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D dept. : " Jets D can thrive without Revis " ~ ~ ~


kelly

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Heading into the 2013 NFL draft, the discussion surrounding the New York Jets focused on the degree to which they'd be able to upgrade a suspect offense that struggled to move the football and score points last season. So it almost looked like a gaffe to many when the Jets invested in two defensive prospects in the first round, including one defensive tackle who isn't seen as an ideal fit for New York's scheme. Couldn't they have traded down ? Did they panic ? Everybody asked questions.But the real answer lies in what the Jets should realize is their greatest strength: Coach Rex Ryan's ability to game plan. The offense isn't going to be special, and one draft pick won't change that. But if the Jets are going to compete in 2013, the defense needs to be, and Ryan needs the tools to build a solid defense.

Let's examine why the Jets can lead with defense this season despite the loss of All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.

1. Replacing Revis ?

Let's get this point out of the way: You don't replace the league's best corner. When healthy, Revis is in a class of his own when we look at his skill set, coverage ability and talent outside of the numbers. The Jets did well in their trade with Tampa Bay for him, given that it's still unknown if he can return to his pre-injury form. But remember that after Revis went down with an ACL injury in Week 3 of the 2012 season, this unit still managed to finish second in total passing defense (189.8 yards per game). And with rookies Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson, the Jets should be able to improve their defense in 2013 from both a coverage and pressure perspective.

Milliner's fit in Ryan's scheme

Milliner brings size and speed to the Jets on the outside, can close on the ball, takes the proper angles and is a physical player when asked to replace on the edge in the run game.Is he better aligned in a press position compared to playing off-man ? Sure he is. And Milliner will need to be coached hard in camp to improve his technique for a team that will show some Cover 4 (quarters). But the Jets do align their corners in press when they play Cover 1 (man-free) and in their blitz schemes (both zone and man). That caters to the rookie's skill set.Most importantly, Milliner can pair with Antonio Cromartie while sliding Kyle Wilson inside to the nickel role where he can play the "two-way-go" (inside or outside release). This gives Ryan the freedom to run his game plan without restrictions.

Richardson's role on the defensive line

I understand the questions (or concerns) of picking Richardson at No. 13, regarding how he fits in the Jets' 3-4 scheme. However, let's look at the situation from this perspective: The Jets drafted a defensive lineman who has an explosive first step and a burst to get vertical up the field.That is critical for the Jets because they aren't married to the 3-4. They're going to play both the 3-4 and 4-3, while aligning in multiple fronts in their sub-packages (nickel, dime) where Richardson can slide inside to the defensive tackle position. He will be able to get that inside push and collapse the pocket.The Jets have some serious young talent on the defensive line in their sub packages when we add Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples to the mix. And I view Richardson as another tool for Ryan to create a three- or four-man rush that gives this defense the opportunity to play some coverage (Cover 4, Cover 2) in third-and-7-plus situations.

2. Pressure schemes

Ryan has a unique ability to maximize and create pressure situations that expose protection schemes up front. We've talked a lot about the lack of a pure, 3-4 edge rusher in this system for a while now, but he does so much to create pressure not merely from individuals, but from looks. Let's look at an example of how the Jets can generate pressure while taking away throwing lanes (or "hot reads") utilizing zone pressure. Here's one example:

Overload zone pressure

Overload zone pressure scheme

With Ruby personnel (three defensive linemen, two linebackers, six defensive backs) on the field, the Jets are showing open (weak) side pressure. Walk the free safety (FS) down and insert the dime back (D) into the front. This forces the offense to count the dime in the protection scheme and allows the Jets to roll their pressure to the closed (strong) side of the formation with the strong safety (SS), Sam (S) and Mike (M) adding to the blitz front.This creates a five-man pressure scheme and a three-deep, three-under zone with the nickel (N) and open side defensive end playing the "seam-flat" (match to No. 2), the dime dropping to the "middle hook" (match to No. 3) and the free safety moving to the middle third.The Jets want to force the quarterback to throw the slant, quick seam or smash with the underneath zone defenders playing through the throwing lanes. Yes, the Jets are looking to get a hit on the quarterback, but the scheme also leads to opportunities to make a play on the ball.

