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“Jets West”: What to Expect from the Jets New Offense


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The Jets have had a “ground and pound” philosophy for the past four years.  Aside from success in the playoffs the first two years, the Jets haven’t been able to establish a solid run offense the past two.  Now the organization is turning to new Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s “West Coast Offense.”  He’s coming to the Jets after 7 years as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator (10 years in Philadelphia total).

There have been many articles written explaining what the philosophy of the offense is and how it works, however, it’s easy to get lost in the technical talk in many of these articles.  This article will tell fans all you need to know about the offense, in simple terms and how the Jets will use the system in 2013.

The West Coast Offense originated with former San Francisco 49′ers Head Coach Bill Walsh.  Most don’t know that the offense didn’t originate when he was in San Francisco, but the philosophy started when he was the Offensive Coordinator in Cincinnati.  He took his offense to San Francisco where he ran it with Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young.

The basic philosophy is to supplement running the ball with short quick passes to put the offense in 2nd and 3rd and short situations.  The goal is to take what the defense gives you and be patient with the short passes, which will set up a big play a few times per game.  The goal is to exploit the linebackers in pass coverage, as they usually are weaker in that aspect of the game.  The constant threat of passing will keep a defense honest, and force them to cover more and blitz less.  Through pre-snap motion and a wide variety of formations, it attempts to flood (overload) the defenses zones by sending receivers into areas where the defense doesn’t have enough guys to defend every route.

The offense philosophy for each position is:

Quarterback- The quarterback must be a playmaker.  You cannot have a “game manager” as the quarterback of the West Coast Offense.  The QB must be able to read the defense both pre-snap and after snap and make quick decisions.  He also must be able to go through his progression of receivers quickly and make quick accurate decisions.  A lot of routes are timing routes so the QB must be on the same page with the wide receivers at all times.  The key for the QB of this type of offense is to take what the defense gives you and be patient.  Many guys try to force throws that aren’t there or force a deep ball instead of taking the short passes (i.e. Michael Vick).  Additionally, the QB must be mobile and be able to extend the play.  This offense doesn’t use a traditional pocket passing game, but rather rolls the QB out of the pocket to make precise hard thrown passes within 10-15 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Running Back- Running Backs in this offense must be great route runners and pass catchers.  They are often used to exploit mismatches on linebackers, so they must have great hands and be agile in space.  When asked to run the ball, they must have excellent vision and be able to anticipate and find a hole amidst a zone blocking scheme by the offensive line.  Shifty, strong running backs suit the offense well.

Tight End- Tight Ends have to be excellent blockers, as well as, good possession receivers.  They need to be able to get open in the middle of the field and catch passes in tight windows.  Most importantly, the QB must be able to trust his TE and feel comfortable throwing to him.  Brent Celek of the Philadelphia Eagles has made a career of being that trustworthy, 3rd down receiver in this type of offense.  A large, athletic TE with great hands and route running ability is a must.

Offensive Line- The West Coast philosophies implement zone blocking schemes for the Offensive Line.  On run plays, the offensive line works as one solid unit to block in a zone to create holes.  They are sometimes used to pull and lead the way, but most times they will zone block.  Linemen in this offense must be quick and agile.  Their pass blocking will be quick, explosive blocks because of the short routes being run.  This means that the linemen must all be on the same page at all times, led by their center yelling out directions.

Wide Receivers- Wide Receivers must be able to get open in small spaces.  They must be precise route runners with the ability to run after the catch.  DeSean Jackson has become a threat in the NFL because of this.  In general, the receivers must properly time every route and be on the same page as the quarterback on all throws.  They also don’t necessarily need great straight-line speed but rather be able to change direction quickly and move in tight spaces.  They have to develop a relationship with the QB where the QB will always know where they will be on each play.  Communication is a neccessity.

That’s a quick, short and simple wrap up of each position in the West Coast Offense, but most people are wondering, how will this fit the Jets roster?  Well, there are going to have to be changes in order to be successful in this offense.  The QB position will need an upgrade.  Mark Sanchez has struggled with reading defenses and making quick decisions in his career.  He also is tempted by the deep throw which results in interceptions and in this offense the QB must be patient and disciplined.  He also isn’t as mobile as scouts thought he could be which could hinder his ability to run this offense.

