In the first half we ran the ball 14 times and passed it 4 times. To start the second half we passed the ball on the first play for 45 yards followed by a short run and a TD pass. On the next possession we had 5 passes and 4 runs to set up the FG and take control of the game. The running game is effective when it sets up big plays and scoring from the passing game.
Hey, this is a great thread. As the weeks proceed the way that the running game goes will be huge to the team's success, and right now I think the results are mixed. The optimists make some good points. They start with 2-0, but the supporting numbers are not to be discounted, those being ypc and how both TJ and Leon are up there. I think most of us feel they're a great combo and should be used as such. But I also hear what the less optimistic are seeing. The team is not effective running the ball on first down (I will get back to that), and points scored is anemic compared to the record. The team is 17th in points scored - another indication it is the D that is really winning the game so far. As has been noted the team seems to struggle getting yardage by running on first down. I am not really sure there is a simple answer on this. The Jets in fact attempted to pass on first down in the first quarter of the NE game, so I don't think we can say it is a clear case of conservative playcalling. (The Jets had four possessions in the first quarter, and no first downs. They attempted passes two out of the four times.) Of course the opposing D is stacking the box, but Schott at least is not sticking with a pure run first approach on first down, even early in the game. It may be the type of plays called rather than a simple distinction between the choice of run or pass. I also think teams will hopefully get away from stacking the box as the season progresses if Sanchez can continue making them pay on first and second down. This will hopefully occur since in the NE game the vaunted third down conversions in the Houston game were not really there. The conversion rate against NE was only 27%. It remains troubling to the running game that the receivers contributing besides the running back are really only Cotch and Keller. Stuckey's performance has been somewhat mixed, and no one else has caught a pass. If the Jets can spread the ball better in the passing game, and make opponents pay for stacking the box by making them pay with completed passes, that will likely lead to more consistency in the running game. Otherwise...
So then we only had 18 plays? Doesn't that say something is not working? Hell, Indy had 29 against the Dolphins Monday night and we all know how that game went.
Good question. One part of the answer will likely be how well he holds up physically. This is a cold business, and if he shows wear and tear, at his age you have to factor that in when looking at a long term contract extension.
Not to make excuses, but I think in fairness Schott had to take into account Sanchez's fumble during the first half.
Unless he is willing to redo his contract, I think he will be. The Jets are planning that kind of money for Leon. I don't see two backs getting that much of the payroll.
First half we only had 18 plays and that doesn't include punts. Indy on 29 plays for the game won the game. We ran many more plays controlled a lot more clock than Indy and won easily.
I think it really depends on how Greene performs once they get a roster spot open for him, but I have a feeling that TJ is a goner regardless of the success of the running game this season. I'm not high on the running game due simply to the fact that if Sanchez wasn't as clutch as he is, we'd likely be 0-2 for lack of an effective running game. They have been out-coached on the ground in the early quarters and have depended on clutch 3rd and long plays through the air to convert most times. I have a feeling that as teams start adjusting for Sanchez and as Sanchez' game progresses), teams will stop stacking the box against us... but successful dominant ground games in the past, even without a stud like AP or Jamal Lewis circa early 2000s Ravens, have been able to depend on the run early on and where we just haven't so far. I think they just need to work the kinks out and probably get Hartsock more comfortable in the scheme and things will get better, but I don't buy into the sunshiny outlook on the ground game at this point. Sanchez has been it's saving grace.
I agree with this in general, but again as I pointed out above the conversion rate against NE was only 27%. Most of the big plays Sanchez got off were on first or second down. Still and again, the point is a valid one - if Sanchez gets pass attempts on first and second and effectively completes them, then other teams will be less inclined to load up the box, thereby helping the running game. IF others can help at receiver. Not to change the subject but if Cotch continues to get big numbers, he will draw more attention. Who will step up in that case?
That's the truth, Schotty has called a very vanilla gameplan for the first half of both games. He did that a lot in 2006 as well, and relied on halftime adjustments to put the other team away. Hopefully that's not going to be a trend, because we need to be aggressive on both sides of the ball. As far as who will be stepping up at wideout, I think both Stuckey and Clowney will split opportunities to shine if teams really start doubleteaming Cotch like I hope they do. But we don't have any superstars in that department.
The fumble was not Sanchez fault, it was mostly on Faneca - who got beat inside on the play letting Sanchez get blindsided as he stepped up in the pocket. One thing I noticed against the Patriots is that the Jets rolled out Sanchez much less often than they did against the Texans. I think they were trying to get him comfortable in the pocket and other than the first play I think they succeeded.
The Jets will have to go with a spread more often if the trends of the first two games continue. I think there's a really good argument for putting Hartsock in when they do that and putting Keller in the slot or even in motion. Basically the Jets have 3 quality receivers right now: Cotchery, Keller and Washington. They've thrown enough to Stuckey so far that they can use him as an effective decoy that has to be accounted for.
your "facts" disprove nothing. trent dilfer won a super bowl so i guess that means you don't need a good qb to win one? no, all that indicates is that there is an exception to the rule. the jets running game is not where is should be. it will get better over time as the passing game improves and opens up, forcing the D to respect the pass more. but right now it is not where it should be and every jet would agree, TJ and LW included.
I don't think he was implying that the fault belongs to Sanchez, but that in order to keep the kids from getting too far off track he called a very vinilla game plan in the first half to protect his confidence. That was my take at the end of half one.
Well thank you. Yes, that was also my take on the playcalling. On the other hand, Schott does seem to generally call it a bit closer to the vest in the first half. So it was really that general inclination reinforced by the interest in avoiding risking the kid(s) getting off track. I hope that's the case since he was even more conservative than usual. Game specific deal, I think.
Hmmmmmmm.... Man I will jump up and down if Clowney gets in there and becomes a factor. But, until proven otherwise, there's a reason no other wideouts have a catch. Hope you're right.
The spread would have Cotchery, Keller, Stuckey, Hartsock and Washington in with Hartsock staying in pass protection.
