Interesting article from CBS News

[Kentucky Jet]

By Jeff Capellini, CBSNewYork.com

NEW YORK (CBS 2) — Though it’s true the Jets pulled off an enormous win in Miami on Sunday night and on many levels deserve to feel the love they are getting right now, they shouldn’t read too much into their record or standing atop the AFC East.

They have many problems and none of them have the least bit to do with Mark Sanchez, the biggest question mark of all coming into the season.

A lot of people woke up Monday and were greeted with stories of praise following the team’s 31-23 victory. Writers and bloggers alike gushed about how the Jets gutted out a game that past teams would have easily lost. So, yes, it’s really hard to go overboard with the criticism after the Jets beat a hated divisional rival on the road, without their best defensive player, and missing other key components on both sides of the football.

But that doesn’t mean the Jets are better than they really are. They have a ton of work to do if they are to become the team that many think can win a Super Bowl.

The biggest problem with Sunday night’s effort was more about coaching than anything else.

Rex Ryan needs to make up his mind when it comes to his defensive philosophy because his secondary is taking a beating, and that includes the game and a half in which all-world defensive back Darrelle Revis played before suffering a hamstring injury.

Are the Jets going to consistently bring the house or are they going to play a sort of high-pressure prevent? I ask because all too often on Sunday night Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, a decent player but nothing more, was allowed to perform like a superstar. He did the same thing last year in guiding his team to a season sweep. On Sunday night the Jets didn’t get in his face much and their vaunted defense really needed to be bailed out by Sanchez and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, of all people.

It didn’t seem like defensive coordinator Mike Pettine made any adjustments at halftime as evidenced by the fact that the Dolphins took the second-half kick-off and used half the quarter to go down the field. Brandon Marshall’s short TD reception completed Miami’s comeback from 14 points down and had many in Jets Nation feeling a sense of deja vu.

The scary part, to me, was the Jets giving up 436 yards of total offense to an opponent that, let’s face it, probably is not going too break many scoreboards this season. Henne completed 26 passes for 363 yards and a pair of scores before the final play of the final drive. On one hand credit should be given to the Dolphins for figuring out a way to slow down the Jets’ overload blitz packages, but on the other Pettine should be criticized for playing it way too safe, not calling for anywhere near as much pressure as he did in the second half of the Week 2 win over New England, against Tom Brady no less.

Also disheartening was how the Jets punched the ball into the end zone just after the 2-minute warning only to then allow the Dolphins to move the ball down the field with ease, setting the stage for the frantic final minute.

The Jets’ secondary looked lost all game long. How many times was Brian Hartline wide open? How often did we see Davone Bess sneak between the coverage?

Far too many times against what is supposed to be a championship-caliber defense.

Now I realize Kyle Wilson is a rookie who has been thrown into a pressure cooker. But, fair or not, the first-round pick out of Boise State has to be a big part of this defense if the Jets are going to be all they can be. So far he’s looked lost. I’m not saying he doesn’t understand all the coverages. In reality, who could blame him for struggling with a system this complex? But to not look back at the football over and over and over again screams of the confusion that must be going on in his head.

And it’s not like he can be replaced. The Jets really have no one else anyone can trust. Ryan and Pettine have made their bed with this kid. But if he’s going to be out there against receivers that can do damage, the coaches have to at least create an illusion that he knows what he’s doing.

Antonio Cromartie had a nightmarish time covering Marshall. As talented as Cromartie is he was repeatedly taken to school by the bigger and more athletic Dolphins wideout. Part of that can be attributed to the Jets not getting in Henne’s face nearly enough, but the bottom line is Marshall pretty much owned Cromartie off the line. Watching that matchup closely all night I developed a greater understanding for just how difficult it is to play defensive back in the NFL, especially when a player is getting burned by one of the best receivers going. Marshall finished with 10 receptions for 166 yards and probably should have done more.

I’m not naive enough to think that Revis’ impending return won’t make the responsibilities of Wilson and Cromartie that much easier. I suspect a healthy Revis will feed Marshall his lunch when the teams meet again in December. But in the interim the guys that are actually on the field have to make plays and the men calling the plays have to make adjustments when things aren’t working.

The Jets seem to be struggling in both departments right now.

The other thing that is driving me and many like me crazy is this glaring lack of discipline on both sides of the ball. Penalties.

The Jets have been flagged an amazing 29 times for 264 yards in three games, with 11 of those calls resulting in first downs defensively and an unknown number of false start or holding penalties doing a number on an offense that already seems to be off the field more than on it. To put the yellow flags in perspective, last season the Jets were penalized just 88 times, or 5.5 per game. This season there seems to be a flag on every other play.

