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While this move isn’t going to get as much attention, it’s of great import to Gang Green . . .
On March 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced the Jets signed cornerback Brian Poole.
This is absolutely huge.
The Jets were in dire need of an instinctive slot corner, and Poole fills the bill.
The position has been a problem for the Jets the last four years, and when you consider how much NFL teams play “nickel defense” these days, with the NFL such a pass-happy league, poor play in the slot can impact the result of games.
The Atlanta Falcons didn’t necessarily want to lose Poole, but they didn’t want to give him a first or second-round tender, either, based on what those levels pay.
So they let him hit free agency with hopes of re-signing him, but the Jets jumped in and grabbed him.
Once again, another example of Mr. Coffee’s growth as a GM.
Look, I’m not sucking up to Mike Maccagnan. I’m just saying, he’s clearly improved from when he first walked in the door and spent recklessly on four defensive backs and none worked out, including the guy Poole is replacing.
This was a stealth move by Mr. Coffee.
Poole is a good nickel back. He had three picks and six passes defensed last year. He’s in his prime.
The following two sentences should make Jets fans get off the chairs and do a tarantella.
“[Poole] plays with a high level of football intelligence and instincts. (He) reads the quarterback and is quick to anticipate throws.” – NFL.com draft guru Lance Zierlein.
Oh my goodness, do the Jets need a guy like this – an instinctive nickel who is anticipatory.
Terrific move by Mr. Coffee.
Another terrific move by Maccagnan was re-signing Henry Anderson.
On March 12, Manish Mehta announced Anderson was resigned to a three-year deal for $25.2 million.
The Jets are staying in a 3-4 defense, and the end combination of Leonard Williams and Anderson could be one of the best 3-4 end combos in football.
The play of the Jets’ front seven improved over the last month of the season, when Anderson replaced Nathan Shepherd in the starting lineup. The former Jets coach rushed the super-raw Shepherd into action before he was ready.
Anderson was a monster over the last month, making myriad plays, and complimenting Williams very well. Expect this tandem to pick up where they left off last season, and perhaps play even better as a duo after getting comfortable with each other late last season.
Anderson plays with superb technique and has a high football IQ. Let’s not forget this guy not only played in a 3-4 defense with the Jets last year, and his first three NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, but in college at Stanford. Playing 3-4 end is like riding a bike to the Atlanta-native.
One of the reasons the Jets decided to stay in a 3-4 defense was because they knew they were going to re-sign Anderson, and liked the combo Anderson and Williams playing together in this system.
Poole and Anderson were two excellent moves by Mr. Coffee.
March 20, 2019
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