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Let’s just cut to the chase on this one . . .
NFL Network analyst Steve Smith said about the Jets:
“You know what is a question mark for me – wide receivers,” Smith said. “I don’t see anybody on that roster and watched (practice), that has a PHD in route-running. Not one. And until they get a guy that can step up and be reliable, consistently for 16 weeks – 1,000 yards – somebody that strikes fear into opposing defensive coordinators and DBs – this team isn’t dethroning anybody.”
Let’s unpack this.
First of all, Smith, only watched one practice (on Sunday), so his assessment of the entire wide receiving group was based on a small sample size, and who knows if he even watched the entire practice.
Secondly, I happen to think Quincy Enunwa, Deontay Burnett, Deonte Thompson and Josh Bellamy are very good route-runners. I’m sure there are other guys, but I’m just talking about guys that standout to me watching practice.
And clearly Jamison Crowder is a good route-runner. Jets corners were having a very hard time covering him in camp.
When another panelist (not at Jets camp, but on the same show) pointed out to Smith that Crowder is very good, Smith said, “Jamison Crowder is an outstanding slot receiver, but for you to eat in the slot, you got to have somebody outside threatening them.”
Kim Jones brought up Robby Anderson who she said is a “burner.”
“He is a burner – he’s not a route-technician,” Smith said.
I don’t think Robby is a bad route-runner. I think his issue is that he’s not good on 50-50 balls (jump balls), something Smith was excellent at, so I’m sure factors into Smith not loving the player. I don’t think failing to come down with jump balls is a route-running issue. It’s a strength and power issue.
The Jets need to view Anderson like Ted Ginn – a specialist with world class speed who you use on certain routes. “Throwing him open” and expecting him to grab the rock away from a DB in his hip pocket isn’t his specialty.
But one thing you can never lose sight of when talking about the Jets’ passing game is that Le’Veon Bell could end up leading them in receiving, and another back, Ty Montgomery, might not be far behind. Also, Chris Herndon, though he’s suspended for the first four games, is a huge part of the Jets’ passing attack. He’s an ascending talent.
And don’t sleep on Burnett who Darnold has amazing chemistry with. Does Smith even know about Burnett? I have no idea. He’s not a household name. Usually when analysts come to camp for a day, they focus on the more prominent names since they aren’t in town very long. They really can’t get into the weeds.
Also, Enunwa has had a good camp. Unlike Anderson, he’s excellent on 50-50 balls.
Do the Jets have the best receiving corps in football? No, but they have enough weapons in the passing game to move the ball.
Smith went a little overboard questioning the route-running of EVERYONE in the receiver room.
July 30, 2019
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