Scouts Inc.: Jets Need To Address Passing Game

[SoFlaJets]

Scouts Inc.: Jets need to address passing game

March 12, 2009 9:00 AM

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

Behind rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and an ordinary receiving corps, the Baltimore Ravens advanced to the NFL's 2008 postseason final four. In fact, the Ravens won more than their share of games with what we will graciously call a lackluster passing attack. Often, the Ravens' saving grace was their staunch defense led by coordinator Rex Ryan.

As the head coach of the New York Jets, Ryan obviously is applying some of the same principles to his new team that made the Ravens successful. The Jets have used their offseason resources to bolster their defense -- Ryan's favorite side of the ball -- and have flat-out ignored their passing game.

While this strategy worked for the Ravens -- and I don't dismiss that it could be a successful formula for the Jets -- it is troubling. I am not so sure that there is a passing game in the league, besides maybe the Oakland Raiders, that is worse off than the Jets'.

It's only March so the Jets have time to bolster their air attack, perhaps through the draft. But as things stand now, don't expect many -- if any -- shootouts in the 2009 season featuring the Jets.

If the Jets are looking for receiver help in the draft, they're in luck. This is a deep wideout class and surely there will be someone like Darius Heyward-Bey that New York should consider with their 17th overall selection.

But a hunch tells me that Ryan will opt for someone along the lines of Tyson Jackson, the top 3-4 defensive end in this class and someone who potentially could be his version of Trevor Pryce. Ryan might choose to go in that direction in the first round rather than bolster a seemingly anemic air game.

Why am I so pessimistic about the Jets' air assault?

Well, their quarterbacks are incredibly unproven, their wideouts are very questionable outside of Jerricho Cotchery, who isn't a No. 1 wide receiver, and their edge pass protection is a liability.

With Brett Favre retired again, the Jets' current quarterback options are inexperienced. But either Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff could develop into a suitable NFL starting signal-caller. Both have shown glimpses of doing just that, but between the two of them, they have attempted just 133 passes at this level in the regular season. All of those passes belong to Clemens, by the way.

Meanwhile, Ratliff was only a one-year starter in college -- although he was impressive during the 2008 preseason. And while Clemens rarely has had much help, his performance has been erratic and his pocket presence and ability to improvise are in doubt. Ryan surely will give both quarterbacks an opportunity to compete for playing time and undoubtedly will choose the passer who manages the game best and doesn't put his defense in too many compromising situations.

All-purpose back Leon Washington will be instrumental in keeping the pressure off the Jets' vertical game. He should see a heavier workload as a pass-catcher, as he probably is the Jets' most dynamic offensive player.

The Jets are apparently high on a few of their lesser known wideouts like Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney and the ever-improving Brad Smith. But again, this crew is unproven. Clowney has caught one pass in this league and Stuckey has just 32 receptions. Smith has just 53 career catches, despite seeing the field far more often than these other two.

As a group, the Jets' wide receivers do not have great size. But tight end Dustin Keller is capable of filling the role of a big, reliable target a la Dallas Clark does with the Indianapolis Colts. However, outside of Keller, who is much more of a pass-catcher than blocker, New York is presently very thin at the tight end position.

If this isn't remedied, it surely will compromise the Jets' abilities to run on the edges or attack their opponent with multiple tight end sets.

This will be a run-first offense that grinds out yardage behind a physical offensive line that is far more equipped to block for the run game than in pass protection. This is especially true at tackle, where left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson still gets overpowered by the bull rush. Right tackle Damien Woody, a squatty center/guard by trade, simply does not possess the quickness out of his stance, stride length in reverse or overall agility to deal with speed rushers. The Jets' pair of offensive tackles are drastically different -- they're polar opposites, in fact. By moving around pass-rushers, opposing defensive coordinators easily can exploit the tackles' weaknesses.

