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The NFL is a passing league
and the Jets struggle throwing the football and stopping the pass.
So 0-16 is certainly a strong possibility.
Their zone pass defense is very poorly executed on a consistent basis.
The issues with the Jets pass defense is multi-faceted.
First of all, some of it is personnel related.
They are playing a slot corner – Javelin Guidry – who isn’t ready for the role he’s in. His instincts for his current job aren’t there yet. There were reasons he went undrafted after running 4.3 at the combine.
Bryce Hall is a good prospect, but he basically went from coming off the injury list from a serious college ankle injury, right into starting lineup mid-season. I’m sorry, he shouldn’t have been handled this way. You don’t go from NFI to the starting lineup as a rookie. This is a player who should have been eased into things. He has no training camp, and was rehabbing for half the season, and now he’s starting, No way. I like him as a prospect, but he was rushed – big-time.
Lamar Jackson, who didn’t play much today, was another rookie thrown into action way before he was ready. He came in as an undrafted rookie who was a major prospect. You don’t start a guy like this.
Arthur Maulet is a great story, and tough as boot leather, but lacks ideal speed, so is constantly playing catch-up with receivers.
The “Indianapolis Three” not working out, has put the Jets in a really bad spot at corner, and it’s really hurting this defense.
Another coverage issue for the Jets is Neville Hewitt, who is a solid player, and very good in run support, but is often a tick late to get over in zone coverage. Hip stiffness hurts him in coverage. Not his fault. It’s how he’s built.
And then you throw in a substandard pass rush, and you see why the Jets’ pass defense is dragging this team down.
Along with their passing offense.
Sam Darnold is a great guy, and it is giving it his best shot, but this is over.
“My sense is you will see a new head coach and quarterback in New York next year,” said CBS analyst Rich Gannon
“I think Sam Darnold going somewhere else and starting fresh is probably the best thing for him,” said CBS sideline reporter Jay Feely.
Both statements are probably on target.
Darnold was 14-26 for 132 yards today against a pedestrian pass defense. He has five touchdown passes total on the season to go along with nine interceptions and a 67.2 QB rating in nine games.
This isn’t working out.
Of course some of it is the play-calling, but a lot of this is the quarterback. I know that is painful for a lot of people to hear.
He just doesn’t see the field very well and doesn’t throw with anticipation enough. So often throws passes that could be completed if thrown earlier, with timing, fall incomplete because he throws them late, and makes it too difficult on the receiver.
Feely is right. He needs a fresh start somewhere else.
And the Jets have a very good chance of getting the first pick in the draft and landing Clemson QB Trevor Lawrene.
Because it’s hard to win in the NFL with the pass defense and offense they’re playing in a passing league.
December 13, 2020
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