Ryan wants the Jets to be intimidating on defense and that’s fine, but in doing so the players are making life much more difficult than it needs to be. Penalties played a huge roll in the season-opening 10-9 loss to Baltimore because they often kept the Ravens’ offense on the field. And the glaring lack of focus is not just reserved for the defense. There were countless times on Sunday night when the Jets were in the red zone and were hampered by false start and holding calls. In the case of the former, of course crowd noise played a role in anticipating the snap count, but it just felt like many of the Jets were lacking in concentration.

And that’s all on Ryan.

So while it’s encouraging that despite all their problems the Jets are 2-0 in the AFC East and lead the division, they still have many areas that need work. The impending return of Calvin Pace will only help the pass rush and when Revis gets back the secondary should be less of a work in progress. However, that doesn’t mean the Jets will suddenly begin using their brains out on the field, on headsets or up in the booth.

They really need to start thinking out there because they are not talented enough to win on talent alone.

Comments please:

[sh4dy15]

They couldnt blitz all night like usual because there happens to be a certain player missing from the secondary who would have done 3 things:

1) Shut down Marshall all by himself.

2) Put Cromartie on Bess or Hartline (shutting one of them down)

3) Move Kyle Wilson into his normal position.

Oh yea and we didn't have Calvin Pace either. Revis allows the Jets to pass rush like they do, to criticize the defense without him is dumb.

[visajets]

Nice article with alot of true points. But lets not forget we won last night. A win is a win no matter how you get it in the NFL. Rex and crew need to make adjustments and improve in alot of areas. We arent the only ones who see it the coaching staff im sure is working on it as we speak.

[Klecko73isGod]

Completely disagree with the premise of the article.

The Jets don't need to decide to be one or the other. That's how you get predictable and teams can consistently shred your defense.

Better to keep 'em guessing.

The best part of a flex defense is the offense can't really prepare for it because they have no clue what they will be facing.

Some games we'll blitz like crazy. Some games we'll primarily be in a 4-3. Some games we'll primarily run the "46." Whatever the situation calls for is what we'll do.

The Jets don't have to commit to any particular style.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

Overall quite an interesting article. I do remember countless times seeing Hartline or Bess open. The part that was really frustrating for me was seeing Bess continually make 3rd down conversions.

Yes they have to work on some things, but what team doesn't after every game?

Fact of the matter is we won. Were 2-0 in our division and played 3 very tough teams these first 3 weeks and we played through them seriously hurt. No Jenkins, no Pace, and Revis for half of those games.

[gangreenman]

Wait...So now its a BAD thing when the head coach adjusts his gameplan to fit the players he can put on the field? ??? LOL...I think these media heads need to make up their minds on what a good coach is. Mangini was bad because he was too stubborn and didnt adjust to his players. Rex is critisized for not sticking to what worked during games last season with a different roster... So, which is it?

BTW, one HUGE flaw in the article is the statement that Pettine didnt bring the Blitz vs the Phins like he did in the 2nd half vs the Pats. The Jets rarely blitzed that 2nd half. I think Simms said the Jets only blitzed 5 or more on like 30% of snaps that half. That was a great half time adjustment and it confused the hell outta Brady and BB..Who undoubtedly had spent all week preparing to beat the Jets heavy blitzes and bump and run...

[Jetsfan80]

Some decent points. Throughout the article, though, he talks about how Revis will alleviate a lot of our issues. So what's the point of bashing the Jets defense that's missing arguably the best defensive player in the league? If the Cowboys were missing DeMarcus Ware, went into Miami and allowed 23 points, would anyone be bashing them?

I agree on the penalties, and also think Rex needs to do a much better job with clock management. Someone get Dick Curl in here!

[THE ILK]

So we're in 1st place with room to improve...

I'll take it!

A healthy Pace and Revis, will go along way.

Does the author care to talk about what new dimensions Holmes will bring?

[JetsFanInDenver]

The point about penalties is legit.

Although some penalties called last nite and the past couple of games were atrocious. Like the holding call on Slauson when Sanchez rushed into the end zone.

But having said that some of the penalties can be avoided. And the JETS need to clean those up.

Other than that the article is plain and pure BS

[villain_the_foe]

They couldnt blitz all night like usual because there happens to be a certain player missing from the secondary who would have done 3 things:

1) Shut down Marshall all by himself.