I am not ready to write the Jets off in 2009. I have a very high opinion of Ryan and do believe that his defense will keep New York in many ballgames this season. Let's just say that there are more than a few concerns with the Jets' passing game as it sits right now.

[SoFlaJets]

it's a very fair analysis especially of the pass protection liabilities of our O-Line. I know everybody likes to point to Thomas Jones' leading the league in rushing but I still remember a LOT of pass plays that Brett Favre was put on his back on.

[faba]

It would help to know who is going to throw those passes also.

[Bob]

Note to Scouts Inc: The sky is blue. Look into it.

[JiF]

Scouts Inc.: Jets need to address passing game

March 12, 2009 9:00 AM

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

If the Jets are looking for receiver help in the draft, they're in luck. This is a deep wideout class and surely there will be someone like Darius Heyward-Bey that New York should consider with their 17th overall selection.

But a hunch tells me that Ryan will opt for someone along the lines of Tyson Jackson, the top 3-4 defensive end in this class and someone who potentially could be his version of Trevor Pryce. Ryan might choose to go in that direction in the first round rather than bolster a seemingly anemic air game.

My instincts tell me the same. I just dont see a guy like Rex Ryan reaching for a WR at 17. Doesnt seem his still.

I dont gamble, but I'll bet we go D in the first.

[newjakecity]

I know there was more to the article, but that headline screams Captain Obvious

[The Troll]

I remember reading awhile back that the Jets were dead last in the NFL at yards per carry when running behind left tackle.

I wouldn't exactly call run blocking Brick's strength.

[BroadwayJ667]

i believe if they really want to address the passing game then a big receiver is the answer. the jets already have Keller and Cotchery. and stucky seems to be a very good slot receiver. i believe the answer to this will be Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt or Ramses Barden.

they need a big guy who will fight for the ball, yeah i hear they need speed, but really you need a guy who can catch and fight for the tough yards, who is also willing to block. especially in Ryans run style offense.

I think of the three it's possible Barden could be the best because he's slated to go lowest of them all and i like to believe he'll have a chip on his shoulder.

i think the sure thing might be Nicks though, he's not the fastest, but he has amazing hands.

[SMC]

My instincts tell me the same. I just dont see a guy like Rex Ryan reaching for a WR at 17. Doesnt seem his still.

I dont gamble, but I'll bet we go D in the first.

I understand your thinking, but I believe people are putting to much emphasis on Rex's involvement in personnel decisions.

The Cowher incident, although misreported by many in the media, is insightful. The Jets wanted to keep Tanny in his role as decision maker. It's reasonable to believe Cowher did not. It was reported that Rex had no problem with Tanny being in charge.

Tanny makes the personnel decisions here. Rex is merely in an advisory role. Rex said so himself in early interviews. He said they'll be a consensus, but if not then it's Tanny to make the call.

Thus, I don't believe Rex can say, "screw the need for WR, I want another defender at 17." In other words, it's not Rex's call. If Rex likes Jackson, but Tanny believes the Jets needs a receiver and likes the value of the WR at 17, who you think Tanny is going to take? The WR.

Accordingly, I don't believe the Jets are doing defense at 17 unless Tanny is 100% behind such a move. I, however, highly doubt that is the case.

[JiF]

I understand your thinking, but I believe people are putting to much emphasis on Rex's involvement in personnel decisions.

The Cowher incident, although misreported by many in the media, is insightful. The Jets wanted to keep Tanny in his role as decision maker. It's reasonable to believe Cowher did not. It was reported that Rex had no problem with Tanny being in charge.

Tanny makes the personnel decisions here. Rex is merely in an advisory role. Rex said so himself in early interviews. He said they'll be a consensus, but if not then it's Tanny to make the call.

Thus, I don't believe Rex can say, "screw the need for WR, I want another defender at 17." In other words, it's not Rex's call. If Rex likes Jackson, but Tanny believes the Jets needs a receiver and likes the value of the WR at 17, who you think Tanny is going to take? The WR.

