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Look, I think he got a raw deal, but let’s not get out of hand.
I’m talking about Demario Davis.
I think the Jets handling of his contract was bizarre and somewhat disrespectful, but let’s not put the player in Canton.
Davis is a very good player, but for somebody to ask Avery Williamson today about the pressure of filling his shoes is a little ridiculous.
Once again, very good player, but it’s not like Ray Lewis left the building.
Davis and Williamson are very similar players – instinctive insider linebacker with great character who are average in coverage.
Here is what I wrote about Williamson in the Jets Confidential Preview Issue . . .
Avery Williamson, Titans, 6-1, 246, 26
An instinctive ILB who is always around the football, leading the Titans in tackles in 2015 (137) and 2016 (149). A durable player who only missed one game in his first four NFL seasons. Good, not great in pass coverage. He gets high marks for his character, work ethic and intelligence (can make the calls).
Sounds similar to Davis to you?
Certainly does to me.
While I think the Jets should have brought back Davis, I’m not going to overrate the player. Williamson is a good player, and there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off.
I think the bigger concern is the position next to Williamson.
The Jets play a 3-4 defense, so they essentially have two inside linebackers.
The spot next to where Davis played, and where Williamson will take over, is manned by Darrin Lee.
I respect his toughness, and he’s become a good player in the box – a terrific run defender (when covered up) and blitzer. But as a coverage linebacker, he’s been underwhelming.
Like I said, Davis/Williamson are terrific run stuffers who are so-so in coverage. They need a partner-in-crime on the inside who excels in coverage.
In two years, Lee has six PD’s and no picks.
Contrast that with a coverage linebacker picked in the same draft as Lee – Atlanta’s Deion Jones who had 22 picks and six interceptions in his first two seasons.
Look, I’m not looking to attack Lee. I’m just trying to keep it real.
Williamson will basically do what Davis did – call the defensive signals, stop the run, provide leadership and will be hit or miss in coverage.
Jets need top-shelf coverage from the other spot.
Playing pretend doesn’t get anything done. The Jets can hype the player all they want, but Lee needs to play a lot better in coverage for the Jets ILB core to get to the next level.
The Jets quietly signed another player who could help, if Lee doesn’t take his coverage to another level, Kevin Pierre-Louis could possibly help.
The former fourth round pick of Seattle, who was traded to Kansas City last year, is a speedy, athletic linebacker who runs 4.5. The also added former CFL standout Micah Awe.
So my point is simple. It’s ridiculous for anyone to worry about Williamson filling Davis’ shoes. Williamson will be fine.
It’s the spot next to him that needs better play, specifically in pass coverage.
March 20, 2018
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