Game Observations (BUF)

[KRL]

This will be short & sweet and then we can look forward to the off-season:

- An incredible effort by the defense to hold BUF to 13 points for the first 50 minutes
of the game, unfortunately they collapsed from too much time on the field.  BUF bullied
them in the first meeting (45 points) and they showed tremendous growth/fight in a 
"meaningless" game.

- I may owe Eddy Pineiro an apology.  I wasn't impressed by his leg strength, but the
49 yarder he hit yesterday was terrific.  In January BUF weather with the wind whipping
around, Pineiro was able to put it through with room to spare.  If he's able to mix the
accuracy he's shown with a leg that can hit 50 yarders we may have finally found our kicker.

- Offensively Zach Wilson never had a chance, particularly when the "top" WR on the field
is someone named Tarik Black (WHO???).  It seemed like Jamison Crowder was on the field
for one series before he disappeared.  And even on his TD Keelan Cole seemed to struggle
running the final 20 yards.  I'll give credit to Wilson for a couple of things:

 * Terrific bullet to Cole on the TD between two defenders
 * No INTs for a fifth straight game
 * Toughness and fight to keep getting up after 9 sacks

Robert Saleh dodged a huge bullet because he risked injury to Wilson towards the end of
the game with some of the playcalls.  He/we got lucky and to prove the point Morgan Moses
limped off on the final series.  

- Awful day by the OLine as Conor McDermott and Dan Feeney struggled all day.  Mix that
in with WR's who couldn't get open and you get the mess you saw.

- Braxton Berrios presence was missed in the running game as the "jet sweep" disappeared.
In fact the only successful run all day was when Tevin Coleman took Berrios place in the
sweep and he picked up 5+ yards.    

- One BUF point, they better figure out what's going on with their punter or they're
going to be one and done in the playoffs.  Shank after shank and dropping snaps right into
his hands set the Jets up for all their points.  If he pulls that crap in the playoffs a
better team will beat them not just stay close.

Initial Off-Season Plan

Free Agency

I want Joe Douglas to focus on three positions S, TE and WR.  Here are some potential targets:

S (I was looking at veterans who can be a "gray head" and settle a young secondary)

 Rodney McLeod: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/15222/rodney-mcleod

 Anthony Harris: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2577814/anthony-harris

 Quandre Diggs: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2577553/quandre-diggs

I wouldn't be against bringing back Marcus Maye and/or LaMarcus Joyner on one year make good deals'

TE

 Gerald Everett: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3918639/gerald-everett

 CJ Uzomah:     https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2574576/cj-uzomah

 OJ Howard:     https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3043080/oj-howard

 Hayden Hurst:   https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3924365/hayden-hurst

 David Njoku:   https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3123076/david-njoku

WR

 Allen Robinson: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/16799/allen-robinson-ii

 Mike Williams: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3045138/mike-williams

 Christian Kirk: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3895856/christian-kirk

To me Davante Adams isn't realistic, he'll either stay in GB or go to another team that's close
to a SB.

Draft

I want Douglas to do the following in the draft:

- Use the first #1 pick on the best available pass rusher
- Trade the second #1 pick to move lower in the first round and pick up another 2nd rounder
- Use the second #1 pick on either a LB or S
- Use the first #2 pick on a LB or S (whichever we didn't select in the previous pick)
- Use the second #2 pick on OLine
- Use the third #2 pick on the best available offensive playmaker (RB, WR, TE)

My 2 cents, have at it 

[Sonny Werblin]

I like your plan. My only real change would be using two of the draft picks on a G and C.  As we saw against Buffalo, without an O line, there is no run game and without a run game, there is no offense. I have not been this excited and optimistic about the Jets since Rex rode into town. In a perfect world, in addition to the free agent signings and draft picks, we get healthy and complete and effective seasons from Becton and Lawson. 

[nj meadowlands]

Good read, and I agree with all, except like many others I think the second first rounder should be a WR investment.

[The Crusher]

2 minutes ago, nj meadowlands said:

Good read, and I agree with all, except like many others I think the second first rounder should be a WR investment.

It’s a close one between that abs edge but if I had to choose abs the right one was available I’d go WR. 

[Joejet]

Great job as always KRL, I always look forward to you game analysis. Your plan for 2022 is sound.

[ScarletKnight89]

I give the defense a lot of credit but the weather conditions limited both teams offensively. The defense overall needs a lot of work. 

Jets walked in there with a pretty beat up team, not just at receiver, but on the O-Line as well. I would have liked to have seen them play better offensively, but it is what it is. 

