Jets are in FreeFall, the Jags are Next and The Chiefs are Human
Franchise fates are turning in November
The Jets’ Turmoil: A Franchise in Freefall
New York is never an easy city for football franchises, but the struggles of the Jets have reached a boiling point. This week, Joe Douglas was officially removed as the team’s general manager—a decision that feels like it’s been inevitable for quite some time. Douglas’ tenure has been riddled with challenges, but the 2024 season has been the final, glaring exclamation mark on years of dysfunction.
Much of this turmoil can be traced back to owner Woody Johnson, whose increasing involvement in the team’s decision-making processes has caused tension and instability. Johnson’s interference—pushing for changes in Douglas’ staff and meddling with personnel decisions—has created an environment where organizational cohesion is nearly impossible. A prime example is the team’s quarterback situation. Back in September, Johnson reportedly urged the staff to bench Aaron Rodgers—a move both the front office and coaching staff had to actively resist. Ironically, as the season progressed, Johnson’s argument began to seem less outrageous, given the team’s struggles.
Then, in early October, head coach Robert Saleh was fired, further destabilizing the team. The firing triggered a series of questionable decisions, including the October 15 trade for Davante Adams. Giving up a potential third-round pick for Rodgers’ former teammate felt like an act of desperation rather than a strategic move. The team is 1-4 since the move.
Douglas’ situation deteriorated further as key front-office figures departed under murky circumstances. Rex Hogan was removed from the organization entirely, reportedly as a directive from ownership he couldn’t counteract. Reports surfaced that Douglas was “checked out” by this point—a troubling sign for a GM tasked with steering the franchise. The Hassan Reddick contract drama only underscored the chaos within the Jets’ walls, revealing a level of dysfunction that was impossible to ignore.
Now, with Douglas gone, the Jets have an opportunity to reset. Whether they can rebuild effectively or spiral deeper into turmoil remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the team needs stability and vision—a foundation that has been sorely lacking.
Buffalo Bills Finally stopped the Chiefs
In a season where the Kansas City Chiefs seemed untouchable, the Buffalo Bills managed to hand them their first loss. This victory tightened the race for the AFC’s top seed, although Kansas City still holds that position.
Credit where it’s due: the Bills continue their streak of regular-season dominance against the Chiefs. Once again, Josh Allen outperformed Patrick Mahomes, showing why Buffalo remains a perennial contender. The question is whether the Bills can sustain this momentum into January, where they’ll likely face Kansas City again—potentially in the AFC Championship Game.
The Chiefs remain the team to beat, but Buffalo’s ability to exploit their weaknesses gives hope to the rest of the AFC. For now, this win doesn’t reshape the playoff picture but it keeps the Bills firmly in the hunt.
We’ll see Act 2 in January!
Jaguars on the Brink of Chaos
If there’s one team vying for the Jets’ crown of dysfunction, it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Jets have been the NFL’s main headline for organizational mismanagement, the Jaguars aren’t far behind. Rumors continue to swirl about the impending departures of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, and the franchise seems to be repeating its cycle of wasted potential.
The most troubling aspect of Jacksonville’s dysfunction is how it impacts Trevor Lawrence, a ‘generational talent’ at quarterback. Instead of building a stable, supportive environment around him, the organization appears to be floundering. If Lawrence’s career is to be salvaged, ownership must make mature, well-reasoned decisions. Blowing up the current system without a clear plan for the future would only set the team back further. That’s not to mention the $275 Million dollars they’ve agreed to pay him.
There’s no shortage of qualified assistant coaches and executives who could step in and provide the leadership this franchise desperately needs. But Jacksonville has to be deliberate about its next steps. This is a critical moment for a team that once had so much promise. If the Jaguars want to compete on the global stage of American football, they’ll need to act decisively—and intelligently. They have to focus on how to maximize the potential of the franchise quarterback and help Lawrence hit his ceiling.