Accordingly, I don't believe the Jets are doing defense at 17 unless Tanny is 100% behind such a move. I, however, highly doubt that is the case.

I understand your logic but I am going to disagree with you for a couple of reasons...

1) A good GM will pick player that fit his HC's plans, system and need.

2) The first pick in a HC regime is basically indicates the direction that HC is looking to go. Meaning, that player is the center piece of his future.

For example; Look at rookie HC's last year and their selections.

Mike Smith - Matt Ryan

Harbaugh - Joe Flacco

Saporano - Jake Long

And look at the results. All playoff bound.

That is just a glimpe of last year. Keep going back and you will see what I mean.

[Blackout]

we got Cotchery - the best WR in the game

don't be worried

[jack48]

it's a very fair analysis especially of the pass protection liabilities of our O-Line. I know everybody likes to point to Thomas Jones' leading the league in rushing but I still remember a LOT of pass plays that Brett Favre was put on his back on.

"the ever-improving Brad Smith"???????????

[#27TheDominator]

it's a very fair analysis especially of the pass protection liabilities of our O-Line. I know everybody likes to point to Thomas Jones' leading the league in rushing but I still remember a LOT of pass plays that Brett Favre was put on his back on.

This is why I'm surprised they decided to keep the line 100% intact and why I think they are happier with Brian Schott than most fans. I remember plenty of times when they spread the O out and had success, but Favre was taking shots and they had to change plans. It will be interesting to see if one of the in house candidates can properly run that O.

[Jared]

[quote name='Blackout

[Gastineau Lives]

My instincts tell me the same. I just dont see a guy like Rex Ryan reaching for a WR at 17. Doesnt seem his still.

I dont gamble, but I'll bet we go D in the first.

That sounds good! I love the idea of not only turning OUR defense into the Ravens, but also every defense we PLAY. It'll be great, maybe we can get special dispensation from the NFL to start every game next year with five minutes left in the 4th quarter, score tied 0-0, and let the chips fall where they may!

There are two sides of the ball and if we think Defense minus Offense wins championships, we are sadly mistaken.

Yours Truly,

Captain Obvious

[JiF]

That sounds good! I love the idea of not only turning OUR defense into the Ravens, but also every defense we PLAY. It'll be great, maybe we can get special dispensation from the NFL to start every game next year with five minutes left in the 4th quarter, score tied 0-0, and let the chips fall where they may!

There are two sides of the ball and if we think Defense minus Offense wins championships, we are sadly mistaken.

Yours Truly,

Captain Obvious

Was that supposed to be cute?

Can you name a time when a rookie WR catapulted a team to a championship? Its almost impossible to find a WR that has had THAT big of an impact on a team in the history of the game.

However, I am pretty damn sure that there have been dominate defenses that have won championships despite a terrible offense.

And you act like not selecting a WR in the first means we cant find production later in the draft, subsequently, we wont have offense. Sorry fella, WR notoriously bust in the first round especially in mid to back. Whereas, you often can find a very good WR in later rounds. Not to metion, rookie usually arent productive in their first year.

Oh by the way sweet cheeks, we dont have a QB.

[Bleedin Green]

This is why I'm surprised they decided to keep the line 100% intact and why I think they are happier with Brian Schott than most fans. I remember plenty of times when they spread the O out and had success, but Favre was taking shots and they had to change plans. It will be interesting to see if one of the in house candidates can properly run that O.

I'll never forget that Oakland game. Its like they refused to run the ****ing ball. Nothing but the spread and Favre getting murdered. What a disaster.

[slats]

I just dont see a guy like Rex Ryan reaching for a WR at 17.

Yeah, much wiser to go for a defensive sure thing like Vernon Gholston.

I don't know what he's going to do, but I hope they're looking seriously at WR. Since Rex took over, the Jets have added three new starters on defense (Scott, Sheppard, Leonhard), and lost three starters on offense (Favre, Coles, Baker). And the scary thing is that before he even got started, the Jets defense was probably better than it's offense.

