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A pass that Zach
Wilson loves that has worked well for the Jets are the passes where the QB fakes a hand-off, like it’s a read-option paly, and then makes a quick throw. An example of this was on the Jets’ second possession in Denver, when Wilson faked a handoff, read-option variety, and threw a five-yard completion to Garrett Wilson on the left side.
These read-option pass plays are like play-action passes, but look more like a read-option play, where the QB pulls the ball back, and throws a quick pass. Wilson seems to like these plays a lot . . .
I have a correction from something I wrote the other day about Brandon Echols. I wrote he had a pass interference penalty down the right seam in the second quarter. He was called for a flag on this play, covering a tight end, but the official decided to reverse the call, and pick up the flat. My apologies to Echols for writing that . . .
Jets linebacker coach Mike Rutenberg was asked today about Quincy Williams’ ceiling, and responded, “Is there one?”
There is if he doesn’t improve in coverage?
Williams is fantastic in run support, and is one of the hardest hitters in the league, and deserves a tremendous amount of credit coming back after three weeks from a high ankle sprain, normally a 6-8 week injury, That shows you his toughness.
But while he’s superb in run defense, pass coverage continues to be an area he needs to improve.
Like in Denver, he allowed a 13-yard reception to tight end Eric Tomlinson on an out-route. You remember, Tomlinson, who used to play for the Jets, and was used mainly as a blocker. The speedy Williams can’t allow himself to get beat by a slowish tight end like Tomlinson.
In five games this year Williams has no PDs or interceptions.
When you are a linebacker who runs as well as Williams (4.59 forty), and covers as much as ground as he can, you need to make more plays in coverage.
Look, he knows it also.
“I have got to keep making improvements,” Williams said. “Get an interception, get better in route coverage.”
So yes, there is a ceiling, if he doesn’t improve in pass coverage . . .
As many of you know, Robert Saleh was asked yesterday by Brian Costello – “Does Elijah Moore still want to be traded?”
“I don’t know, I didn’t ask him,” Saleh said.
So the desire to be traded could still be there. Why wouldn’t it be? What’s changed?
ESPN’s Rich Cimini asked Saleh, “Other than him being physically present today, has Elijah said anything to you that would make you believe he’s 100 percent committed? Has he articulated he’s 100 percent committed to the team?
“Yeah, he is, I don’t think he was ever, it’s hard to explain, I don’t think he’s, you know when you talk to him, and again these are discussions you guys can have with him, but he’s been fine,” Saleh said.
The true meaning of that answer is hard to discern. Saleh was tap-dancing to avoid making this situation worse.
The media hasn’t had a chance to talk to him yet.
One thing the Jets should not do is dial up extra plays for the player to appease him. Good cultures don’t do that because you are giving into a tantrum. You don’t placate players when they complain. That’s a no-no.
What the Jets need to fix this situation is better field vision and progressions scans from the QB position, to get more people involved, more than the first read.
Generally, Zach Wilson locks on his first read, and if it’s not there, he looks to run.
But you know what, on his best play of the Denver game, he actually did get to his second read, and the results were marvelous, on the Michael Carter 37-yard catch and run.
So better progression scans is the answer to this issue.
However, there is no evidence anything is better between Moore and the Jets. He still might want to get traded. If he didn’t show up to work, he’d get fined, so him being there, doesn’t really answer anything about his mindset about being a New York Jet.
October 27 2022
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