Game Observations (MIA)

[KRL]

It wasn't pretty and it wasn't anything to brag about but the Jets won
for the fourth time in five games as they squeezed by MIA 22-21.  I had
multiple questions about this team coming into the game:

- What would the defense look like without Jamal Adams?
- Would the OLine and receivers bounce back from a hideous game in CIN?
- What would the run game look like without LeVeon Bell?

Shockingly all the questions were answered positively, let's take a look:

Special Teams

- There were only four punts in the entire game.  So Braxton Berrios
(1 ret / 12 yd avg) and Lachlan Edwards (3 punts / 42 yd avg) had no
impact.  Surprisingly Edwards dropped the snap on an XP which caused
a Sam Ficken miss

- Ty Montgomery was solid in his 4 returns with a 22 yard avg

- Sam Ficken had his best game as he generated 10 points (3 FG, XP) and
won it at the buzzer from 44 yards

Defense

- Their performance was a textbook example of "bend don't break", as
they allowed seven FG's but got tough when it counted.  A secondary
that was ravaged by injuries played a ton of zone and didn't get beat
over the top.  Let's get to the Jamal Adams "factor", yes he was missed
but that's because this team hasn't been constructed properly.  Adams
blitz pressure was missing but if the roster had 1-2 pass rushers in
the front seven things would've been different.  So the debate of whether
to keep Adams or look to trade him for picks can continue for another week

- The rush defense gave up more yards than usual as Fitzpatrick scrambled
multiple times when he had nowhere to go with the ball

- Quinnen Williams showed up today but it was definitely a mixed bag.  He
had a huge TFL on a 3rd down to get MIA off the field BUT he grabbed the
facemask for a penalty.  He had a QB hit on Fitzpatrick to cause a rushed
incompletion.  And he whiffed on a sack in the redzone before he left with
a neck injury according to Adam Gase.  Nice to finally see multiple "splash"
plays now let's clean up the mistakes

- James Burgess was everywhere as he had 13 tackles, a TFL and a PD

- Jordan Jenkins stuffed the stat sheet as he had 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL
and 3 QB hits

- Credit to Steve McLendon, Nathan Shepherd and Foley Fatukasi as they 
compressed the pocket consistently

- The last time we saw Nate Hairston he was getting benched against NYG.
As he returned to the field he was better as he had 2 PD and a QB hit on
a blitz.  He also had an impressive INT of Fitzpatrick as he undercut the
route and pulled the ball away from the WR.  But he has work to do on his
tackling as he whiffed a couple of times allowing YAC

- Besides an awkward pass interference penalty Bless Austin continues to
impress.  Solid in his zone responsibilities and when he was in man he
stayed step for step with the WR

Offense

- Was Adam Gase trying to make a point today?  For the first time all year
he committed to the run and rushed the ball 32 times for 112 yards.  But why
did it happen in the game that LeVeon Bell didn't play in?  Bilal Powell
and Ty Montgomery definitely hit the holes quicker than Bell.  Was Gase
sending a message to Bell about that or to Joe Douglas about not needing a
high priced RB?

- Offense "blacked out" in the second half for too long of a period (from one
minute left in the 3rd quarter until seven minutes left in the game).  I
won't complain about going for it on 4th down and bypassing the FG

- Big bounce back from the OLine as they opened holes in the run game and
kept Sam Darnold clean.  Shockingly they didn't commit a penalty which has
got to be a first

- Huge game for Robby Anderson on the offensive (7 recs / 116 yards / 1 TD)
and defensive side of the ball.  Yes, defense because on the drive where they
went ahead 19-18 he prevented an INT.  Sam Darnold underthrew Anderson in the
endzone and he knocked the ball away from a DB stopping the turnover

- Vyncint Smith had two HUGE plays that basically won the game.  On the first
play of the final drive he caught a screen and created 35+ yards of YAC.
Then with the game looking like it was slipping away he drew a pass interference
penalty which the booth properly reviewed.  And Flores needed to stop all the 
yelling because it was obvious

- Sam Darnold was solid (20/36, 270 yards, 2 TD, INT) as he led a game winning
drive.  And he was particularly sharp commanding the offense in the first half
as he made multiple pre-snap adjustments to beat the defense.  But there's still
things to work on:

