John Idzik: Rapid Reaction to NY Jets New GM Presser

John Idzik: New Jets GM

A new beginning of sorts came about today as John Idzik was introduced to Jets nation as the new General Manager. Idzik stood in front of the tireless group of New York reporters and journalists and laid out a road map for the organization, now firmly under his control. Though quite non-specific in the upcoming moves he will make, Idzik displayed confidence in the organization, and more importantly in himself. Idzik stated very clearly at the beginning of the presser, "We're going to be all in all together and that is going to help us build a sustainable winner."

Here are a few things I took away from the press conference:

1) The man is confident in his ability to lead an organization. There was no hesitation or wavering in his voice. He took this job knowing he had a long road ahead, but he seemed to be excited, not nervous.

2) He said exactly what needed to be said. He didn't say too much, but didn't say too little. The last thing we needed was another guy coming in saying the Jets would win right away. 

3) Idzik made it affluently clear that he was not hired to just fill a position, and that he was in control. Ordinarily, he explained how it will be a collective effort and then he will make decisions with everyone's input, but it was clear that the final decision will always be his, as it should be. 

4) One of the most important things I took away from this press conference was Idzik's emphasis on the draft. He made it clear that the draft was crucial to their success, referring to it many times as a "lifeline." The draft has always been an area that I felt former GM Mike Tannenbaum struggled. Obviously, the Jets have had a fair share of good first round draft picks, such as CB Darrelle Revis, C Nick Mangold, DE Muhammad Wilkerson, and just recently DE Quinton Coples. The monkey on Tannenbaum's back was of course the Vernon Gholston pick. What Tannenbaum had struggled with was finding talent in the later rounds in the draft. Those are the money rounds. It seemed that so much emphasis was put on the first two rounds, and then they would shift to auto-draft, putting no thought into their picks. When was the last time we saw a Jets star rise from the later rounds of the draft. You see players like Arian Foster, James Harrison, Victor Cruz, nay I say...TOM BRADY. They are all later round picks or undrafted, and are all talented stars in the NFL. The NY Jets had four picks in the 6th and 7th round last year. Only one player is currently on the 53 man roster. ONE! That is unacceptable. Talent must be found in these rounds, and I feel that Idzik recognizes this. In a year where they will not be able to pay big time starters, starters must be found in the later rounds of this draft.

5) John Idzik is the anti-Rex Ryan, which is exactly what the Jets need right now. Surely within the next few weeks, New York media outlets will conjure up witty headlines comparing the two to The Odd Couple. Regardless, this will be a huge help. Over the last season, we saw a more professional and well-mannered version of Rex Ryan. Whether we like to accept it or not, being a head coach is a tough job, and sometimes it takes time to figure out how to be a "leader of men," which is the most important quality required of a head coach. I think Idzik's hiring will only help Rex become more mature in his actions as head coach, and I think the two will combine to make a good team.

6) Lastly, Idzik did not fall for any traps that the media set up for him. He consistently insisted that what was in the past will remain in the past. He seemed focused solely on the future of the organization, whether it pertained to the salary cap, the roster, or the staff. This can only be a good sign. The Jets have a bad enough past to drive a man insane. If Idzik was to dwell on the past, he would be doomed. He also refused to offer any dialogue on the Revis trade rumors, which was smart. He stated that everyone will be evaluated, which is exactly what needs to be done on a roster of underachievers. In closing, the man knows what to say. I don't see him getting into any trouble with the media.

It wasn't the typical New York Jets press conference that we are used to. In fact, it seemed way too professional to be NY Jets press conference, but hey, isn't that what we've been waiting for? It's been a long time coming for the Jets to get a positive surprise -- a spark, if you will. John Idzik could be it. Not saying he will be....but, just maybe.