And he got hit too much. Some of it was the OL, no doubt but he was such a lousy runner and he held the ball too long.
The green in the early 80s seemed darker and I like that one, I think the 80s uni's w/ our current shade of green would look great. we would have done an 80s throwback if not for the new rule on helmets.
An 80's throwback would have been fun. Hopefully they can fix that next year. I even miss some of the other teams throwbacks.
This team shoukd have faced off with thr Giants in 1986. Before injuries set in O'Brien lead this team to a Monday night win over the undefeated Broncos. Missing Wesley Walker and most of our OLwe still took the Browns to double overtime. Ken O'Brien may be the most underrated QB in NFL history, all because of Dan friggen Marino.
I've read it all and tbh I never realised just how inept the Jets were at everything they do/did, it was quite a sobering read tbh, I'd say disappointing (Jets not the book) but we are all so well accustomed to that now, it's like water off a ducks back.
Snap, it was only when I saw the Junc name that I thought, 'Hang on, I thought he'd gone a long time ago.'
I started watching the Jets after his peak (statistically speaking) and was too young to remember most of his career. Looking at the numbers on PFR I’d assume he had some combination of the following: terrible protection/held the ball too long/wasn’t afraid to take a hit. He had some mind blowing performances even by the standards of today’s game and lead the team to some incredible victories. I plan to pick up the book, but I’m curious as to what changed the trajectory of his career compared other QB’s of the era after such a promising start.
When I researched the book it became clear that he just got beaten up - really, really quickly. He was incredibly tough and willing to stand in the pocket until the last moment to find an open man, but eventually all the hits damaged his throwing arm. It started in 1985, when he kept landing on his right elbow on the hard Astroturf of Giants Stadium. Each impact seemed to hurt more than the last judging by his reactions. The punishment then continued through 1986 until his arm gave up. The injury caused him to change his throwing motion without realising it, and that affected the velocity and accuracy of his passes. He became a very average quarterback who could still turn in a great performance, or a great pass, every now and then. I hope you still decide to buy the book…
Looks like I had it about right. Figured injuries had to have taken a tole just based on the number of sacks, let alone hits that weren’t sacks. I appreciate the insight and still plan to buy the book.
