Gregg Williams Could be key to Unlocking Potential of Three key Jets

[JetNation]

Now that the hiring of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is official, there may not be any one person hoping to see him work his magic than Jets GM Mike Maccagnan for three very big reasons as three of his biggest acquisitions have flashed the ability to be impact players, but haven’t quite put it together consistently in Green and White.  Leonard Williams, Darron Lee and Trumaine Johnson.

In Williams and Lee, the Jets have a pair of former first round picks who have been heading in opposite directions of late.

Darron Lee could find himself in a completely different role in a Gregg Williams defense.

After making the pro bowl as an alternate in his second pro season when he finished with seven sacks, Williams has been a good player, but nowhere near good enough to justify his status as the sixth overall pick that he was in the 2015 draft.  Should the Jets move to a 4-3 base defense under Williams and allow the “Big Cat” to slide inside, he may be a more disruptive player and get to a level where he’s making a few more trips to the Pro Bowl, hopefully as something more than an alternate.

All of this of course should be dependent on whether or not Gregg Williams feels he can get Leonard Williams to play up to his $14 million price tag.  If he doesn’t feel that’s the case, perhaps the Jets explore a trade.

Leonard Williams will be looking to live up to his potential in a new scheme.

While Williams has levelled off after a strong start, Darron Lee struggled mightily in years one and two but made a huge leap in year three, performing as one of the NFL’s top linebackers in coverage, picking off three passes in twelve games.  Unfortunately for Lee, his stellar season came to an early end for violating the league’s substance abuse program, making his future with the team a bit murky.

Having spent his first three seasons playing inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, Gregg Williams may opt to kick Lee outside to the edge where he can use his speed and overall athleticism to beat opposing tackles and get to the quarterback on a more frequent basis.  Getting Lee to face more running backs and tight ends in the blocking game is clearly more desirable than having him go head up with 320 lb guards in the middle of the defense.

As we recently discussed on JetNation radio (right here) with Dennis Waszak of the Associated Press, Lee and Williams are two big names that could thrive under Williams with one of his prized free agent additions falling in to that same category.

After signing cornerback Trumaine Johnson to a multi-year deal this past offseason, the move looked like a flop more often than not.  Playing in Todd Bowles’ defense, Johnson was beaten far more often than one would expect if they’d watched him play with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams over the past few seasons.

From 2014-2016 Williams had some of his best seasons, grabbing eleven interceptions and getting himself franchise tagged by the Rams who were unwilling to part with their top corner.  During that time, his defensive coordinator was none other than Gregg Williams while Dennard Wilson was his secondary coach, the same combination he’ll have with the Jets in 2019.

Clearly the Jets are hoping the hiring of Williams will benefit the defense as a whole, but getting three highly talented players at three different levels to play to their full potential would go a long way in doing just that.

The post Gregg Williams Could be key to Unlocking Potential of Three key Jets appeared first on JetNation.com (NY Jets Blog & Forum).

Click here to read the full story...

[Jetsplayer21]

56 minutes ago, JetNation said:

Now that the hiring of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is official, there may not be any one person hoping to see him work his magic than Jets GM Mike Maccagnan for three very big reasons as three of his biggest acquisitions have flashed the ability to be impact players, but haven’t quite put it together consistently in Green and White.  Leonard Williams, Darron Lee and Trumaine Johnson.

In Williams and Lee, the Jets have a pair of former first round picks who have been heading in opposite directions of late.

Darron Lee could find himself in a completely different role in a Gregg Williams defense.

After making the pro bowl as an alternate in his second pro season when he finished with seven sacks, Williams has been a good player, but nowhere near good enough to justify his status as the sixth overall pick that he was in the 2015 draft.  Should the Jets move to a 4-3 base defense under Williams and allow the “Big Cat” to slide inside, he may be a more disruptive player and get to a level where he’s making a few more trips to the Pro Bowl, hopefully as something more than an alternate.

All of this of course should be dependent on whether or not Gregg Williams feels he can get Leonard Williams to play up to his $14 million price tag.  If he doesn’t feel that’s the case, perhaps the Jets explore a trade.

Leonard Williams will be looking to live up to his potential in a new scheme.

