The New York Jets have high hopes after acquiring Percy Harvin in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. In need of an offensive boost, the team is convinced the Harvin deal could potentially be a real steal for their season considering the team only had to give up a conditional draft pick for the wide receiver. However, quarterback Geno Smith is not ready to commit completely to Harvin, noting the offense will not center around the receiver.
Yes, Harvin opens up the offense more with him on the field. He is quick and shifty while being a strong down-field threat. He could really become a true safety blanket for Smith going forward. However, the quarterback is quick to point out that the Jets have more than just Harvin to work with.
"This isn't video games," Smith said, via ESPN.com. "We've got to go out and play football. I do understand what he can bring to the table and I expect him to make great plays - don't get that misunderstood - but we've got to play football. We've got [Eric] Decker, we've got [Jeremy] Kerley, we've got Jace [Amaro], we've got Jeff [Cumberland]. We've got a bunch of guys and we've got to get the ball into their hands. We're putting together a game plan for the Buffalo Bills. It's not based on one or two players."
Considering the Jets are 1-6 while ranking 26th in total offense with little chance of making the postseason, Smith should be very open to the idea of targeting Harvin more times than not. Head coach Rex Ryan is not letting Harvin speak to the media after his brief introduction, noting that he wants the wide receiver getting comfortable with the playbook before stepping onto the field.
The concern surrounding Harvin is more about his off-the-field issues than those on the field. The Seahawks reportedly dealt the wide receiver because he was becoming a locker room issue after multiple fighting incidents. The Jets say they have no concern about that becoming an issue for the team while Michael Vick was quick to say that Harvin cannot afford to be a "monster."
"He won't be a monster here," Vick said, via the New York Post. "He won't be a monster here. I can assure all the fans of that...That won't take place here."
Having Harvin on the field will likely help players like Decker and Cumberland. Both are heavily targeted by the opposing defense since they get the most targets. Getting someone like Harvin on the field should help everyone be open a little more for Smith to work with.
