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A couple of things to get into today in this edition of Website Whispers, including a big problem the Jets are having that isn’t getting a lot of attention . . .
Teams are taking the edge too much on the Jets’ defense.
What that means is fast backs get around the corner too easily and head to the sidelines – like on David Johnson’s long TD run.
This is a sign of bad defensive speed.
Which is kind of interesting because the narrative all spring and summer was the Jets got faster on defense.
David Harris has lost a step and so has his backup Erin Henderson, so they are getting beat to the outside.
Another problem has been outside linebacker Sheldon Richardson.
It seems ridiculous to say “outside linebacker Sheldon Richardson.”
That is where he’s been playing a lot which isn’t a great idea.
So when a 315-pound defensive end is playing outside linebacker, it’s no surprise he gets beat around the corner at times. Most 3-4 outside linebackers are 250-260.
Throughout the spring and summer I saw Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers ripping into players whenever they let guys get around the edge.
It’s a pet peeve of his, and rightfully so.
But it’s been a problem all season.
I think one reason for the problem is Richardson playing out of position.
To me, if they were in the 3-4 and had a pair of mobile outside linebackers on each edge, this would be less of a problem.
To me, the Jets’ defensive coaches messed up their Front Seven with that sea change right before the season to get four defensive linemen on the field.
It’s a flawed concept. Like I’ve said many times – Steve McLendon is a good player, good motor, heck of a guy, but is he a transcendant talent you MUST get on the field with Mo, Sheldon and Leonard. Absolutely not. I don’t know what these guys are thinking . . .
Darrelle Revis bemoaned the changes in pass interference calls.
“DPI rules have changed,” Revis said. “Only thing you can do is try to adjust and do what you can.”
What has also changed is he can’t run like he used to. That doesn’t help either.
And did you see David Johnson’s long TD run in Arizona?
It didn’t look like Revis made much of effort to get outside and tackle the 230-pound battering ram. He looked like didn’t want anything to do with him.
To me, forget about moving him to safety. I’m moving on after this year.
Woody, your mea culpa to the fans by bringing Revis back didn’t work. Cut your losses and move on.
I think one of the problems the Jets have this year is they have myriad highly-paid hired guns who are thrown out there on the field together and have little chemistry. It’s like they are playing a pickup game. And Revis is one of those hired guns.
When the Jets fix this mess in the off-season, they need to focus on putting together a team, not a bunch of “individual contractors.”
October 20, 2016
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