2) Put Cromartie on Bess or Hartline (shutting one of them down)

3) Move Kyle Wilson into his normal position.

Oh yea and we didn't have Calvin Pace either. Revis allows the Jets to pass rush like they do, to criticize the defense without him is dumb.

Its not dumb to criticize. If we dont have Revis then we cant continue to play football as if Revis is still on the field. If you notice, the last play of the game on 4th down we "didnt" blitz. we covered. Its cool to do that sometimes.

Sometimes its whats best for the team, and if Revis isnt on the field Im not looking at alCrotraz as a equal replacement. There were too many times where there should have been help for Wilson and it wasnt there. Whats the point of picking up Pool if you're not going to put him in position to make a play (like he did when we covered).

The article has some points. Not entirely correct because I think Sanchez has shown that without Holmes on the field this kid can put up points with his TE and. Just wait until Bray, Holmes and Keller's on the field at the same time. It will force teams to run less and throw more. Because of that there will be alot of 2nd & 3rd and longs. However, the Jets have to know when to simply "cover" and let those fatties up front earn a paycheck.

[dbatesman]

We didn't have Revis or Pace, which changes the blitz-or-cover calculus completely and downgrades the overall defensive talent level. I'm not thrilled with the D right now, but a win's a win. Henning has Rex's number. It happens.

[dbatesman]

But I will agree that the penalties were troubling. Aten and bit have been on the Rob Turner train for a while now, and I decided to buy my ticket after Slauson wiped out the Sanchez TD in the 4th.

[GREENBEAN]

Completely disagree with the premise of the article.

The Jets don't need to decide to be one or the other. That's how you get predictable and teams can consistently shred your defense.

Better to keep 'em guessing.

The best part of a flex defense is the offense can't really prepare for it because they have no clue what they will be facing.

Some games we'll blitz like crazy. Some games we'll primarily be in a 4-3. Some games we'll primarily run the "46." Whatever the situation calls for is what we'll do.

The Jets don't have to commit to any particular style.

My thoughts exactly. Choose one or the other? That's retarded. I like the fact that a team can adjust.

[JustInFudge]

Other than the penalties points, the rest is doodoo.

Why do you want a one dimensional defense? Dont you want flexibility? And having Revis and Pace hurt in the 2 areas we were weakest in last night. Coverage and Pass Rush.

And I know we've been through this before but it looks like the D is struggling a little bit without Jenkins. Last year we were able to deploy Douglas and Green regularly and it hasnt been that easy to replace him so far this season.

Also, give the Dolphags credit. Henning has Rex's number. They pick up that blitz better than anyone we face in the league. Also, Bess is a good little player, he runs real quick clean routes and Hartline isnt bad either. He's a big guy who can get open.

I think its safe to say this defense isnt as good as it could be without Pace, Revis and Jenkins and it shouldnt be a surprise.

[stoicsentry]

New England and Baltimore shredded our secondary in 1.5 games for... 24 points? That's "shredding"? That would be an average of 16 points per game allowed. Sign me up for that every game for the rest of the season please.

[Bruce Banner]

Leonhard needs to be criticized. He was too short to help out on Marshall. Even if he's in position the 8 inch height advantage is too much for him. Leonhard's lack of height hurts him as a free safety and his lack of bulk hurts him as a strong safety and he's too slow for cornerback. He doesn't have a true position.

[Larz]

rex adressed this, he said with 3 new starters back there, the communication hasn't been good, and that he expects them to spend more time in the classroom this week

[RutgersJetFan]

We didn't have Revis or Pace, which changes the blitz-or-cover calculus completely and downgrades the overall defensive talent level. I'm not thrilled with the D right now, but a win's a win. Henning has Rex's number. It happens.

Even with Revis on the field, the secondary is still essentially dealing with having 3 brand new starters who are completely new to the entire scheme. We saw it in the Baltimore game. Cromartie and Wilson are works in progress because they've never played in a press coverage scheme where DB's carry this much responsibility on their shoulders. Rex himself said they're having a ton of communication problems which are fairly obvious to the naked eye. The good news is this likely gets fixed over time and it's highly unlikely that Rex dares a QB that blatantly to beat him for the majority of the rest of the schedule. Actually probably every game with the exception of playing Miami again. And perhaps most importantly, two of those newbies made huge plays on that last drive to save the game.

[Sperm Edwards]

Revis left after Moss beat him on that TD with the sick one-handed catch and hasn't been on the field since while he sulks away his fake injury. Jets didn't let up another point in that game.

