
“At this point in time, I would say yes, each year has been harder and harder to go games. The stadium is expensive, we aren’t the most competitive, and to drive two hours each way and to get rolled on by QBs like Matt Moore 40-3, makes it hard to watch. [Of] 2017 games, I will attend ... maybe three.”
What is your opinion of Woody Johnson?
PETE LAROCCA, Toms River, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 1968 Section 226 - $5,000 for two PSLs and $2,854 for tickets
“Seriously? Really? You won’t be able to print what I’d have to say. Best I can say without censorship is that he is worse than James Dolan. When does he leave for England ?”( Editor’ s note: The White House announced Thursday that Johnson has been nominated for U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. He still has to be confirmed by the Senate, but once he leaves, day-to-day operations will fall to his brother Christopher .) JONATHAN BRUNO, Nutley, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 2010 Section 109 — $15,000 for PSL and $2,600 on tickets
“I like Woody. I think Woody wants to win and never has been opposed to spending money. He has come to some of our tailgates and seemed to be very approachable and gracious with the mobs of Jet fans who wanted ‘selfies.’ I think that it is not an easy business, and wanting to win and spending money only accounts for a small percentage of what it takes to create a winning culture. He has been misadvised in the past and also had some bad luck.” STANLEY FEIN, East Hampton Season-ticket holder since 1980s Section 110 — $30,000 on six PSLs and $9,000 for tickets “Should go back to selling Band-Aids.” JAMES KAMINSKY, New York Season-ticket holder since 1970 Section 213 — $25,000 for four PSLs and $8,000 for tickets
“Woody Johnson needs to speak to the public more and should after moves like cutting [David] Harris. We need to know what the plan is, and I don’t think he is honest nor smart. I think he is among the worst owners in the NFL and fits in with the Wilpons and [James] Dolan perfectly.” MICHAEL KELM, River Edge, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 1985 Sections 123 and 222A — $50,000 for 12 PSLs and $15,000 for tickets
“Unfortunately the man is not a football guy. Doesn’t have a clue about the game. The Jets are just a hobby for him compared to his other obligations. At least that’s how I feel. I will give him credit though, he isn’t afraid to spend money on free agents, and the training facility is top notch. As an owner though, he’s no Mara or Rooney.”
What is your opinion of Mike Maccagnan?
BOB MARTYNUK, Monroe Twp., N.J. Season-ticket holder since 1982 Section 317 — $3,700 for three tickets
“I think the jury is still out on Maccagnan. Need to give him two more years and see where the team is. I believe that he has a plan, and is going to steer the ship in the right direction. He has made some nice moves, and some questionable moves to date (Christian Hackenberg).” KEVIN WETHERELL, Cranford, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 1992 Section 247A — $8,000 for two PSLs and $2,600 for tickets
“Find me a quarterback and I’ll put a statue of him on my front lawn.” BRETT SPIVACK, New York Season-ticket holder since 1992, been in family longer Section 225A — $24,000 for six PSLs and $7,800 for tickets
“It’s hard to say. His two best draft picks, [Leonard] Williams and [Jamal] Adams, both fell into his lap and should have been off the board by the sixth pick. Most of his free-agent contracts didn’t pan out, but they were structured so they didn’t ruin the cap. I didn’t like the way the [Ryan] Fitzpatrick saga was handled either. He says all the right things, and I hope he is given the time to see his vision play out rather than be fired after a bad year and the team has to
reset again.” MATTHEW PASTORE, Ridgewood, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 2014, family has owned entire life Section 311 — $2,600 for two tickets “So far I am happy with him. I think he’s done the right things with what’s he’s had over the first two years. I wish he would be a little bit more of an open book about their plans however, he always has the most boring answers in every press conference he ever does.”
What is your opinion of Todd Bowles?
RICHARD CARROLL, Ramsey, N.J. Season-ticket holder since 1981 Sections 148 and 340 — $4,000 for one PSL and $2,605 for two tickets
“Disappointing. ... He has never won a game in both seasons where you said, ‘Wow, that was a great scheme or strategy by Bowles to win the game.’ ” ROBERT RICCARDELLI, Tomkins Cove Season-ticket holder since 1978 Section 115a — $15,000 on PSL and $1,600 on tickets
“There is no fire in this man, and his clock management is horrific. Both young QBs should start this season, not a 39-year-old. ... I’m tired of defensive head coaches.” JEAN MARIE DELUREY, Middle Island Season-ticket holder since 2012 Section 121 — $30,000 for six PSLs and $8,500 for tickets
“I love Coach Bowles! He knows football, is learning along with his team and isn’t going to change who he is for fickle fans and media. I think he is willing to take the ‘heat’ to protect his players (locker-room conversations are private) and in doing so has hurt his own reputation. I am looking forward to watching him grow as a coach and fix past mistakes as his young team grows and improves! I still believe he is the right man for the job.”