BroadwayRay Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Come on Lee haters, dive right in. I'm sure you can make some hay out of his mediocre run-defense ratings ... Jets’ Darron Lee is the best coverage linebacker in football through Week 2 BY AUSTIN GAYLE • NEW YORK JETS • DARRON LEE • MATTHEW STAFFORD • THEO RIDDICK • DAVID NJOKU • DUKE JOHNSON JR. • SEP 18, 2018 Darron Lee’s first-round pedigree set forth lofty expectations he simply fell far below in his first two seasons with the New York Jets. The former Ohio State product ranked dead last among the 87 NFL linebackers with at least 800 defensive snaps in overall grade (41.6), and coverage grade (35.5), across 1,666 defensive snaps played in 2016 and 2017. However, early signs point to Lee shifting the trajectory of his career from bust to boom in 2018. Lee currently leads all 73 linebackers with at least 50 defensive snaps through Week 2 in overall grade (92.0) and coverage grade (93.1) and has accumulated 13 combined tackles (11 solo), seven defensive stops and two interceptions in the process. Targeted 16 times, the sixth-most among linebackers, he has allowed just 77 yards, three first downs, and no touchdowns. His passer rating when targeted (47.1) and yards allowed per reception (5.5) rank fourth and fifth, respectively, among linebackers targeted at least five times this season. Of course, sample size concerns will persist for at least the next few weeks, if not further, given the 1,666 defensive snaps Lee has played at a disastrous level. But the subtle improvements evident in his tape against the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins give weight to the argument that Lee’s success, specifically in coverage, is sustainable. Running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1, 232 pounds at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee was highly coveted for his speed and athleticism entering the draft, but up until his recent performances, it hasn’t been on display. The former high school cornerback struggled early in man coverage and was slow to pick up the needed tendencies and technique for various zone-coverage assignments. Three NFL offseasons, 843 coverage snaps later, Lee has limited his previous inefficiencies. Lee’s two interceptions of Matthew Stafford were products of strong play in zone coverage. He returned his first pick 36 yards to the house after passing off Lions’ Golden Tate to his teammate’s zone and jumping in front of a pass intended for running back Theo Riddick. The latter was gifted to him from Stafford largely because he nailed his dropback depth to fill his assigned zone while reading the quarterback’s eyes. The stark improvement in Lee’s coverage grade is largely responsible for his league-leading overall grade – and rightfully so, given the value of coverage play compared to run defense. However, Lee’s next steps towards a tenable seat among the league’s best linebackers will be to maintain his success in coverage and prove at least tolerable against the run. Lee sits atop the list of the NFL’s 40 highest-graded linebackers (minimum 50 defensive snaps), but he is the only one on the list with a run-defense grade below 53.0. Lee’s Achilles heel when defending the run, dating back to his days at The Shoe, has been his inability to shed the second-level blocks of offensive linemen, and even Lee’s stellar start to the 2018 season hasn’t been without poor block-shedding. Through two weeks, Lee ranks 26th among the 43 linebackers with 30-plus run-defense snaps in percentage of snaps with a negative grade (15.0 percent). Looking ahead to Week 3, the Cleveland Browns’ offense will test Lee’s legitimacy in coverage and against the run. Four-year veteran running back Duke Johnson Jr. and second-year tight end David Njoku have both proven to be mismatch problems in the past, putting the pressure on Lee to deliver for the third consecutive week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj meadowlands Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Good. This is good I like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsFanatic Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 The Man, The Myth, The Legend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Clouds Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Great. Hope the positive trend continues. It’s safe to expect the haters will complain about the “tiny” sample size though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 not one of you guys is willing to put your money where your mouth is. congrats while it lasts. I don't hate Lee. I just see a guy so don't belong playing lb at this level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 that said, I've been a bit disappointed in williamson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Last to first, you don't see that very often Hope it continues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnitedWhofans Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 2 minutes ago, Losmeister said: that said, I've been a bit disappointed in williamson. Williamson is essentially playing the David Harris role Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 11 minutes ago, Happy Clouds said: Great. Hope the positive trend continues. It’s safe to expect the haters will complain about the “tiny” sample size though. guy who wrote the article mentioned sample size, that makes him a hater,? no it makes him someone who doesn't take 1666 snaps of crap and ignore them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 I'll say it again, I hope I have to eat every crow recipe you guys know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Lonelyhearts Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 So in year three he can finally do what he was already supposed to be good at and has made no progress on what we knew he was bad at. SUCK IT HATERS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnitedWhofans Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Lee Started to show improvements towards the end of last year and apparently it has continued in the right direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tfine Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 You telling me a rookie can get better from year to year?!?!? Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
varjet Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 PFF is being pretty objective here. Lee is doing well at what he was supposed to be good at. We saw him get run over last Sunday, and in Detroit. Its up to Kacey to have Lee focus on plays in space and not rely on him primarily to eat blockers and RBs through the line. Adams is actually better at that, 20 pounds lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 11 minutes ago, tfine said: You telling me a rookie can get better from year to year?!?!? Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app Technically it took him three years but who's counting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJoTownsell1 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 I wonder what @RoadFan thinks of this. He seems to think Lee is worthless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 26 minutes ago, Miss Lonelyhearts said: So in year three he can finally do what he was already supposed to be good at and has made no progress on what we knew he was bad at. SUCK IT HATERS. I am just surprised a player can play, and get better. Who would have guessed to not totally buy into mob message board snap judgements? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 this dude works for PFF message board mob. stick your head in teh sand some more. or better yet, bet me some $$$. the 1,666 defensive snaps Lee has played at a disastrous level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 i bet he does not have 5 INTS by years end ... $100 ... takers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 46 minutes ago, UnitedWhofans said: Williamson is essentially playing the David Harris role WHat I remember of David Harris in his prime is better than what I have seen so far from Willimson. Not killing the guy, just an observation. And, like, Lee, its a small sample. So we wait, we watch. We see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