While Williams has levelled off after a strong start, Darron Lee struggled mightily in years one and two but made a huge leap in year three, performing as one of the NFL’s top linebackers in coverage, picking off three passes in twelve games.  Unfortunately for Lee, his stellar season came to an early end for violating the league’s substance abuse program, making his future with the team a bit murky.

Having spent his first three seasons playing inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, Gregg Williams may opt to kick Lee outside to the edge where he can use his speed and overall athleticism to beat opposing tackles and get to the quarterback on a more frequent basis.  Getting Lee to face more running backs and tight ends in the blocking game is clearly more desirable than having him go head up with 320 lb guards in the middle of the defense.

As we recently discussed on JetNation radio (right here) with Dennis Waszak of the Associated Press, Lee and Williams are two big names that could thrive under Williams with one of his prized free agent additions falling in to that same category.

After signing cornerback Trumaine Johnson to a multi-year deal this past offseason, the move looked like a flop more often than not.  Playing in Todd Bowles’ defense, Johnson was beaten far more often than one would expect if they’d watched him play with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams over the past few seasons.

From 2014-2016 Williams had some of his best seasons, grabbing eleven interceptions and getting himself franchise tagged by the Rams who were unwilling to part with their top corner.  During that time, his defensive coordinator was none other than Gregg Williams while Dennard Wilson was his secondary coach, the same combination he’ll have with the Jets in 2019.

Clearly the Jets are hoping the hiring of Williams will benefit the defense as a whole, but getting three highly talented players at three different levels to play to their full potential would go a long way in doing just that.

The post Gregg Williams Could be key to Unlocking Potential of Three key Jets appeared first on JetNation.com (NY Jets Blog & Forum).

Click here to read the full story...

Can’t wait until he bans Jamal from twitter ?

[rangerous]

i can't help thinking williams will be bringing a lot of attitude change with the jets defense.  they just seemed so bland under bowles.  almost like they were going through the motions.  i can see leo turning his game around and even trumaine.  adams is going to thrive and even lee should benefit.

[Thai Jet]

I think the attitude and aggressiveness that Williams bring will be contagious to the D. Football is an emotional sport and Williams flat out brings it. Looking forward to a totally different D, one to be feared by others.

[Losmeister]

my take? Lee will be at risk of being cut.

[Augustiniak]

4 minutes ago, Losmeister said:

my take? Lee will be at risk of being cut.

lee is either going to thrive or wilt.  he should always have been used more at the LOS in an attacking role rather than having him cover most of the time.  at this point in his career it will be more about how much he wants it or does he just want to hit FA and collect paychecks for the bengals.

[HessStation]

Well I’ve been saying Lee has been playing OOP and was a perfect fit for 43 WLB, so here’s seeing about that. 

A little nervous he just doesn’t have it instinctually tho 

[nycdan]

24 minutes ago, rangerous said:

i can't help thinking williams will be bringing a lot of attitude change with the jets defense.  they just seemed so bland under bowles.  almost like they were going through the motions.  i can see leo turning his game around and even trumaine.  adams is going to thrive and even lee should benefit.

I usually felt like that described Bowles himself.  I have to believe he had passion for the game behind the scenes, but watching him during games while the team struggled was so disappointing.  A little externally visible fire might have helped *shrug*.

If GW can get those three guys to play like 1st rounders again, that would go a long way.  I don't know if Claiborne will be back, but he's another guy who didn't seem to play to his talent under Bowles/Rogers.  Don't forget that Maye is hopefully coming back healthy and should add some bang-zoom to the secondary.

[BigRy56]

Just the massive upgrade in coaching staff should be good for a 2-3 win upgrade. GW should get the best out of all 3 players on D 

[Jetstream]

I like Williams, I just feel like he's probably not strong enough to play on the inside he seems to move so well i'd love to see him work on the outside... Am I wrong? would it be an impossible move?

[joewilly12]

4 hours ago, rangerous said:

i can't help thinking williams will be bringing a lot of attitude change with the jets defense.  they just seemed so bland under bowles.  almost like they were going through the motions.  i can see leo turning his game around and even trumaine.  adams is going to thrive and even lee should benefit.

Agree this teams D underachieved with TB and KR leading the defense. 

[BigO]

4 hours ago, rangerous said:

i can't help thinking williams will be bringing a lot of attitude change with the jets defense.  they just seemed so bland under bowles.  almost like they were going through the motions.  i can see leo turning his game around and even trumaine.  adams is going to thrive and even lee should benefit.

