When the New York Jets launched their coaching search last offseason, one name kept surfacing among fans: Mike Vrabel. The tough, no-nonsense former Titans head coach seemed like the perfect fit to bring accountability and edge to a franchise long in need of both. But instead of landing in New York, Vrabel took a detour up I-95 and joined the rival New England Patriots-an outcome that stung for Jets fans.
In the aftermath, the Jets turned to one of their own, hiring former Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn as head coach. Like Vrabel, Glenn was a standout player for the franchise he now leads. But that’s where the similarities end-at least for now.
While Vrabel has helped guide the Patriots to the brink of a division title, Glenn’s first season in New York has been marred by frustration and futility. And while coaching certainly plays a role, there’s a much bigger factor driving the divergent paths of these two AFC East rivals: quarterback play.
Quarterback Play: The Great Divide
Let’s call it what it is-the Jets and Patriots are living in two different quarterback realities.
New England has Drake Maye, a young signal-caller who’s looked every bit the part of a franchise cornerstone. Even with a roster that lacks elite weapons, Maye’s poise, arm talent, and decision-making have elevated the Patriots’ offense and masked a lot of their deficiencies.
The Jets, meanwhile, rolled the dice on Justin Fields. The result?
An offense that has failed to top 60 passing yards in four separate games. That’s not just a red flag-it’s a full-blown siren.
In today’s NFL, where even backup quarterbacks are expected to move the ball through the air, those numbers are borderline unthinkable.
This isn’t to say Fields shoulders all the blame. But it’s clear that no matter who’s calling plays or patrolling the sideline, the Jets’ offense has been handcuffed by inconsistency under center. And that’s the kind of issue even a coach like Vrabel wouldn’t be able to solve overnight.
You could argue the Jets have the better offensive line. You could even argue they’ve had the better No. 1 receiver when Garrett Wilson is healthy.
But none of that matters if the quarterback can’t get the ball where it needs to go. That’s been the defining gap between these two teams-and it’s why the Patriots are playing meaningful football in December while the Jets are staring down another top-five draft pick.
The McDaniels Effect
Of course, quarterback play doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Coaching matters, too-especially the guy calling the plays. And in New England, Josh McDaniels has quietly been one of the biggest reasons for the Patriots’ turnaround.
This is McDaniels’ third stint with the Patriots, and each time he’s been in the building, they’ve found a way to win. His fingerprints are all over the offense this season. Even with limited skill-position talent, he’s designed a system that plays to Maye’s strengths-quick reads, layered route concepts, and a tempo that keeps defenses off balance.
The result? A Patriots offense that’s punching above its weight, largely because McDaniels is putting his young quarterback in positions to succeed.
Can the Jets Find Their Own McDaniels?
That’s the big question in New York.
Tanner Engstrand, in his first year as an NFL offensive coordinator, has shown flashes. His scheme looks modern.
He’s creating space downfield, and there are moments-especially early in games-when the play design is clearly working. But with the revolving door at quarterback, it’s tough to fully evaluate what Engstrand brings to the table.
There’s a chance he could grow into a McDaniels-type figure for the Jets. But until the team finds its quarterback, we may never know. You can’t judge a chef if all he’s got in the pantry is canned goods and stale bread.
The Bottom Line
The Jets’ struggles this season don’t boil down to coaching alone. Aaron Glenn may or may not be the long-term answer, but his job is made exponentially harder without stability at quarterback. Meanwhile, Vrabel’s early success in New England is being driven by a young passer who looks like the real deal-and a coordinator in McDaniels who knows how to bring out the best in him.
Until the Jets solve their quarterback problem, they’ll keep spinning their wheels. The supporting pieces are there.
The offensive line has shown promise. Garrett Wilson, when healthy, is a legitimate No. 1 option.
And there are signs that Engstrand could be the right guy to lead the offense.
But without a quarterback who can elevate the entire operation, none of it will matter. That’s the hard truth. And it’s the difference between the Patriots chasing a division crown and the Jets preparing for another offseason of soul-searching.