Remember, this is just one example (of many) that the Jets put on tape in 2012, but the principles remain the same: Disguise the front and set a trap for opposing quarterbacks by restricting -- or jumping -- potential blitz (hot) reads. Add in some man pressure and the Jets can work to dictate the flow of the game from a defensive perspective based on game/down-and-distance situations.It's important to remember, particularly after they took a player like Richardson, that Ryan isn't all about individual matchups as much as he is about overall defensive talent and the combined problems the scheme can create.
 

3. Ryan's game-plan ability

Ryan's is a demanding defensive scheme, one that requires eye discipline, formation recognition and the ability to adjust (quickly) to offensive movement. But it is also a scheme that puts defenders in a position to make plays because of Ryan's ability to mesh both coverage and pressure.Unlike a core Cover 2 defense that leans on landmark drops (where you're looking for a spot to work from) and scheme-based techniques, Ryan's defense will adjust the game plan to take away specific concepts or personnel groupings based on the opponent.There is no doubt that the Jets will miss Revis. And the offense clearly needs to take some steps forward. But with Ryan in charge, plus the addition of Milliner and Richardson, the defense unit still can be the strength of the team, and the greatest reason they'll be in position to win games, despite trading the NFL's No. 1 cornerback.

 

> http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9258204/nfl-why-new-york-jets-thrive-darrelle-revis

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Heading into the 2013 NFL draft, the discussion surrounding the New York Jets focused on the degree to which they'd be able to upgrade a suspect offense that struggled to move the football and score points last season. So it almost looked like a gaffe to many when the Jets invested in two defensive prospects in the first round, including one defensive tackle who isn't seen as an ideal fit for New York's scheme. Couldn't they have traded down ? Did they panic ? Everybody asked questions.But the real answer lies in what the Jets should realize is their greatest strength: Coach Rex Ryan's ability to game plan. The offense isn't going to be special, and one draft pick won't change that. But if the Jets are going to compete in 2013, the defense needs to be, and Ryan needs the tools to build a solid defense.

Let's examine why the Jets can lead with defense this season despite the loss of All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.

1. Replacing Revis ?

Let's get this point out of the way: You don't replace the league's best corner. When healthy, Revis is in a class of his own when we look at his skill set, coverage ability and talent outside of the numbers. The Jets did well in their trade with Tampa Bay for him, given that it's still unknown if he can return to his pre-injury form. But remember that after Revis went down with an ACL injury in Week 3 of the 2012 season, this unit still managed to finish second in total passing defense (189.8 yards per game). And with rookies Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson, the Jets should be able to improve their defense in 2013 from both a coverage and pressure perspective.

Milliner's fit in Ryan's scheme

Milliner brings size and speed to the Jets on the outside, can close on the ball, takes the proper angles and is a physical player when asked to replace on the edge in the run game.Is he better aligned in a press position compared to playing off-man ? Sure he is. And Milliner will need to be coached hard in camp to improve his technique for a team that will show some Cover 4 (quarters). But the Jets do align their corners in press when they play Cover 1 (man-free) and in their blitz schemes (both zone and man). That caters to the rookie's skill set.Most importantly, Milliner can pair with Antonio Cromartie while sliding Kyle Wilson inside to the nickel role where he can play the "two-way-go" (inside or outside release). This gives Ryan the freedom to run his game plan without restrictions.