Leo needs to be in a 4-3. And he needs a maniac like Greg Williams to get through that So Cal laid back mindset. Send his pussycat azz to hang out with Joe Greene for the summer and come back like a lion ?. If Leo doesn’t absolutely light it up this year under our new DC, kick this kitten goodbye.

[nico002]

I honestly expect the defense to be worse than it has been the last decade now they our focus as an organization has shifted to the offensive side of the ball. That’s ok though.

[TuscanyTile2]

Dee Milliner

Dewayne Robertson

Vernon Gholston

[JustInFudge]

4 hours ago, HessStation said:

Well I’ve been saying Lee has been playing OOP and was a perfect fit for 43 WLB, so here’s seeing about that. 

A little nervous he just doesn’t have it instinctually tho 

The whole unit reminded me of the mix match/mismatched pieces that Mangini tried to string together to fit the wrong system.  Rex takes over, brings in guys who can implement his D and boom!  Best D in the league.

Not saying Williams will have the impact but this defense was a mess and I'm hoping Williams can get the most out of Leo, Lee, Tru and Adams/Maye.  If not, than hopefully they can determine it really wasnt coaching and these dudes just suck.  I for one, think you'll see a very different and improved D because Bowles and Rodgers were a disaster. 

[detectivekimble]

4 hours ago, Augustiniak said:

lee is either going to thrive or wilt.  he should always have been used more at the LOS in an attacking role rather than having him cover most of the time.  at this point in his career it will be more about how much he wants it or does he just want to hit FA and collect paychecks for the bengals.

Why?  PFF had him rated as the second or third best LB in coverage this season.

[Philc1]

33 minutes ago, detectivekimble said:

Why?  PFF had him rated as the second or third best LB in coverage this season.

Lee's stats where inflated because Matt Patricia had a giant brainfart week 1 and Lee was the primary beneficiary

[Losmeister]

49 minutes ago, TuscanyTile2 said:

Dee Milliner

Dewayne Robertson

Vernon Gholston

beyond coaching, as i theorize, is Lee

[detectivekimble]

Just now, Philc1 said:

Lee's stats where inflated because Matt Patricia had a giant brainfart week 1 and Lee was the primary beneficiary

Right.  That explains the good coverage grades from week to week.

[Philc1]

1 hour ago, BigO said:

Leo needs to be in a 4-3. And he needs a maniac like Greg Williams to get through that So Cal laid back mindset. Send his pussycat azz to hang out with Joe Greene for the summer and come back like a lion ?. If Leo doesn’t absolutely light it up this year under our new DC, kick this kitten goodbye.

Jets may be forced to switch to a 4-3 if Allen doesn't fall to us at 3.  Who knows what McClendon has left and he's FA.  Clellin Ferrell is a 4-3 DE.  Lee's real position is as a 4-3 MLB similar to what Vilma was

[Philc1]

Just now, detectivekimble said:

Right.  That explains the good coverage grades from week to week.

Lee sucks.  Why are you white knighting for him

[detectivekimble]

2 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

Lee sucks.  Why are you white knighting for him

When you get called out on making something up and have no response, always revert back to "but . . . but . . . he sucks!"

That's not my coverage grade or opinion, son.  That's PFF's.  

[rangerous]

1 hour ago, BigO said:

Leo needs to be in a 4-3. And he needs a maniac like Greg Williams to get through that So Cal laid back mindset. Send his pussycat azz to hang out with Joe Greene for the summer and come back like a lion ?. If Leo doesn’t absolutely light it up this year under our new DC, kick this kitten goodbye.

agree.  but frankly i'd move leo for the right price.  maybe 14M is okay if he lights it up but given what he did this past season i don't think he deserves it.

[detectivekimble]

8 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

Lee sucks.  Why are you white knighting for him

20. NEW YORK JETS

We couldn’t technically include Jamal Adams in this, as that would be double counting from the secondary rankings, but he obviously plays a big role within his team’s front seven. This unit saw former first-rounder Darron Lee take a huge step forward after a disappointing start to his career. His 84.8 coverage grade was third-best at the position.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-front-seven-rankings-all-32-teams-after-17-weeks

[BroadwayRay]

5 hours ago, Losmeister said:

my take? Lee will be at risk of being cut.

