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Mornhinweg’s game plan and his play-caller, were both top-shelf, taking advantage of 2 rookie free agent linebackers forced into action . . .
Mornhinweg was intent on taking advantage of those two young linebackers – that is what he was telling people before the game, and he did it – Falcons had two starting linebackers (Sean Witherspoon and Akeem Dent) out – and they were replaced by two undrafted free agent – Joplo Bartu (Texas State) Paul Worrilow (Delaware).
And look what happened – Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Winslow both had touchdowns.
And Cumberland had a 47-yard reception to set up a touchdown . . .
The Jets took advantage of two big advantages they had in this game.
The tight ends vs. the two undrafted rookie free agent linebackers, which they did.
The other big advantage was their defensive line vs. the Falcons patchwork offensive line (their starting left tackle Sam Baker was out) and their center isn’t very good (Peter Konz).
And the Jets defensive line was dominant led by Mo Wilkerson . . .
What helped Geno Smith bounce back from a rough game in Tennessee, and play a lot better tonight, was the fact that Atlanta didn’t blitz nearly as much as the Titans.
If you give Geno Smith a clean pocket, and plenty of time to thrown, he can make all the throws. He has a live arm.
While I don’t want to be too negative right now because the Jets just had a big win, but this isn’t realistic scenario week-in, week-out.
Sometimes you are going to be under a lot of pressure, like Matt Ryan was tonight, and still make plays.
This isn’t seven-on-seven football like you play in practice with no line play.
On the first Osi sack- that was Geno’s fault. The line can only block five guys. If there is a sixth – that is on the quarterback, and he has to call a hot read, and Smith didn’t.
He is going to be really tested by Pittsburgh and Dick LeBeau next week (with two weeks to prepare). LeBeau has a history of making life miserable for rookie quarterbacks. LeBeau, unlike the Falcons, is going to come after Geno early and often.
Don’t put Geno in Canton yet.
Remember, earlier this week, Rex Ryan was thinking of putting the color-coded passing game in.
So be careful not to get ahead of yourself.
It’s not always going to be a mostly clean pocket against two rookie undrafted free agent linebackers every week.
But he got the job done tonight, and he deserves a lot of credit.
But I’m telling you – the winless Steelers, and their 3-4 attacking defense, will be a herculean challenge for him on Sunday . . .
Marty Mornhinweg called an unbelievable game – unbelievable.
He used the extra day to his advantage.
The guy is a heck of a coordinator.
And when you have a rookie quarterback, you need to essentially be the co-quarterback, call plays that make him comfortable, lower the difficulty level, and that is exactly what Marty did tonight.
Marty didn’t make him read the whole field – only half the field.
The Jeremy Kerley touchdown – easy throw to the right side – simple read, and Kerley ran it in.
The Winslow TD – Morhinweg had the fullback run underneath where Winslow was, and it pulled up the safety – Williams Moore, leaving Winslow open.
It was a brilliant game plan by Marty, and then he called a great, great game . . .
I’ve said it before and I will say it again – DeMario Davis is a terrific player when moving forward – playing the run and blitzing, but he’s still a work on progress in coverage.
He had a couple of penalties, and gave up a few plays tonight.
His coverage instincts are wildly inconsistent.
And he need to work on this . . .
October 7, 2013
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