Zach's ball security and ability to limit turnovers has been a pretty remarkable turnaround throughout this season. He definitely looks more comfortable in the pocket as well. Jets got to go out and get another receiver and a legit starting caliber tight end for him next year. Limit the excuses and we'll see if he can take the big jump from year 1 to year 2. 

 

[slats]

8 minutes ago, nj meadowlands said:

Good read, and I agree with all, except like many others I think the second first rounder should be a WR investment.

I think that’s based on signing a star WR in free agency. Right now, I’m looking for Edge and WR in the first, but that changes if they sign a Robinson or Williams for me. 
 
But a safety with even a traded down first rounder? No thanks. I’ll take the LB, though. 

[nj meadowlands]

1 minute ago, slats said:

I think that’s based on signing a star WR in free agency. Right now, I’m looking for Edge and WR in the first, but that changes if they sign a Robinson or Williams for me. 
 
But a safety with even a traded down first rounder? No thanks. I’ll take the LB, though. 

Even if they sign A-Rob or Williams (unlikely), I'm still taking a swipe at a 1st round WR.  Maybe that's just me.  But the common thread in watching any half decent team (especially one with a developing or developed young QB) is a deep stable of talented WRs.

[Warfish]

2 minutes ago, slats said:

I think that’s based on signing a star WR in free agency.

That would certainly change draft priority.

What star WR's are really going to be available/willing to sign here, this offseason? 

I haven't really checked FA yet, as sooooooo many FA's get signed by their old teams long before FA actually seems to start most years.

 

[IndianaJet]

My biggest take away from Zach's performance yesterday was that he needs to learn to escape the pocket without moving backwards 10 yds.

I wanted to blame the WRs yesterday for not being able to get open when the play breaks down - but that's hard for a WR to do when instead of scrambling left or right, the QB is scrambling 10 yds backwards first.

I'm confident Zach will study his game tape this offseason and make the mental changes necessary to fix this going forward.

[slats]

1 minute ago, Warfish said:

That would certainly change draft priority.

What star WR's are really going to be available/willing to sign here, this offseason? 

I haven't really checked FA yet, as sooooooo many FA's get signed by their old teams long before FA actually seems to start most years.

 

I don’t disagree, was just interpreting KRL’s post. Free agency will go a ways towards determining what they want/need to do in the draft. Like I said, right now I’m Edge and WR, in that order - unless something drastically changes. 

[slats]

Just now, IndianaJet said:

My biggest take away from Zach's performance yesterday was that he needs to learn the escape the pocket without moving backwards 10 yds.

I wanted to blame the WRs yesterday for not being able to get open when the play breaks down - but that's hard for a WR to do when instead of scrambling left or right, the QB is scrambling 10 yds backwards first.

I'm confident Zach will study his game tape this offseason and make the mental changes necessary to fix this going forward.

He had nowhere to go yesterday behind a makeshift line. Every time he turned around, he had another defender in his face. The worst one was when he ran out of bounds for a nine yard “sack,” but Piñiero bailed him out. Otherwise, for the most part, he at least managed to safely get rid of the ball. It’s to his credit, considering what he faced yesterday, that he managed to finish the season with five straight games without a pick. That’s good stuff. 

[varjet]

I agree with all of this, including the trade down and positions picked, but I think OL will be the BPA at 4 and WR  be the BPA at 1B.  Defenders and TE will slip into Rd 2. 

[32EBoozer]

44 minutes ago, KRL said:

My 2 cents, have at it

That's a lot of leg work and I appreciate it. You have earned the right to pick for the Jets in next seasons Mock Draft?

[PepPep]

I happened to miss yesterdays game, which puts this in a new perspective. But my outcome is the same- injuries. I mean, the o-line may have struggled but Buffalo is tough to go against and if you do not have your best, you are in for a long day. McDermott and Feeney lining up with LDT and Moses does not instill a ton of confidence. Not to mention the mess at WR. Conversely, defense was as healthy as they could be, if you take away the guys who have been listed out for season for some time now. 

These kinds of games prove once again that in the NFL you win with an elite pass rush or a dominant o-line (preferably both). 

I like the offseason plan. I think JD will really focus on building through the draft and therefore play to the strength of it in FA. So yes, a pass rusher at 4 and if we move down a top LB makes sense. Unless Hamilton slides, which maybe what you were thinking. The only thing I'd add is that one of those 2nd round picks should go to TE. The TE class is pretty deep but there are 2-3 guys who have separated themselves. And I want the Jets to get a shot at one of those top guys. TEs in general go bottom 1st, early 2nd. I think there's a chance no TE goes in Rd. 1 this year so the Jets could have their pick of the litter and get a really good one. McBride and Wydermyer come to mind as the best fits within the top tier of prospects. I want a guy who can come in and make an impact right away, who can come in and start to develop chemistry with Zach.    

