Jolley could be the key to unlocking the Jets’ passing game

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, May 23, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

New York Jets
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The key to the New York Jets' passing offense next season will be tight end Doug Jolley.

You heard it here first. And no, I'm not crazy. Before proclaiming my ignorance, give me a chance to explain.

Before last season, in hopes of increasing their pass-catching options, the Jets traded a first-round pick and a seventh-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Jolley, a second-round pick and a pair of seventh-round picks.

An injury to tight end Chris Baker opened up an opportunity for Jolley to assume the starting role and show why he was brought in. For the most part, he was unimpressive, but a Week 15 matchup with the Miami Dolphins displayed what the Raiders once believed he could do and the Jets hoped he would do. He caught nine passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Not bad at all for a tight end.

Now, every Jet fan knows that the team has two capable receivers in Justin McCareins and Laveranues Coles. However, if there is no threat underneath, teams can easily key on the two and stymie whomever is at quarterback, may that be Chad Pennington, Patrick Ramsey, Brooks Bollinger or rookie Kellen Clemens.

The fact is Jolley has all the tools to be a consistent threat, and this season is the perfect opportunity with a new coaching staff in place to show them he can be a threat. It looks as though head coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer plan to make the tight end an integral part of the offensive gameplan. The two are counting on Jolley to make more plays in the passing game. It is imperative for him to be a factor in the air attack because frankly, he's a horrendous blocker. He assumes the role of a matador and allows opposing defenders to run past him like a bull. If he cannot be a positive aspect in the passing game, his tenure with the Jets could be in major jeopardy.

The tall tight end has solid speed, good hands, and can get into the seam and exploit mismatches. He is also very effective when split out on the end. A 50-catch season from Jolley would do wonders for the Jets' offense as a whole. He can and should be an easy check-down for any one of the quarterbacks. In doing so, he'd open plenty of opportunities for the one-time Pro Bowler, Coles (2003), as well as McCareins.

If Jolley fails to have a solid 2006 campaign, it could spell trouble for the New York Jets' passing game, and the offense in general.

Get more Doug Jolley insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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