Shonn Greene has struggled in the passing game throughout his career.  He isn’t a shifty back which makes it difficult for him to get space from defenders.  We haven’t seen enough from Bilal Powell or Joe McKnight to say that they would fit this role, but maybe one of them has the capabilities to do so.  If the Jets feel that they do not, they may look to draft a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round, as this draft has many talented, well-rounded backs available.

The Jets need a big athletic tight end with reliable hands.  Hayden Smith would have to improve drastically in his blocking in order to make the team and have a role this upcoming season.  Dustin Keller’s hybrid TE build doesn’t suit this offense as a TE.  They need to draft a big tight end with speed who can get into and out of routes smoothly and catch passes in tight windows.  The prototypical West Coast tight end is not on the Jets roster currently.

The offensive line has a true leader at center in Nick Mangold.  Mangold will control and call all offensive line blocking schemes in this offense.  Tackles D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Austin Howard could get the job done on the outside if they can manage to stand their ground and protect for quick three step and five step drops.  Offensive guard is a cause for concern.  The Jets need two athletic guards who can protect and be able to zone block on guys like Vince Wilfork.  The draft may be a place they turn to fill this position.

Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley can flourish in this offensive scheme.  They have the ability to separate and run after the catch to make big plays.  Stephen Hill will improve in his second season.  He will most likely be the deep route on most flood routes and could be a big play guy once or twice a game.  His route running needs improvement over the middle.  If he can do this, he will be a major asset to this passing game.

In summation, the Jets do not have the perfect personnel for the West Coast Offense, but they have pieces that could have a major impact.  They have guys who can play huge roles and make a name for themselves in positions that are heavily relied on in Mornhinweg’s offense.  The biggest additions the Jets need to make are a mobile, smart, fast reacting QB with a strong arm, a big blocking and reliable catching tight end, and offensive line speed and quickness, especially at the guard position.  The Jets offense is far from complete and through the draft and veteran minimum free agents, the Jets will try to put together the best arsenal to help Mornhinweg succeed.  He has had 10 Top 10 offenses through the course of his coaching career.  It may take time to get to that point, but this year the Jets will have to build a solid core that suits the offense best.  It will take some time, but this offense can be successful with the proper pieces in place.

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Kerley matches pretty well.

QB has to lead a WR in WCO cause YAC is a priority in WCO scheme. I just cant see Mark fitting in. Flynn has some WCO skills.

I think its a given from what I hear down here, That the Jets will 'try' and get UNCs Gio Bernard in 2nd round to fit into the WCO. They may even 'reach' at bottom of 1st if they pull off a trade down out of #9.

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All this talk of the west coast offense is overblown; the true WCO offense is no longer in existence. Yea, sure, the terminology still exists, but the offense as a whole is obsolete. Modern day "WCO" teams run just as many vertical concepts as any other offense. A sh*tty QB is a sh*tty QB regardless of the system; sure you can mask his sh*ttyness a bit, but he's still sh*tty.

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I don't know too many offenses that we have the correct personnel for. The West Coast Offense has been battle tested and moves the ball and keeps the clock running. It meets the needs of a ball control offense without being dinosaur like. We need an accurate QB to run it, though.

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This scheme actually fits the players more than Schotty's or Sparano.

Rolling Sanchez out is playing to his strengths at USC, at times, when implemented this OL played better in zone, and despite the article I think Keller could flourish.

agree on roll out strength, u r right, BUT, u still have to lead a receiver (in any scheme, but especially so in WCO) which relies on YAC. Marks ability to lead a WR seems to have gone the way of the DoDo Bird. Hopefully he regains it or Marty Mohrewieg will shiitcan him day One.

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This scheme actually fits the players more than Schotty's or Sparano.

Rolling Sanchez out is playing to his strengths at USC, at times, when implemented this OL played better in zone, and despite the article I think Keller could flourish.

when mark rolled out at USC he threw to WRs that were W-I--I-I-I-DE OPEN. He cannot fit the ball in anyhere. He cannot even hold onto it. Keller does not suck, but I think he is dumb. I think that is what holds him back. And he does need to be bigger. Which ain;t happening, so bye bye.