 * Has to be more aware to use his legs.  On the drive where they got stopped
on 4th down he had an easy opportunity to scramble and get the first down on 3rd
down and didn't

 * Can't take a sack on the final drive of the game.  The Smith pass interference
call bailed him out

 * He wasn't his accurate self today missing on throws that he makes in his sleep

In my opinion Gase needs to add a "gray head" offensive coach to his staff who
can shake him out of the playcalling funks he gets in.  Someone like Mike Martz
(who he worked for in the past) who can hold him accountable.  Right now I
don't think there's anyone on the offensive side of the ball that can do that   

[Joejet]

I agree 100% that Gase needs to bring in someone like Martz, I hadn’t really thought about it, but it makes perfect sense.  Unfortunately I don’t think Gase can set aside his ego to do it.

[Integrity28]

2 hours ago, KRL said:

- Was Adam Gase trying to make a point today?  For the first time all year
he committed to the run and rushed the ball 32 times for 112 yards.  But why
did it happen in the game that LeVeon Bell didn't play in?  Bilal Powell
and Ty Montgomery definitely hit the holes quicker than Bell.  Was Gase
sending a message to Bell about that or to Joe Douglas about not needing a
high priced RB?

I assumed Bell was out today because of his comments, not a real injury.

Either way, the fact that this is a question is due to the fact that Gase seems just petty and stupid enough to make this a priority.., and that’s not good. 

[nico002]

On the down you are referencing Darnold not running he hit crowder with a pass on the hands...

[fullblast]

Austin could have had an easy pick if he turned around on that pass interference. Gregggg definitely putting that one up on the jumbotron this week.

[thshadow]

43 minutes ago, nico002 said:

On the down you are referencing Darnold not running he hit crowder with a pass on the hands...

Well, Crowder would have had to make a diving one-handed catch, don't blame Crowder.

I think Darnold has almost too much confidence.  Why run for the first when he can complete this 15 yard pass?  And of course his completions when the play breaks down is one of his strengths.  So it's a bit of a tough balance.  It's both good and bad that he won't just take a few yards running, and instead still looks to make a play.  He just has to know the situation better.

 

[JohnnyLV]

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

[JoJoTownsell1]

1 hour ago, nico002 said:

On the down you are referencing Darnold not running he hit crowder with a pass on the hands...

Running was probably the right play but I'm cool having a QB looking to make big plays with his arm. 

[BurnleyJet]

Thing is can he learn do we have progression? - This is what this is all about.

[MicDrass1]

6 hours ago, fullblast said:

Austin could have had an easy pick if he turned around on that pass interference. Gregggg definitely putting that one up on the jumbotron this week.

He does make mistakes?

[Jetster]

5 hours ago, JoJoTownsell1 said:

Running was probably the right play but I'm cool having a QB looking to make big plays with his arm. 

He's gotta learn on 3rd down when you have a HUGE LANE like he had, you don't throw unless the guys wide open, Crowder was tightly covered, the catch had to be a diving catch, when Sam could have maybe ran the ball in for a TD. He would have easily gotten the 1st & slid down. Sam is way to athletic to pass up gimme 1st downs with his legs. 

[roscoeword]

6 hours ago, johnnysd said:

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

I agree. He looks a little lethargic.

[roscoeword]

don't know why everyone is saying that Bell hasn't gotten touches, and somehow he is being snubbed. The first few games of the season, he got the ball EVERYTIME, it was monotonous and ineffective. Maybe since then the  OL improved, and the story would be different? Is that the point?  Anyway, he DID got tons of touches at the beginning of the season.

[section314]

Sam did not play his best, no doubt. But still managed to win the game. There will be games like this, just like there were a few last year( Houston and GB) where he played great but we lost. It's all part of the process. But he does have to be better.

[Morrissey]

you are being way to kind to Darnold. He was bad.

[nj meadowlands]

I thought Darnold was good for the most part.  The interception, from my vantage point in the mezz right behind him, was a direct product of bad footwork.  If he had turns his body and resets his legs, the ball does not drift toward the middle of the field, right toward the safety.  If he gets it to the sideline, only the receiver would've had a chance on it.  He also overthrew a couple of open receivers on what would have been chunk plays.  I couldn't tell if those were footwork related, but they could've been costly.  I also agree about the sack.

