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Premium – Today we take a look at two players who are quietly helping the Jets, one a waiver claim, and the other a draft pick who was underachieving.
It looks like the Jets got a steal when they claimed tight end Zach Sudfeld off waivers from the New England Patriots on October 3.
The Patriots were attempting to move the rookie tight end to their practice squad, and the Jets jumped on him.
Not only did the Jets like him out of college, but Kellen Winlsow was about to get suspended for violating NFL’s performance enhancing drug statute, so the Gang Green brass were protecting themselves.
As you all know, Sudfeld caught a 25-yard flea-flicker from Josh Cribbs in the first half of the Jets win over New Orleans. He has very good hands.
But just as important was his blocking in this game.
Blocking is an area where he’s a work-in-progress, and an area that both Rex Ryan, and Sudfeld himself, have admitted he needs to improve.
But honestly, he’s much better than advertised in this area.
He had a couple of terrific blocks in the first half of the Jets-Saints game.
In the second quarter, Chris Ivory had a gain of 52 to the right side. Sudfeld and Austin Howard double-teamed defensive end Akiem Hicks, and this got the run going.
In the first quarter, Ivory had a gain of 27 off right tackle on a read-option, Sudfeld set the edge on this play by sealing off Jabari Greer.
Sudfeld is a willing blocker. He gives great effort. The reason there were questions about him as a blocker was because he didn’t do a lot of in-line blocking at Nevada-Reno. He was a move tight end, so did most of his blocking in space. So he just needed some work to get up to speed blocking on the line.
One things that helps Sudfeld as a blocker are his really long arms, such a big help in the blocking department.
When Kellen Winslow comes back this week, the Jets’ tight end position is going to be loaded with Winslow, Jeff Cumberland, Sudfeld and Konrad Reuland . . .
We were very rough on Kenrick Ellis during his first two years with the Jets because of his technique (he played too upright) and the fact that he was on the ground too much (a no-no for defensive linemen).
With that being said, he’s taken a positive step in the right direction this year. He is playing so much better. Here are two examples from the first half of the Jets-Saints game.
In the second quarter, Ellis pushed back C Brian De La Puenta, forcing Drew Brees to roll right, and throw the ball away.
Also in the second quarter, Ellis pushed back De La Puente again, and the defensive tackle stopped RB Mark Ingram after a gain of two with Sheldon Richardson.
Ellis works hard, and takes to the hard coaching of Karl Dunbar, but you didn’t see the technique he was being taught enough his first two seasons.
But this year you are seeing it much more.
Ellis is doing a wonderful job of staying low and getting leverage this season.
November 10, 2013
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