Doubt it very much. Was listening to a podcast today where a Browns blogger was saying Williams loves linebackers who can cover. Lee was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in the league last year.

[detectivekimble]

5 hours ago, Jetstream said:

I like Williams, I just feel like he's probably not strong enough to play on the inside he seems to move so well i'd love to see him work on the outside... Am I wrong? would it be an impossible move?

Are you crazy?  If Leonard Williams has one strength, it's his strength.  

[Philc1]

12 minutes ago, detectivekimble said:

When you get called out on making something up and have no response, always revert back to "but . . . but . . . he sucks!"

That's not my coverage grade or opinion, son.  That's PFF's.  

Fun Fact: Lee had 2 INTs in week 1.  Lee had 1 INT the rest of the entire 2018 season.

 

Matt Patricia's brainfart is the reason you have your precious PFF grade.  Lee's not good in coverage and sucks against the run oh and he was suspended for PED's and had to be pulled off trying to fight a woman last offseason. 

 

Darron Lee doesn't just suck at football, he sucks at life.

[detectivekimble]

1 minute ago, BroadwayRay said:

Doubt it very much. Was listening to a podcast today where a Browns blogger was saying Williams loves linebackers who can cover. Lee was won of the best pass coverage linebackers in the league last year.

Facts are not welcome on this board.

[Maxman]

15 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

Lee's stats where inflated because Matt Patricia had a giant brainfart week 1 and Lee was the primary beneficiary

We were at a bar in Detroit and this guy was trashing Lee. Lee's Mom was at the bar and the guy told her he son needed to not take plays off. Basically called him lazy. 

Lee had the monster game that night and I just laughed thinking about what happened before the game. Couldn't believe he said it to her.

[detectivekimble]

Just now, Philc1 said:

Fun Fact: Lee had 2 INTs in week 1.  Lee had 1 INT the rest of the entire season.

 

Matt Patricia's brainfart is the reason you have your precious PFF grade.  He's not good in coverage and sucks against the run oh and he was suspended for PED's and had to be pulled off trying to fight a woman last offseason. 

 

Darron Lee doesn't just suck at football, he sucks at life.

You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about and are just making things up at this point.  PFF grades individual games and Lee was consistently good in coverage from game to game.

He also was not suspended for PEDs.  You should actually be banned for posting false and defamatory statements about players.

[Philc1]

5 minutes ago, detectivekimble said:

Facts are not welcome on this board.

Like the fact that Lee stopped getting giftwrapped pick 6's thrown to his chest once he stopped facing Matt Patricia coached football teams?

[Philc1]

5 minutes ago, detectivekimble said:

You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about and are just making things up at this point.  PFF grades individual games and Lee was consistently good in coverage from game to game.

He also was not suspended for PEDs.  You should actually be banned for posting false and defamatory statements about players.

Some of you guys act like PFF is  the Bible, Koran and Torah all wrapped in one

 

If someone quotes Lee's actual stats from 2018 and points out that he stopped getting interceptions after week 1 when the incompetent Lionscoach forgot to change hand and arm signals from the season before oh that's just making stuff up!

 

[detectivekimble]

Just now, Philc1 said:

Like the fact that Lee stopped getting giftwrapped pick 6's thrown to his chest once he stopped facing Matt Patricia coached football teams?

Apparently, you're too dumb to realize that being in good in coverage doesn't just mean getting interceptions (although three in 12 games is good for a LB). 

Here are some more facts: all of his interceptions were against Pro Bowl QBs.

[Losmeister]

2 minutes ago, Philc1 said:

Lee stopped getting giftwrapped pick 6's thrown to his chest

im with Phil on this. Not tryna convince you all who think otherwise. My guess is he aint in pro ball in 3 yrs, if not sooner.

[detectivekimble]

Just now, Philc1 said:

Some of you guys act like PFF is  the Bible, Koran and Torah all wrapped in one

 

If someone quotes Lee's actual stats from 2018 and points out that he stopped getting interceptions after week 1 when the incompetent Lionscoach forgot to change hand and arm signals from the season before oh that's just making stuff up!

 

Responding to you is actually making me dumber.  There is nothing to back up your claim that Lee is not good in coverage.  Just because you say something 100 times doesn't make it true.  

And yes, you make things up.  That's what people do when they've got nothing.