Generally, you have to be pretty pleased with the kid.  He's still playing behind a poor offensive line with average (at best) skill position talent, but since the Jags game he has thrown 10 TD vs 3 INT while maintaining a pretty high Y/A.

[Jetstream]

I liked Quinen's game (tough miss on the sack try) but he was in the backfield on many plays... the facemask wasn't a bad play by him he went for the tackle and his hand ended up on the helmet... tough to re-adjust it at that point and I thought he didn't grab the face mask, but in real time that's pretty tough to determine.  shame he got hurt   

[Jetmech]

Critical drops by DT have continued. When the offense does seem to look like a decent unit they are killed by drops and further exasperated by missed open WR’s. Seems like Sam has missed a few on 3rd and long situations. Not sure why that’s been a trend lately?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Anthony Jet]

Missed the game, been waiting for this post. 
 

Thank you

[ASH1962]

9 hours ago, johnnysd said:

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

Absolutely excellent points.

[Xtina]

Not trying to get a few more yards for the field goal and just spiking the ball? Very weird 

[KRL]

11 minutes ago, Xtina said:

Not trying to get a few more yards for the field goal and just spiking the ball? Very weird 

Agreed!!!  Setting up for a 44 yarder is not a chip shot

[Losmeister]

5 minutes ago, KRL said:

Agreed!!!  Setting up for a 44 yarder is not a chip shot

disagree. no use inserting any risk. well w/in range w/o exertion for the K.

[Augustiniak]

9 hours ago, johnnysd said:

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

excellent points.  and isn't he still wearing a protective covering anyway for the spleen, they said he would wear it for the rest of the year.

[bitonti]

Vyncint Smith should be getting all of D Thomas' reps, all year long 

I'm not like some kind of football genius but starting wide receivers should be able to run fast and also catch

call me crazy 

 

[jetstream23]

15 hours ago, KRL said:

Offense

- Was Adam Gase trying to make a point today?  For the first time all year
he committed to the run and rushed the ball 32 times for 112 yards.  But why
did it happen in the game that LeVeon Bell didn't play in?  Bilal Powell
and Ty Montgomery definitely hit the holes quicker than Bell.  Was Gase
sending a message to Bell about that or to Joe Douglas about not needing a
high priced RB?

 

 

This is easy and we can answer your questions using most of the things you yourself said....

 

Quote

Was Adam Gase trying to make a point today?

Yes. Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery definitely hit the holes quicker than Bell.

Quote

For the first time all year he committed to the run. But why did it happen in the game that LeVeon Bell didn't play in?

 Because Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery definitely hit the holes quicker than Bell and rushed the ball 32 times for 112 yards, keeping the defense honest.

Quote

Was Gase sending a message to Bell about that or to Joe Douglas about not needing a high priced RB?

Not sure about the price, but he was likely showing the type of RB he values.  Gase wants a RB that heads straight to where the play is designed to go, hit the hole that's expected to be created in the play design.  The Jets offensive line isn't capable of sustaining blocks and blowing open big holes.  But, they can usually hit the defender they're supposed to even if just for a second.  That gets you 3-4 yards.  When Bell hesitates/diagnoses/assesses and tries to "setup blocks" it doesn't work because we can't sustain blocks and any hole that opens isn't there for long.

It's possible that if just two Offensive Linemen were better than they are....say a Center and Guard, a Guard and Tackle, then Powell's 4-yard runs become 7 or 8, and maybe one of them breaks open.  And, imagine if we had a better RB than Powell heading straight to the hole?

 

[chrisfaceoff]

Always enjoy your notes and observations.  its one of the things I always look forward to after each game whether it is a win or less.  Very even analysis and no irrational "hot takes" good or bad.

 

Thank you for your contributions, I doubt i'm not the only one, but I really appreciate reading them

[bitonti]

RE: Bell vs Powell vs Ty 

the zone scheme gase favors does work better with players who have speed who can hit the edge 

but Powell always does this he looks good 1 or 2 games a season and then either gets hurt or other teams shut him down 

Montgomery could see more action but people forget how crap his ball security was early in the year

Bell produces and doesn't fumble while Gase does want shifty zone runners this isn't "a message" 

Powell cannot do this week to week and Montgomery has to prove he can secure the football 

[JoJoTownsell1]

4 minutes ago, bitonti said:

RE: Bell vs Powell vs Ty 

the zone scheme gase favors does work better with players who have speed who can hit the edge 

but Powell always does this he looks good 1 or 2 games a season and then either gets hurt or other teams shut him down 

Montgomery could see more action but people forget how crap his ball security was early in the year

Bell produces and doesn't fumble while Gase does want shifty zone runners this isn't "a message" 

Powell cannot do this week to week and Montgomery has to prove he can secure the football 

Powell and Montgomery are Jags. There are guys you can bring off the street who can be just as productive. 