Rex might be like his dad and see offenses as things to be chewed up and spit out, but I agree with the concept that Tannenbaum has the final say in personnel matters, and will serve to temper Ryan's one-sided approach.

I hope.

The way the offseason has gone so far, the only sane direction to go in the draft is towards offense - barring an unbelievable value on defense.

[JiF]

Yeah, much wiser to go for a defensive sure thing like Vernon Gholston.

I don't know what he's going to do, but I hope they're looking seriously at WR. Since Rex took over, the Jets have added three new starters on defense (Scott, Sheppard, Leonhard), and lost three starters on offense (Favre, Coles, Baker). And the scary thing is that before he even got started, the Jets defense was probably better than it's offense.

Rex might be like his dad and see offenses as things to be chewed up and spit out, but I agree with the concept that Tannenbaum has the final say in personnel matters, and will serve to temper Ryan's one-sided approach.

I hope.

The way the offseason has gone so far, the only sane direction to go in the draft is towards offense - barring an unbelievable value on defense.

Who said that going defense is a sure thing? I dont ever remember saying that.

And please do use Vernon Gholston as your example. He was the last player I wanted the Jets to draft last year and who knows what he will be now that he will be in attack mode from here on out.

Also, I keep seeing people mention how this is Tanny's team, he makes the personnel decisions. That is so ridiculous. Rex has a HUGE say who we bring on this team.

Let take a look at FA so far, 3 former Rex players. I am sure Tanny came up with that all on his own and didnt ask Rex his opinion.

[Gastineau Lives]

Was that supposed to be cute?

Can you name a time when a rookie WR catapulted a team to a championship? Its almost impossible to find a WR that has had THAT big of an impact on a team in the history of the game.

However, I am pretty damn sure that there have been dominate defenses that have won championships despite a terrible offense.

And you act like not selecting a WR in the first means we cant find production later in the draft, subsequently, we wont have offense. Sorry fella, WR notoriously bust in the first round especially in mid to back. Whereas, you often can find a very good WR in later rounds. Not to metion, rookie usually arent productive in their first year.

Oh by the way sweet cheeks, we dont have a QB.

Oh, honey, did I hurt your little feelings by disagreeing with you? Is that why I'm your sweetcheeks now, darling? Can you take any more or should you bring mommy into the room to read it together with you, sugarplum?

"I am pretty damn sure there have been dominant defenses that have..." - Okay name one that is not The Baltimore Ravens. You're "pretty damn sure" but couldn't name one. but you sure were quick with those idiotic nicknames for a fellow poster, you're an f-ing genius! Were you captain of your debating team in elementary school, sugar bear? Speaking of Bears, even the 85 Bears had Willie Gault.

We don't have a QB? What the hell does that even MEAN? Should we not even try to pass the ball now because you have decided Kellen Clemens is horrible?

And who said anything about a rookie WR catapulting a team to a championship? Is that what you got from my post? What grade are you in, anyway? We have so many pieces in place that we do not NEED a rookie WR to catapult us anywhere.

According to you, we do not have a QB and so we shouldn't even try to put together some semblance of a passing game and at least taking a shot on an (admittedly, on paper) talented WR in this year's draft but instead go bargain hunting in the later rounds because we know that "horrible" QB's always turn 5th round WR's into All Pros.

I don't know what you mean by productive, sometimes productivity on a football field cannot be found on a stat sheet. If a guy like Heyward-Bey can at least give opposing defenses something to think about instead of stacking the box, then he is productive. You don't think DeSean Jackson was "productive" last year? Dwayne Bowe wasn't "productive" his rookie year?

I'm not saying that we're definitely getting even a mild upgrade, all I'm saying is that since the draft is a crapshoot to begin with, shouldn't we be taking shots in the areas where we are weakest? Drafting a DE guarantees nothing, drafting a CB guarantees nothing, they bust as often as anyone else. Should we never draft WR's, except in the late rounds?

