Keys to the Jets season and other observations from KRL.<\/p>\n
– Offensively everything will revolve around the run game \/ run scheme. \u00a0And from actual game play (even though it was only pre-season) initial impressions are very positive. \u00a0The scheme has been creative, displayed a variety of elements and has been very productive. \u00a0Add in the fact that the starting OLine hasn’t had Vera-Tucker at LG and there’s reason to be excited for what they can accomplish. \u00a0Play action passing becomes a simple game of “pitch & catch” for a rookie QB when the running game is getting 4+ yards a carry.<\/p>\n
– I believe the “Jet sweep” element of the running game had an impact on the back end of the WR corps. \u00a0Vyncint Smith was impressive in the pre-season but he’s a “long strider” and that running style really doesn’t fit the “Jet sweep”. \u00a0That’s why I believe Jeff Smith & Braxton Berrios beat him out. \u00a0Effective runners of the “Jet sweep” have to be quick & sudden, so expect to see Moore, Crowder, Smith and Berrios being used in that role.<\/p>\n
– With Carl Lawson going down the pass rush will rest on the shoulders of Williams and Rankins. \u00a0Just like we didn’t see the OLine together as a unit we didn’t see Williams & Rankins together attacking the middle of OLines. \u00a0If they remain healthy and maximize their skills its not crazy to see 15+ sacks and 30+ TFLs from the duo. If Williams & Rankins are creating havoc for the center and two guards that will isolate the DE’s (Franklin-Myers, Lawson, Huff & Ward) 1 on 1 with the OT’s. \u00a0Can those four win those 1 on 1’s and generate 20+ sacks between them?<\/p>\n
– The back seven of the defense will be a “nursery” this year with all the youth that will be playing. \u00a0With that being the case Mosley, Maye and Joyner are going to be huge because they are the only experienced back end defenders. \u00a0I still have scars from the “LeVeon Bell layoff” and I’m skeptical if Mosley can regain his skills. But now with the construction of the roster we have to see a faster 2018 version of Mosley for this defense to be effective. \u00a0He has to be the “on field DC” and able to cover sideline to sideline. \u00a0While Maye and Joyner will have to be “perfect” in their coverage assignments as they provide “security blankets” for our “baby CB’s”.<\/p>\n