Since they scored a TD in the 3rd quarter to pull ahead they have been winning both football games at every juncture (other than the scoreless start of the game) ever since.

Therefore the Jets are a better team without Revis.

[SoFlaJets]

Leonhard needs to be criticized. He was too short to help out on Marshall. Even if he's in position the 8 inch height advantage is too much for him. Leonhard's lack of height hurts him as a free safety and his lack of bulk hurts him as a strong safety and he's too slow for cornerback. He doesn't have a true position.

I agree with you on this BB-Leohard has been getting burned all season by TE's too-Todd Heap's size advantage killed us opening night. Rex loves Leonahrd but we need a safety in the draft or FA for next year who CAN cover those 6'5" TE's and big receivers when he has to.

[dbatesman]

Revis left after Moss beat him on that TD with the sick one-handed catch and hasn't been on the field since while he sulks away his fake injury. Jets didn't let up another point in that game.

Since they scored a TD in the 3rd quarter to pull ahead they have been winning both football games at every juncture (other than the scoreless start of the game) ever since.

Therefore the Jets are a better team without Revis.

SEAN GILBERT AND RAP MUSIC AND I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE MAD AT SOMEONE

[Jetsfan80]

SEAN GILBERT AND RAP MUSIC AND I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE MAD AT SOMEONE

"Action failed: You have reached your quota of positive votes for the day"

[Smashmouth]

The Jets do not match up well with the Dolphin offense.

The reason is because the Dolphins do a tremendous job picking up the blitz ( better than anyone we face by FAR) leaving all out CB's out on their own little Islands and eventually given time, Every WR will beat a corner. Darrelle Revis is a great Corner no doubt but keep in mind alot of his success was due to the Jets tremendous pressure on the QB. Revis had his worst game last year vs the Dolphins.

Im sure the next time we play them Rex will have to make Adjustments and not blitz as much, the Blitz vs Miami is just not a good Idea. Most other teams we play have had Issues with our Blitz and Miami has not, and its obvious. Sunday nights game was very similar to the first meeting last year when they shredded us in the same exact way. In the second game Rex Adjusted and dropped more into coverage confusing Henne, maybe will do the same again this year and hope Miami does not return 2 kicks LOL.

You have to adjust to matchups in this league and during sundays game Rex simply did not adjust. He cant be hard headed and think he can blitz Miami relentlessly their O-Line IMHO is easily one of the best in the NFL and they also have backs that pick up the blitz with the best of them. Remember our secondary is as good as it is due to Pressure, if you cant apply pressure the solution is simple give the secondary some help. Miami has proven 2 times now that our blitz is not invincable

[neckdemon]

The Jets do not match up well with the Dolphin offense.

The reason is because the Dolphins do a tremendous job picking up the blitz ( better than anyone we face by FAR) leaving all out CB's out on their own little Islands and eventually given time, Every WR will beat a corner. Darrelle Revis is a great Corner no doubt but keep in mind alot of his success was due to the Jets tremendous pressure on the QB. Revis had his worst game last year vs the Dolphins.

Im sure the next time we play them Rex will have to make Adjustments and not blitz as much, the Blitz vs Miami is just not a good Idea. Most other teams we play have had Issues with our Blitz and Miami has not, and its obvious. Sunday nights game was very similar to the first meeting last year when they shredded us in the same exact way. In the second game Rex Adjusted and dropped more into coverage confusing Henne, maybe will do the same again this year and hope Miami does not return 2 kicks LOL.

You have to adjust to matchups in this league and during sundays game Rex simply did not adjust. He cant be hard headed and think he can blitz Miami relentlessly their O-Line IMHO is easily one of the best in the NFL and they also have backs that pick up the blitz with the best of them. Remember our secondary is as good as it is due to Pressure, if you cant apply pressure the solution is simple give the secondary some help. Miami has proven 2 times now that our blitz is not invincable

our biggest need this offseason is probably going to be defensive front 7. we need nt,de,olb. we absolutely without a doubt need a stud passrusher. we need to be bale to create pressure even wihtout crazy blitzes.

[Irish Jet]

You can't emphasize enough the difference Revis makes.

Rex begs teams to throw at him.

[BroadwayJoe12]

our biggest need this offseason is probably going to be defensive front 7. we need nt,de,olb. we absolutely without a doubt need a stud passrusher. we need to be bale to create pressure even wihtout crazy blitzes.

I feel as though we've been saying this for the last half decade. Would do terrible things to have clay matthews as our starting OLB...terrible things.