Here's a question, Michael Crabtree is availble at 17 somehow, do you pass on him? And if you are, who are you taking instead?

(By the way, we all know you're still the cutest, Yosemite Sam)

[slats]

Who said that going defense is a sure thing? I dont ever remember saying that.

You say the Jets should go dee because a WR at #17 is a reach, I can only assume you think the defensive pick is a safe choice.

Also, I keep seeing people mention how this is Tanny's team, he makes the personnel decisions. That is so ridiculous. Rex has a HUGE say who we bring on this team.

Let take a look at FA so far, 3 former Rex players. I am sure Tanny came up with that all on his own and didnt ask Rex his opinion.

I want the HC and the GM to be on the same page. Looking at the same thing, I see a huge disparity between what's gone on on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Jets need help on offense right now in a serious way. I hope the HC recognizes that. If not, I hope the GM uses his authority to do the right thing for the team.

[Arsis]

You say the Jets should go dee because a WR at #17 is a reach, I can only assume you think the defensive pick is a safe choice.

I want the HC and the GM to be on the same page. Looking at the same thing, I see a huge disparity between what's gone on on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Jets need help on offense right now in a serious way. I hope the HC recognizes that. If not, I hope the GM uses his authority to do the right thing for the team.

That does not mean anything more than WR is usually a reach.

[SenorGato]

Cotchery

Keller

Stuckey

And it's still just March...

I like our recieving corps...we just need better depth and I expect to see us bring in one or even two recieving threats.

[JiF]

Oh, honey, did I hurt your little feelings by disagreeing with you? Is that why I'm your sweetcheeks now, darling? Can you take any more or should you bring mommy into the room to read it together with you, sugarplum?

"I am pretty damn sure there have been dominant defenses that have..." - Okay name one that is not The Baltimore Ravens. You're "pretty damn sure" but couldn't name one. but you sure were quick with those idiotic nicknames for a fellow poster, you're an f-ing genius! Were you captain of your debating team in elementary school, sugar bear? Speaking of Bears, even the 85 Bears had Willie Gault.

We don't have a QB? What the hell does that even MEAN? Should we not even try to pass the ball now because you have decided Kellen Clemens is horrible?

And who said anything about a rookie WR catapulting a team to a championship? Is that what you got from my post? What grade are you in, anyway? We have so many pieces in place that we do not NEED a rookie WR to catapult us anywhere.

According to you, we do not have a QB and so we shouldn't even try to put together some semblance of a passing game and at least taking a shot on an (admittedly, on paper) talented WR in this year's draft but instead go bargain hunting in the later rounds because we know that "horrible" QB's always turn 5th round WR's into All Pros.

I don't know what you mean by productive, sometimes productivity on a football field cannot be found on a stat sheet. If a guy like Heyward-Bey can at least give opposing defenses something to think about instead of stacking the box, then he is productive. You don't think DeSean Jackson was "productive" last year? Dwayne Bowe wasn't "productive" his rookie year?

I'm not saying that we're definitely getting even a mild upgrade, all I'm saying is that since the draft is a crapshoot to begin with, shouldn't we be taking shots in the areas where we are weakest? Drafting a DE guarantees nothing, drafting a CB guarantees nothing, they bust as often as anyone else. Should we never draft WR's, except in the late rounds?

Here's a question, Michael Crabtree is availble at 17 somehow, do you pass on him? And if you are, who are you taking instead?

(By the way, we all know you're still the cutest, Yosemite Sam)

LOL, you were the one who started the obnoxious b.s. with your sarcastic post.

Anyway, the Bucs, The Bears (recent), The Ravens all come to mind. None of them had an offense to speak of that scared you.

And for you and slates, I never stated that defense was sure fire cant miss. I just stated that I see a defensive guy going defense with his very first draft choice in his first HC'ing job.

