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Foxboro – Checking in from Gillette Stadium with some thoughts on the Jets loss to New England, some things to consider . . .
Why did the Patriots score 14 points to pull away in the fourth quarter?
Obviously there are a lot of reasons, but I will give you one of my theories – the defensive linemen got tired.
And this wasn’t their fault.
The trio of Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams and Mo Wilkerson played too many snaps today.
Hey, I understand why they played too much – they gave the Jets the best chance to pressure Brady, but this points to a big problem for the Jets – the lack of a dynamic 3-4 passing rushing outside linebacker.
Most of the game today, they played with just one outside linebacker – Calvin Pace. Usually in a 3-4, you use a pair of outside linebackers on the edges.
But the Jets coaches clearly realize they don’t have that “guy” like Elvis Dumervil or Von Miller.
And this is really hurting this defense – big-time.
I’d call the Ravens who are in a death spiral and ask about Dumervil. Maybe offer a corner.
Pace had a sack today, but it came on a play where he was unblocked. Pace is a solid player, but not a game-wrecker coming off the edge.
So the Jets three studs on the defensive line were running on fumes in the fourth quarter, and Brady had a lot more time to throw in the final stanza.
I’ve said it before, I will say it again – the Jets second round pick should have been a pass rushing outside linebacker – like Marcus Golden or Hau’Oli Kikaha.
Devin Smith is a talent, but they didn’t need him . . .
The problem with Calvin Pryor is that is style of play doesn’t fit his body size.
Pryor had two injuries today – the first one seemed to be a neck or shoulder, and the second one was a high ankle sprain.
Last year he had issues with neck stingers.
The guy is as tough as they come, but at 5-11, 207, he plays like a middle linebacker, and he’s constantly getting dinged.
This is why people who are saying he should play in the box full-time are crazy. That will definitely shorten his career.
He was limping very badly in the locker room after the game, and might be iffy for next week. They Jets are awfully thin at safety right now after waiving Jarrett, but I think they will bring him back this week. He was waived to make room for Steve Weatherford. Ryan Quigley should probably be back next week.
Also limping in the locker room after the game was Devin Smith.
Not sure what the injury is, but I saw him limping on two occasions.
The Jets need to put this fly-route to Devin Smith on ice for a while. Down 23-20 in the middle of the fourth quarter, on key third-and-seven, Ryan Fitzpatrick chucked the ball down the left sideline to Smith who was attached at the hip with a cornerback. There was no separation, and like we’ve discussed before, he’s not strong enough to win 50-50 balls like Brandon Marshall.
Enough already. Time to give this pay a respite for a while.
What a bizarre play call on such a huge play . . .
The Jets are going to be fine.
This is still a very good football team.
Honestly, this was the most difficult game on their schedule – playing the Patriots in New England.
Look at their next four games – Oakland, Jacksonville, Buffalo and Houston. These games are like playing 1-AA opponents compared to the Patriots. I’m not saying they will win all those games, not none of these opponents are anywhere near the level of New England, especially at Gilette.
I’m not saying they are going to win the rest of their games. No way. I’m just saying this was the biggest challenge on their schedule, and it came at a time they are still getting a feel for a each other with a lot of new moving parts and new systems.
Was this loss truly a shock to anyone?
What were they, nine point underdogs?
October 25, 2015
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