Richardson's role on the defensive line

I understand the questions (or concerns) of picking Richardson at No. 13, regarding how he fits in the Jets' 3-4 scheme. However, let's look at the situation from this perspective: The Jets drafted a defensive lineman who has an explosive first step and a burst to get vertical up the field.That is critical for the Jets because they aren't married to the 3-4. They're going to play both the 3-4 and 4-3, while aligning in multiple fronts in their sub-packages (nickel, dime) where Richardson can slide inside to the defensive tackle position. He will be able to get that inside push and collapse the pocket.The Jets have some serious young talent on the defensive line in their sub packages when we add Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples to the mix. And I view Richardson as another tool for Ryan to create a three- or four-man rush that gives this defense the opportunity to play some coverage (Cover 4, Cover 2) in third-and-7-plus situations.

2. Pressure schemes

Ryan has a unique ability to maximize and create pressure situations that expose protection schemes up front. We've talked a lot about the lack of a pure, 3-4 edge rusher in this system for a while now, but he does so much to create pressure not merely from individuals, but from looks. Let's look at an example of how the Jets can generate pressure while taking away throwing lanes (or "hot reads") utilizing zone pressure. Here's one example:

Overload zone pressure

Overload zone pressure scheme

With Ruby personnel (three defensive linemen, two linebackers, six defensive backs) on the field, the Jets are showing open (weak) side pressure. Walk the free safety (FS) down and insert the dime back (D) into the front. This forces the offense to count the dime in the protection scheme and allows the Jets to roll their pressure to the closed (strong) side of the formation with the strong safety (SS), Sam (S) and Mike (M) adding to the blitz front.This creates a five-man pressure scheme and a three-deep, three-under zone with the nickel (N) and open side defensive end playing the "seam-flat" (match to No. 2), the dime dropping to the "middle hook" (match to No. 3) and the free safety moving to the middle third.The Jets want to force the quarterback to throw the slant, quick seam or smash with the underneath zone defenders playing through the throwing lanes. Yes, the Jets are looking to get a hit on the quarterback, but the scheme also leads to opportunities to make a play on the ball.

Remember, this is just one example (of many) that the Jets put on tape in 2012, but the principles remain the same: Disguise the front and set a trap for opposing quarterbacks by restricting -- or jumping -- potential blitz (hot) reads. Add in some man pressure and the Jets can work to dictate the flow of the game from a defensive perspective based on game/down-and-distance situations.It's important to remember, particularly after they took a player like Richardson, that Ryan isn't all about individual matchups as much as he is about overall defensive talent and the combined problems the scheme can create.

 

3. Ryan's game-plan ability

Ryan's is a demanding defensive scheme, one that requires eye discipline, formation recognition and the ability to adjust (quickly) to offensive movement. But it is also a scheme that puts defenders in a position to make plays because of Ryan's ability to mesh both coverage and pressure.Unlike a core Cover 2 defense that leans on landmark drops (where you're looking for a spot to work from) and scheme-based techniques, Ryan's defense will adjust the game plan to take away specific concepts or personnel groupings based on the opponent.There is no doubt that the Jets will miss Revis. And the offense clearly needs to take some steps forward. But with Ryan in charge, plus the addition of Milliner and Richardson, the defense unit still can be the strength of the team, and the greatest reason they'll be in position to win games, despite trading the NFL's No. 1 cornerback.

 

> http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9258204/nfl-why-new-york-jets-thrive-darrelle-revis

 

 

how can any defense succeed without Revis?  Ridiculous!!

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Reading this it's almost like Rex Ryan is the strength of the Jets.

He is the strength of the Jets. Thing is that people actually see that as a bad thing...Mostly the same people who were all in when he was brought due to New Culturez.

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Is it just me or have the Jets gotten more and more numbers oriented under Ryan? His ability to reliably bring a strong defense was a real margin pusher here.

Good read.

 

Every post-game presser he spouts numbers off.  Sometimes I wish he'd just say I don't know what the numbers are offhand and I don't care.  We just [sucked / were great] and I don't need a computer printout to confirm it or tell me otherwise.  Rex is - or comes across as being - obsessed with numbers.  It can certainly help, to identify certain areas of strength/weakness, but it can be dangerous if a coach lets stats dictate gameplans since every team has access to those same numbers.

