Percy Harvin had an 87-yard kickoff return for touchdown in the Super Bowl in February.
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The Jets’ trade for Percy Harvin may have an air of desperation on the surface, but at 1-6 this season is hanging only by a thread.
Character issues aside, Harvin brings speed and talent to the Jets. He becomes the biggest home run threat among their receiving corps and adds some serious spice to their offense as a whole.
“Anytime that we have a chance, our premise will always be if there is a chance to improve our team — no matter what time of year, whether it be in early- to mid-October or early- to mid-April — we’re going to do it,” general manager John Idzik said. “When this chance presented itself, we felt like we wanted to take advantage of it. Percy could come in here and help our squad.”
Harvin’s career to date has shown a player with a tendency for injuries, but also one who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. In Seattle, his numbers slipped in an offense geared toward patiently moving the ball down the field. Harvin could thrive in the Jets’ West Coast offense.
The offense, under second-year quarterback Geno Smith, has struggled. They rank 26th in total offense and 28th in scoring offense. And Smith hasn’t taken a big step from his rookie campaign as the Jets average just 2.1 yards per game more in the passing offense than last year. They are second-to-last in the NFL in passing yards per game, ahead of only Minnesota with rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater. A lot of the blame has fallen on the lack of weapons, but the Jets still need the erratic Smith to deliver Harvin the ball.
“Pure speed. The guy’s fast. He has great hands and runs good routes,” Smith said. “We got to get him caught up to speed with the offense and we’re putting things together for him. He’s a dynamic player. He’s a great player. We’re lucky to have him.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