[PepPep]

32 minutes ago, varjet said:

I agree with all of this, including the trade down and positions picked, but I think OL will be the BPA at 4 and WR  be the BPA at 1B.  Defenders and TE will slip into Rd 2. 

Interesting take. So, essentially you think Neal will be the pick at 4? 

I also think this will take us out of the running for one of the top 5, maybe even 6 pass rushers. The pass rusher class is pretty deep once you get passed that top tier - (Ojabo, Karl., Thib., Hutch, Johnson, Walker, Leal). So maybe the Jets zero in on someone they really like. Could be. But I think something unexpected would need to happen for the Jets NOT to take a 1st round pass rusher. I hate to bring it up but it would be a similar mistake JD made when waiting for a WR in the Mims draft.    

[FTL Jet Fan]

OL OL OL Zach Wilson will only regress unless the OL is fixed. JD figure it out, draft FA whatever. 

[section314]

I have to say, the more I watch this kid Pinnock, the more I like him. Has size, speed and hits like a Mack truck. Think we really have something in this guy. Wonder if S is going to be where he stays?

[Ecuadorian Jet]

1 hour ago, KRL said:

Initial Off-Season Plan

Free Agency

I want Joe Douglas to focus on three positions S, TE and WR.  Here are some potential targets:

S (I was looking at veterans who can be a "gray head" and settle a young secondary)

I wouldn't be against bringing back Marcus Maye and/or LaMarcus Joyner on one year make good deals'

Bring back the injured Lamarcus Joyner?

1 hour ago, KRL said:

Draft

I want Douglas to do the following in the draft:

- Use the second #1 pick on either a LB or S

My 2 cents, have at it 

That should be for the C from Iowa

[Ecuadorian Jet]

10 minutes ago, section314 said:

I have to say, the more I watch this kid Pinnock, the more I like him. Has size, speed and hits like a Mack truck. Think we really have something in this guy. Wonder if S is going to be where he stays?

he said he wants to do the transition to S during this offseason

[Greenbloodblitz]

I think the first thing we need to do is resign the players that actually made a difference this year. Berrios, Moses, Quincy Williams etc.

Also somebody who's coaching on the Defensive side of the ball absolutely sucks! This needs to be addressed immediately as good coaches all around the league are becoming available.

Something on Defense just isn't right, and usually I'm on top of this stuff but I just was unable to be this year.

My point is I want to see them take care of our home base first. Especially Berrios! We better not give this guy away over chump change. Am I the only one who noticed him and Brady whispering to each other after the Tampa Bay game? This has happened to the Jets way too often.

Again the first task at hand is evaluating our current roster. Both of our starting safeties went down and completely took the veteran presence and leadership away from the secondary which is full of first-year starters. Ouch.

Aside of Mosley and Williams I couldn't tell you who the other linebackers are on this team. Obviously we need a pass rusher and it's been that way for years lol.

As far as free agency and the draft we mostly need some Plug and Play guys in my opinion we have some good foundational pieces.

I was impressed with Salehs post game press conference yesterday. He's patient and level-headed and really made it a point to get his message across that he has young guys who are being taught and are learning. Now it's up to JD to keep them and keep them moving forward.

 

 

[Maxman]

6 minutes ago, Greenbloodblitz said:

I think the first thing we need to do is resign the players that actually made a difference this year. Berrios, Moses, Quincy Williams etc.

Also somebody who's coaching on the Defensive side of the ball absolutely sucks! This needs to be addressed immediately as good coaches all around the league are becoming available.

Something on Defense just isn't right, and usually I'm on top of this stuff but I just was unable to be this year.

My point is I want to see them take care of our home base first. Especially Berrios! We better not give this guy away over chump change. Am I the only one who noticed him and Brady whispering to each other after the Tampa Bay game? This has happened to the Jets way too often.

Again the first task at hand is evaluating our current roster. Both of our starting safeties went down and completely took the veteran presence and leadership away from the secondary which is full of first-year starters. Ouch.

Aside of Mosley and Williams I couldn't tell you who the other linebackers are on this team. Obviously we need a pass rusher and it's been that way for years lol.

As far as free agency and the draft we mostly need some Plug and Play guys in my opinion we have some good foundational pieces.