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Every post-game presser he spouts numbers off.  Sometimes I wish he'd just say I don't know what the numbers are offhand and I don't care.  We just [sucked / were great] and I don't need a computer printout to confirm it or tell me otherwise.  Rex is - or comes across as being - obsessed with numbers.  It can certainly help, to identify certain areas of strength/weakness, but it can be dangerous if a coach lets stats dictate gameplans since every team has access to those same numbers.

 

agreed.

he should continue to " watch " the #'s but...just not mention them as often as he has :winking0001:

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Antonio Cromartie wasn't happy when he first learned that fellow cornerback

Darrelle Revis was going to be traded.

"It sucks," Cromartie told the New York Daily News, just before the deal

officially went down.

On Thursday, addressing a full contingent of reporters for the first
time since the April 21 trade, Cromartie sounded more resigned to the
move.
 

ny_a_cromartie1x_300.jpgAntonio Cromartie was in good humor Thursday.

"You
just gotta move forward. You can't pout about it," Cromartie said.
"It's a business. I think my job here is just to make sure, for one,
that I'm ready to go out and play and make sure that the younger guys
are ready to come out and play. That's the kind of role I'm trying to
take on, and make sure guys are doing what they're supposed to do."

The Jets felt comfortable dealing Revis in part because Cromartie
performed so well as the team's No. 1 corner after Revis was hurt early
last season.

"I just go out and play football," Cromartie said. "If that's how they felt,

that's how they felt."

Cromartie had 10 interceptions in 2007 as a member of the

San Diego Chargers. But he said he felt last season was even

better, because of his consistency.

"I think I can maintain the consistency," Cromartie said. "That's

the goal."

As for who will be playing opposite him, the leading candidate is

rookie Dee Milliner, drafted with the ninth overall pick last month

out of Alabama.

"He's a smart kid," Cromartie said. "I think Dee is gonna come in
and help us out a lot. Just from watching the film on him, he's a
physical-type guy to come up and will support the run. That's something
that's gonna help out big for us. We're not looking for him to fill
anybody's shoes. He's Dee Millner and he's gotta be himself."

Cromartie also talked up Kyle Wilson, the team's first-round draft

pick in 2010, who started 15 games last season.

"I think he's gonna take a big step this year. I honestly believe
that," Cromartie said. "He's been working hard this offseason, both of
us have. I think by us pushing each other, going out and making sure
we're competing, it's gonna bring the more competitive side out of him
once we're on the football field. ... I think it's gonna be his best
year."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23353/cromartie-talks-about-life-after-revis

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more re our D dept.  :

 

~ ~  Show and prove: Jets LB DeMario Davis

 
The AFC East blog continues its "Show and Prove" series in the division for 2013.


Next we take a look at New York Jets starting linebacker DeMario Davis.
nyj.gif2012 stats: 36 tackles

What he has to prove: Davis must prove he is the
long-term solution at inside linebacker for New York. The Jets drafted
Davis in the third round in 2012, and now it’s his turn to step up after
the team cut veteran linebacker Bart Scott.
The Jets are in full rebuild mode in 2013. They desperately need young
leaders to emerge, and it’s important that Davis develops into one of
those players.

Walker's 2013 outlook: The Jets put a lot of hype
on Davis as soon as he arrived, and I’m not sure that was a good idea.
New York head coach Rex Ryan compared him to a young Ray Lewis
last year in training camp before Davis played his first NFL game. That
raised a lot of eyebrows. Davis didn’t see the field regularly until
the second half of his rookie season. I saw some flashes of athleticism.
But Davis didn’t make many impact plays, and I’m still not convinced
he’s the next great linebacker under Ryan. Davis must prove he can be a
consistent playmaker for 16 games.
 
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