JetNation Flight 29 – Fernando Mendoza Buzz, Coaching Concerns & Bilal Powell Answers Fan Questions

JetNation Flight 29 is back, our weekly New York Jets podcast hosted by Rami Lavi and former Jets running back Bilal Powell. Each week, we offer Jets fans a veteran’s perspective on game results, coaching decisions, and developing storylines. This week’s episode mixed nostalgia and honest evaluation as Powell reacted to Leon Washington showing up in number 29 at the game on Sunday and people thinking it was Bilal. They also discuss Fernando Mendoza draft buzz after a standout throw, and dove into the frustrations of facing AFC East opponents for the second time. Powell also opened up about quarterback traits, coaching concerns, and lessons he learned in his own career, all while answering questions submitted by members of the JetNation Forums.

Fernando Mendoza Buzz and AFC East Frustrations

The Jets win may have placed them in range for Fernando Mendoza, and Rami highlights the third down throw that he believes put the quarterback firmly into the draft conversation. Powell also discussed how the Dolphins’ latest win may have helped Mike McDaniel keep his job. That led to a wider point, Bilal Powell cannot understand why the Jets consistently struggle more in the second matchup with divisional opponents. He agreed with Bart Scott’s criticism of Steve Wilkes and questioned whether Aaron Glenn truly believed Wilkes was the right choice at defensive coordinator. Powell wondered why Glenn hasn’t considered retaking play-calling duties, warning that things “will only get uglier from here.”

Attacking Tua and Learning From Other Rebuilds

Tua Tagovailoa being a left-handed quarterback was one of Powell’s biggest points of emphasis. He believes the Jets should attack him from the left side and finds it frustrating that the defensive approach hasn’t consistently reflected that. Listener Liam Johnson also brought up how quickly the Jaguars and Bears have turned things around, and Powell agreed the Jets must stop relying on excuses while other franchises show faster and more effective rebuilds.

BP on Quarterbacks and JetNation Forum Questions

Powell spent time discussing quarterback development, including Brady Cook, the wide range of places successful quarterbacks are drafted from, and even jokingly comparing Fernando Mendoza’s personality to a “goofy” Ryan Fitzpatrick. He shared how Anthony Lynn taught him to read defenses pre-snap, shaping the way he saw the game. The episode closed with JetNation Forum questions: Mr. Rogers asked whether the Jets should address wide receiver help through the draft or free agency, and Powell stressed the need to bring real support for Garrett Wilson. Slick TP asked what offense Powell would run if he were a coordinator, and Powell described a motion-heavy system built around quick reads and horizontal stress for young quarterbacks.

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