I was impressed with Salehs post game press conference yesterday. He's patient and level-headed and really made it a point to get his message across that he has young guys who are being taught and are learning. Now it's up to JD to keep them and keep them moving forward.

 

 

Quincy Williams should be back next year as a backup linebacker. He shows flashes, big hits. But I suspect his film grades poorly often. They need an upgrade desperately. 

[Ecuadorian Jet]

19 minutes ago, Greenbloodblitz said:

I think the first thing we need to do is resign the players that actually made a difference this year. Berrios, Moses, Quincy Williams etc.

 

 

 

Moses is a trap, if you give him a contract, he will be injured and out for the season in training camp

[TuscanyTile2]

3 hours ago, The Crusher said:

It’s a close one between that abs edge but if I had to choose abs the right one was available I’d go WR. 

And what exactly do you know about abs? 

[Hex]

Good game observations, as always KRL!

 

Wouldn't it be funny if the Bills beat the Pats and then lost the divisional game due to a crappy punter?

[The Crusher]

1 hour ago, TuscanyTile2 said:

And what exactly do you know about abs? 

A ton. They make it possible for my truck to stop safely while it’s hauling my fat ass. 

[David Harris]

I'm switching my vote for the #4 pick to OL after watching yesterday.  Take Evan Neal and build a super unit.

Put Neal at RG in 2022 and in 2023 he and Mekhi can battle for LT/RT.

[68JET11]

4 hours ago, Sonny Werblin said:

I like your plan. My only real change would be using two of the draft picks on a G and C.  As we saw against Buffalo, without an O line, there is no run game and without a run game, there is no offense. I have not been this excited and optimistic about the Jets since Rex rode into town. In a perfect world, in addition to the free agent signings and draft picks, we get healthy and complete and effective seasons from Becton and Lawson. 

Nobody gets it, but without the OL there is no JETS team. We'll be struggling again next year.

[joewilly]

Only 35 weeks to go til KRL's next gameday observations. What a great addition to the board this thread is.

I'm assuming Carl Lawson will shine at the edge like CJ did at LB this year after sitting out so I agree with The Oline as 1st priority. Wouldn't it be great to have a 1st class tight end & WR as well. 

We have a lot of needs actually but other than CJ, our LB core is a joke

[varjet]

The Jets have cap space and draft picks to fill holes in both 2022 and 2023.  My inclination would be to use the cap space where it works and then draft the players that you have to draft.

The reality is that it is hard to find OL, particularly OT, WR and Edge in FA.   We have negotiating power to extend Fant and CM and should do that.  Sign LDT if we can do it early to lock him up.  Send Feeney, GVR, Edoga and McDermott packing.  That is 45% of our OL roster last year.  Find draft picks, FAs and PS players to replace them. 

Teams find a way to sign S, CB and TE every year.  Those are a good use of FA money.  And WR depth.

 So the pick 1A really is about who is the best OT or EDGE available  Pick 1B will definitely be a WR.  

[jamesr]

4 hours ago, slats said:

He had nowhere to go yesterday behind a makeshift line. Every time he turned around, he had another defender in his face. The worst one was when he ran out of bounds for a nine yard “sack,” but Piñiero bailed him out. Otherwise, for the most part, he at least managed to safely get rid of the ball. It’s to his credit, considering what he faced yesterday, that he managed to finish the season with five straight games without a pick. That’s good stuff. 

Early in the year we were losing games because of Zach. He's worked to improve that and we haven't lost because of him since his return from injury. 

The next big step is for him to start being the reason we win games. That one is a big ask and will potentially take more than next season. We also need to upgrade the talent around him to improve the chance of it happening.

[section314]

2 minutes ago, jamesr said:

Early in the year we were losing games because of Zach. He's worked to improve that and we haven't lost because of him since his return from injury. 

The next big step is for him to start being the reason we win games. That one is a big ask and will potentially take more than next season. We also need to upgrade the talent around him to improve the chance of it happening.

BIngo. 

[defensedoesntgetyoulaid]

I was impressed with Wilson. Got the sh*t kicked out of him but kept getting up time and time again. Wasn't reckless with the ball. Bills defense has been ball hawking at times this season and I expected a pick or 2 but he refused to give the game away when his defense was playing so well. The TD pass was a great arrow between 2 defenders

[HighPitch]

im not against bringing in a big name wr, but why overpay? You can take burks/london with the 2nd 1st and get one of them rare huge wrs and be on rookie coin for the next 5 years.

[HighPitch]

For me, its easy. EDge first, WR second.

 

after that take your best player available in need positions