Joe Namath, like many New York Jets fans, doesn't like what he's seeing out of the team lately.
Several lackluster performances by the offense - and starting quarterback Geno Smith especially - have left Namath, the only Jets Super Bowl winning quarterback, feeling like this season may be dead on arrival.
Worse, he sees the problems as not just a team issue, but an organizational one. The Jets currently have a 1-3 record and $21 million in salary cap space.
"I heard about this extra money that they have," Namath said. "I don't know what they're saving it for myself, looking at the talent they have out there right now.
"I don't think (Ryan) has been sabotaged. I think they all want to win. Knowing how to go about it is something that may need to be changed."
That's a very possible shot across the bow for general manager John Idzik, but also a potential jab at the team's recent spate of losing close games, something they rarely did in the past.
Namath isn't impressed with the overall talent level of the team, including Smith.
"I don't see anything outstanding in his passing ability or his footwork or his speed," Namath said.
But Namath intimated that even though Smith is a flawed passer now, he believes he can make himself into a "top-notch quarterback" in the not-too-distant future - with a little help from his teammates.
"If Geno's offensive line played a little bit better, he'll play better. If the guys caught every ball they touched, then he'll play better. We bring in a top-notch receiver from Denver," Namath added, referring to Eric Decker. "Two times he dropped the ball in the last game that would've kept the drive going and kept things going. It's a team effort."
What he doesn't want to see is a panic move to back-up Mike Vick.
"When it comes to Michael Vick, we know what he can do," Namath said. "His durability is a question over the long haul, and if you are trying to get Geno as much experience (as possible), growing, going through growing pains ... you have to hang in there with him."
Namath, who spent 1965 to 1976 playing in the pressure-packed confines of New York, understands the frustration under which Smith is currently operating.
In answer to a question about the incident involving Smith cursing at a fan after the Jets most recent home loss, Namath unknowingly offered a quote that is applicable on so many more levels - for Geno's development and for New York's season.
"Emotions come out sometimes, man, and it's immature. But our best teacher is experience. You don't get the experience, you don't learn the lesson, until you go through it."