varjet Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Williamson was supposed to be very good against the run. I continue to believe that issues we have observed with both Lee and Williamson could also be in large part due to how they are used and schemed. I am not getting the sense that our DC uses his personnel in the best way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Lonelyhearts Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 26 minutes ago, Scott Dierking said: I am just surprised a player can play, and get better. Who would have guessed to not totally buy into mob message board snap judgements? I guess what I’m having difficulty with is the fact that some people apparently think this is the conclusion that follows the premise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RutgersJetFan Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 2 hours ago, BroadwayRay said: Lee sits atop the list of the NFL’s 40 highest-graded linebackers (minimum 50 defensive snaps), but he is the only one on the list with a run-defense grade below 53.0. Lee’s Achilles heel when defending the run, dating back to his days at The Shoe, has been his inability to shed the second-level blocks of offensive linemen, and even Lee’s stellar start to the 2018 season hasn’t been without poor block-shedding. Through two weeks, Lee ranks 26th among the 43 linebackers with 30-plus run-defense snaps in percentage of snaps with a negative grade (15.0 percent). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creepy Lurker Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Let’s say game 1 was an aberration and skewing these stats...I wonder how well he did in coverage last week. Jets got gashed with big runs often so I’m only curious about coverage and I hope he puts it all together. Adams has looked really good in coverage so far besides that huge 3rd and 19th botch which I believe was on him and the coaching staff. Again, I would be happy to eat a ton of crow this year and crap feathers all the way to the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 20 minutes ago, Miss Lonelyhearts said: I guess what I’m having difficulty with is the fact that some people apparently think this is the conclusion that follows the premise. Some people think many things. Does not make them right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 28 minutes ago, Creepy Lurker said: Adams has looked really good in coverage so far Defo much better than last year so far... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkeyeJet Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 He has played well. He did not play as well previously. Everyone has been wrong about him. Everyone has been right about him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkeyeJet Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 1 hour ago, Losmeister said: i bet he does not have 5 INTS by years end ... $100 ... takers? Why not make it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sec101row23 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 5 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said: He has played well. He did not play as well previously. Everyone has been wrong about him. Everyone has been right about him. Exactly, let’s revisit this at mid-season and see where he stands. If he can maintain this over a more prolonged period of time then we could have some more optimism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 1 hour ago, JoJoTownsell1 said: I wonder what @RoadFan thinks of this. He seems to think Lee is worthless. Lee hasn't had to play a TE worth a sh*t yet. Only two weeks. I didn't even notice him on the field against Miami. Did anybody else? Detroit doesn't even have a tight end and Miami's TE was in his 2nd game as a pro. Lee admitted he knew the Lions' signals. Is it fair to assume that provided him an advantage in coverage for week 1? Lee might be improving, I hope he is... I really do. But I am tired of people trying to force a below average player at me the second he has a decent game. And as for profootballfocus, it is just a piece of the puzzle. The eyeball test is also a big piece. Keep trying JoJo... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlichtie Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 1 hour ago, varjet said: PFF is being pretty objective here. Lee is doing well at what he was supposed to be good at. We saw him get run over last Sunday, and in Detroit. Its up to Kacey to have Lee focus on plays in space and not rely on him primarily to eat blockers and RBs through the line. Adams is actually better at that, 20 pounds lighter. Never understood the hate for Lee when he gets blocked out of a play by a pulling guard or OT. I mean, he was drafted as a speed player(those with short memories forget we had Harris and Bart Scott running in treacle for years and complained about our D lacking speed and pursuit) those speed guys inevitably give up bulk, they are not supposed to meet 315 pound linemen and expect to Win those battles....so basically, yeah he’ll get run over in those scenarios. The key is to not put him in that position in the first place. i get complaining that if he doesn’t do well in coverage or pursuit but when you draft a player like Lee you have to accept he will lose those 1 on 1 battles with linemen in the same way as you’d expect Leonard Williams to lose one on one battles with WR’s if you played him at CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
More Cowbell Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 It's evident that he is improving as a player. It happens guys. It took Brees like 3 seasons until the light went on. Hopefully now he learns to get off a block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losmeister Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 41 minutes ago, RoadFan said: And as for profootballfocus, it is just a piece of the puzzle. The eyeball test is also a big piece. i agrree. i use it over long term and mostly b/c they TRY to be objective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREENBEAN Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Great. Hope the positive trend continues. It’s safe to expect the haters will complain about the “tiny” sample size though. Im no Lee hater but someone would have a really strong point by mentioning that. No?Mayhem mabin looked really good for the jets for two weeks one time. Member dat??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 I give the guy full credit he made two really great plays on the ints. I believe those both looked like zone defense to me. I still don't think he can actually cover well one on one. He can make plays fro side to side if kept clean. Adams is a better up at the line run stopper....thus my continuing blasting of the two picks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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