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Some are obsessed with this narrative that the Jets have a problem closing out games. It’s a bunch of pablum.
This is a trumped-up charge at this point.
This angle is being pushed because the Jets had 14-point leads in the last two games.
But against New England, they took a 14-point lead in the first half. Is a 14-point lead in the first half a big deficit for Tom Brady to overcome? No, last time I checked.
Not sure what a 14-point lead in the first half has to do with closing out games?
No question they did a bad job finishing out the Dolphins game, blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarterback, and then losing via a field goal at the end.
That is one game.
I think tying these two games together is a reach.
And the Jets inability to close out the Dolphins’ game was related to very bad pass coverage in the fourth quarter by Buster Skrine and Darron Lee.
They both have issues reacting to routes in front of them, and often have to play catch-up with the target. They both need to play with more anticipation in coverage. You saw this at work with both of them on Kenny Stills TD that tied the game in the fourth quarter. Both need to improve the sophistication of their eyes.
While others can talk about fortune cookie nonsense like “closing games,” that has nothing to with any anything going on in Florham Park. The Jets blew one game, late, this season, and it was due to very bad pass coverage, and penalties.
End of story . . .
One reason you don’t hear a lot of questions about Buster Skrine’s struggles is because most reporters love the guy. Hey, it’s understandable why they like him so much – he’s a great guy. He’s also is very cooperative with the press, so some in the media don’t want to bite the hand that feeds them.
Skrine is iffy for the game this week due to a concussion.
And tons of questions this week about what they will do without him, like it’s a national crisis. I’m not making light of his concussion. Hopefully he gets better fast.
But from a football standpoint, hwas implicated in three touchdowns against Miami. Why would replacing him be a big deal?
Todd Bowles was asked today, “Are you gaining more clarity and comfort with the nickel corner position in case Skrine can’t play?
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be comfortable but we’re gaining some clarity, yes,” Bowles said.
Why would he have comfort issues?
The guy was implicated in three touchdown passes in Miami?
Perhaps the coach has the same issue as some reporter. Buster is such a good guy, that perhaps Bowles has a blind spot. Maybe Mike Maccagnan also.
I find this whole situation to be bizarre.
I guess it’s kind of like Charles Barkley likes to say, “People don’t like to hear the truth.”
Bottom line is if Skrine (and) Lee don’t start playing better in coverage, the Jets are in a lot of trouble. It’s a passing league.
Sorry if that offends some.
As Bill Parcells, “I go by what I see, fellas.”
October 26, 2017
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