I think there is a good chance we use a late RD pick on a RB to groom behind Bell. 

[Augustiniak]

Just now, JoJoTownsell1 said:

Powell and Montgomery are Jags. There are guys you can bring off the street who can be just as productive. 

I think there is a good chance we use a late RD pick on a RB to groom behind Bell. 

i hope they use a day 2 pick on a rb.  they need more rb production in both the running and passing games.  

[JoJoTownsell1]

1 hour ago, bitonti said:

Vyncint Smith should be getting all of D Thomas' reps, all year long 

I'm not like some kind of football genius but starting wide receivers should be able to run fast and also catch

call me crazy 

  

Agreed, but running the right routes is even more important and I am going to guess that Thomas is a better route runner and is a more reliable option for Darnold. 

Obviously, would be great if Smith could unseat Smith. It's not like Thomas is in this teams long term plans. 

[slats]

11 hours ago, thshadow said:

Well, Crowder would have had to make a diving one-handed catch, don't blame Crowder.

I think Darnold has almost too much confidence.  Why run for the first when he can complete this 15 yard pass?  And of course his completions when the play breaks down is one of his strengths.  So it's a bit of a tough balance.  It's both good and bad that he won't just take a few yards running, and instead still looks to make a play.  He just has to know the situation better.

 

I think it's about situational awareness. He has to take the sure first down when it's right in front of him. He's also still making dangerous throws on 1st & 10, which he can't afford to do. I don't want to see him lose his gunslinger mentality, but it has to be driven into his head that sometimes you just have to make the safe play. Run for three yards, get the first, regroup. Everyone covered on 1st down? It's okay to throw the ball away. 

11 hours ago, johnnysd said:

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

I don't want to make any excuses for him, but I think it's probably pretty likely that he's not fully recovered and probably doesn't realize it himself. 

As for the spleen, if there's really a genuine risk of serious injury there as a result of the illness, he shouldn't be on the field. I really hope the Jets aren't sending him out there telling him to be careful about being hit (any more than any other QB). 

[Maxman]

9 minutes ago, slats said:

I think it's about situational awareness. He has to take the sure first down when it's right in front of him. He's also still making dangerous throws on 1st & 10, which he can't afford to do. I don't want to see him lose his gunslinger mentality, but it has to be driven into his head that sometimes you just have to make the safe play. Run for three yards, get the first, regroup. Everyone covered on 1st down? It's okay to throw the ball away. 

Totally agree. I think the INT yesterday was on 3rd down so I wasn't too bothered by that one. his decision making needs to improve though, he is getting away with a few things I wouldn't make long term bets on. Situational awareness is at the top of the list for me though. 3rd down if you throw and INT 20 yards down the field it isn't a huge deal (depending on field position). But don't do that stuff on 1st and 2nd down.

[CrazyCarl40]

The assertion that Gase basically needs a co-head coach just emphasizes how bad he is. Just saying. 

[14 in Green]

12 hours ago, johnnysd said:

I have my own theory about Darnold.

Little background: I had mono at roughly the same age as Darnold. I was in decent shape, certainly far from NFL shape, but above average at that time and for my age. Mono kicked the ever-living crap out of me. It literally took me an entire year to feel right again. I know the write ups will say 2 to 3 months for recovery but that sort of also assumes like complete rest something you can enforce on a teenager. Every time I pushed myself physically all the symptoms came back and I was super weal and sore.

But Darnold is not really resting at all. I truly believe that not only does he still have mono symptoms which is causing some of the erratic play, but I also think (outside a couple planned runs where he was not exposed much) that he is being told not to run and risk getting a big hit as there might still be some concern about his spleen. 

Just my thought.

Good post.

There could be something to this. They are making him wear that flak jacket all year, so they must be concerned about something.

on the other hand, if they’ve told him not to take off and run unless absolutely necessary, I’d think other teams would have caught on by now, and defend him differently?