WR's come in all shapes and forms and you can find them anywhere. My point is, if you can take the best overall DE that fits your scheme at 17, I would think that would make more sense that taking the 3rd possibly 4th best WR (maybe reaching) because its a need.

Teams talk about having flexibility in the draft. And we know the Tanny isnt scared to make moves to get the guy he wants. I could easily see him taking the BAP DE and then moving up to take the WR they want...if they feel it is a must.

And you are god damn right I'm still the cutest....Im the sexiest mother f'er to ever post on the interwebz!!!

[Blackout]

Cotchery's the best WR in the game

maybe besides Calvin Johnson

[Gastineau Lives]

LOL, you were the one who started the obnoxious b.s. with your sarcastic post.

Anyway, the Bucs, The Bears (recent), The Ravens all come to mind. None of them had an offense to speak of that scared you.

And for you and slates, I never stated that defense was sure fire cant miss. I just stated that I see a defensive guy going defense with his very first draft choice in his first HC'ing job.

WR's come in all shapes and forms and you can find them anywhere. My point is, if you can take the best overall DE that fits your scheme at 17, I would think that would make more sense that taking the 3rd possibly 4th best WR (maybe reaching) because its a need.

Teams talk about having flexibility in the draft. And we know the Tanny isnt scared to make moves to get the guy he wants. I could easily see him taking the BAP DE and then moving up to take the WR they want...if they feel it is a must.

And you are god damn right I'm still the cutest....Im the sexiest mother f'er to ever post on the interwebz!!!

I can see how you got it twisted, bad job by me. I responded to your post about the draft, but what I really meant to talk about was this whole idea that you can totally forget one side of the ball just to build up some sort of super-team on the other, try to win championships with overkill, buying into the promise of creating some sort of rigid "identity", when in fact, you can have a complete team.

You talk about the best overall DE that fits your scheme, who is that? Is this guy the best DE period? Is he the seventh best DE in the draft? Can't you find someone like this in the second or third round? If we're looking for a guy that fits the scheme, why draft him at 17? I'm assuming you have someone specifically in mind. Can you tell me about this guy and why he fits our scheme? I'm honestly asking.

And yeah, I think you do play a dangerous game when you try to dominate so thoroughly on one side of the ball that you think it will compensate for the other side, since it's all relative, and that was my point. The Captain Obvious stuff, that was me making fun of myself for stating what I thought was the obvious.

[JiF]

I can see how you got it twisted, bad job by me. I responded to your post about the draft, but what I really meant to talk about was this whole idea that you can totally forget one side of the ball just to build up some sort of super-team on the other, try to win championships with overkill, buying into the promise of creating some sort of rigid "identity", when in fact, you can have a complete team.

You talk about the best overall DE that fits your scheme, who is that? Is this guy the best DE period? Is he the seventh best DE in the draft? Can't you find someone like this in the second or third round? If we're looking for a guy that fits the scheme, why draft him at 17? I'm assuming you have someone specifically in mind. Can you tell me about this guy and why he fits our scheme? I'm honestly asking.

And yeah, I think you do play a dangerous game when you try to dominate so thoroughly on one side of the ball that you think it will compensate for the other side, since it's all relative, and that was my point. The Captain Obvious stuff, that was me making fun of myself for stating what I thought was the obvious.

Its all good, I was just throwing back at you.

IMO the 2 best true 3-4 DE's are Tyson Jackson and Everette Brown. They both should be available at 17. There is a good thread about this in the draft forum, check it out.

Brian Orakpo is probably the best overall DE, but he is only 265. More of a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB.

Dont get me wrong, I totally understand that we need to start working on our offense, we cant just neglect it. The problem I am having is, how much better are guys like DHB, Nicks and Britt compared to guys that are projected in the late 2nd? Guys like,

Derrick Williams, Robiskie, Iglesias, Luis Murphy and Mossoquoi.