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Get somebody that can make all the throws and doesn't turn it over every 3rd snap and our offense will be appreciably better in 13. There are a few guys out there that could be had. 2014 should look to be the road back to respectability if we handle the personnel (and cap) the right way.

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tl;dr, but Morninwheig is a one-year rental anyway, and will get flushed with Rex at the end of the year. It's telling that Andy Reid left him on the street when he took the KC job. Drafting players to "fit" any offensive system is a recipe for disaster in the first place. You need to draft versatile players who can play for you for ten years, even when the coaches and coordinators change.

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tl;dr, but Morninwheig is a one-year rental anyway, and will get flushed with Rex at the end of the year. It's telling that Andy Reid left him on the street when he took the KC job. Drafting players to "fit" any offensive system is a recipe for disaster in the first place. You need to draft versatile players who can play for you for ten years, even when the coaches and coordinators change.

True this speculating we have to draft WCO players- that would be the worst thing to do- get players that are the best at that pick

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tl;dr, but Morninwheig is a one-year rental anyway, and will get flushed with Rex at the end of the year. It's telling that Andy Reid left him on the street when he took the KC job. Drafting players to "fit" any offensive system is a recipe for disaster in the first place. You need to draft versatile players who can play for you for ten years, even when the coaches and coordinators change.

Tom -- Rex won't be fired. Marty will also be back next year. Stop be soooooo negative.

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tl;dr, but Morninwheig is a one-year rental anyway, and will get flushed with Rex at the end of the year. It's telling that Andy Reid left him on the street when he took the KC job. Drafting players to "fit" any offensive system is a recipe for disaster in the first place. You need to draft versatile players who can play for you for ten years, even when the coaches and coordinators change.

Truth. Morningwhatever needs a paycheck, Idzik gives Wrecks enough rope to hang himself and we have a new coach and QB for real in 2014. The rest of it is details involving Sanchez engaging in sex acts with deceased monkeys and donkeys on his way to the bank.

The only decision Idzik is pondering is whether to cut bait on Sanchez now. 2013 is going to suck almost by design.Perhaps we can get a good draft, sign some servicable free agents and sift through the current wreckage for usable parts.

West Coast Offense-what ever. You saw Kapernick and Flacco make long, accurate throws Pick 6 cannot make in his dreams. He's no salvagable. The Jets did Sanchez no favors but the talent isn't there. He might not even be a backup or roster filler. It's an even money bet whether at vet minimum anyone would bother to take a flyer on him.

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Why doesn't Keller fit? Seems to me that WCO is perfect for a TE/WR hybrid. You need to be a bit quicker (not necessarily faster) than the average TE and have better hands, and both of those are probably true of Keller.

Truth. Morningwhatever needs a paycheck, Idzik gives Wrecks enough rope to hang himself and we have a new coach and QB for real in 2014. The rest of it is details involving Sanchez engaging in sex acts with deceased monkeys and donkeys on his way to the bank.

The only decision Idzik is pondering is whether to cut bait on Sanchez now. 2013 is going to suck almost by design.Perhaps we can get a good draft, sign some servicable free agents and sift through the current wreckage for usable parts.

West Coast Offense-what ever. You saw Kapernick and Flacco make long, accurate throws Pick 6 cannot make in his dreams. He's no salvagable. The Jets did Sanchez no favors but the talent isn't there. He might not even be a backup or roster filler. It's an even money bet whether at vet minimum anyone would bother to take a flyer on him.

Sometimes in our zeal, we get a bit ahead of ourselves, eh? A whole bunch of teams would jump for Sanchez at vet minimum. I'm not even saying he would produce enough value to be a vet min guy, but no doubt about it, teams would line up to give him a shot.

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Just to be clear, the buzz-words for this off-season and 2013 are going to be WCO and system-players? Pretty sure you could copy and paste any argument over the last few years and take out ground n pound, run n shoot etc. insert WCO and the arguments still would stand up. Just wanted to know in advance to get some material ready, I'm busy with school, just figured I'd recycle some old stuff. You know, going green, for the environment.

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