There are many frustrating parts of watching the Jets play defense. At the top of the list are the lack of cohesion and communication this team shows on that side of the ball. Let’s take a look at an the opening play of the second quarter in the Week 4 loss to the Miami Dolphins. […]
There are many frustrating parts of watching the Jets play defense. At the top of the list are the lack of cohesion and communication this team shows on that side of the ball.
Let’s take a look at an the opening play of the second quarter in the Week 4 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Sauce Gardner is aligned outside against Tyreek Hill.
Hill cuts across the field as most Jets defenders up front bite on a play action fake. From here, it looks like Tony Adams (yellow arrow defender) might be in better position to pick up Tyreek Hill (red arrow receiver) while Gardner (red arrow defender) could be in better position to take Julian Hill (yellow arrow receiver).
What happens is Gardner and Adams both take Julian Hill.
Tyreek Hill ends up wide open. If you’re going to choose one guy to not cover on Miami’s offense, Tyreek Hill is a less than ideal choice.
Let’s fast forward a bit. On this next play, the Dolphins have Jaylen Waddle in the slot and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine aligned outside. Sauce Garnder is the outside corner while Michael Carter II is the slot corner.
The Dolphins run a basic rub route with Westbrook-Ikhine running into Carter. This is to free up Waddle
Westbrook-Ikhine doesn’t get a great piece of Carter, but he gets just enough. A receiver with Waddle’s speed doesn’t need much help to create separation.
Again these are basic things the Jets are failing to execute. Gardner isn’t recognizing the play and jamming Westbrook-Ikhine to prevent him from getting the rub executed. Nobody seems to be calling this out. Carter seems unaware he is getting caught in traffic. The result of the play is a 28 yard gain.
Let’s move onto the third quarter. Gardner is lined up on Waddle this time.
Waddle breaks inside.
Gardner is clearly calling out for help and releases Waddle.
No help is there.
You’ll see on the video that most of the defenders again bite hard on play action. The help Gardner is expecting is in no position to provide any.
The reasons for the Jets defense struggling to this extent are many. Plays like this certainly play a role. The defense is busting some pretty basic assignments.
Category: General Sports
