The one storyline following the Jets throughout the start to their season has been the lack of playing time for Denzel Mims.
The second-year wide receiver wasn’t active for New York’s last two games. In the offseason, Mims missed time due to illness.
He’s healthy now, so that’s not the issue. When he returned, his position on the depth chart dropped.
“It’s the same thing that we’ve talked about,” head coach Robert Saleh said after the team’s Week 2 loss to New England. “When you’re looking at your fourth or fifth receivers, you’ve got to be reliable in regards to multiple positions, you’ve got to be able to play special teams.”
Basically, Saleh and first-year offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur don’t fell Mims is fully up to speed yet on their offensive scheme. And until that happens, the team is going forward with what they have.
But with the Jets struggling to do much of anything on offense this season, the fan base has grown frustrated with seeing the talented Mims on the inactive list.
The fan base is right to feel this way.
Through three games, the Jets are averaging 6.7 points per game. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson has completed only 55.2 percent of his passes, he’s thrown seven interceptions and only two interceptions. Moreover, when Wilson has had time to get off a catchable pass, the receivers have struggled holding onto the football. The Jets are second in the league in drops with 11.
With an offense clearly struggling to make plays, the need for another playmaker on the field is obvious.
Mims, at 6-foot-3, is a big-bodied receiver that can stretch the field with his deep-threat potential. Furthermore, he was drafted by general manager Joe Douglas in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft to be a play-making deep threat.
Last season, Mims flashed his potential with 23 receptions for 357 yards. The stat, however, which jumps out at me was the 15.7 yards per catch. He has the size and athleticism to take the top off an opposing team’s defense.
This isn’t to argue Mims is the savior for everything wrong. But it’s difficult justifying his lack of playing time.
And now, the Jets may have to do what they’ve been so hesitant to do.
Rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, in concussion protocol, could miss Week 4 against Tennessee. Furthermore, veteran receiver Jamison Crowder is working his way back from a groin strain. The coaching staff may have to put Mims on the field.
The Jets, at 0-3, need answers to help get them on track. Mims has a skill set this team is sorely missing right now.
