Thomas has looked solid. The thing about this defense so far is that it generates a shitload of pressure but not necessarily alot of sacks. Perfect example of this is how last year the NYJ had more sacks than Baltimore, but the NYJ didn't put anywhere near as much pressure on the QB that Balt did last season. Numbers can be deceiving, but for BT and everybody else's sake I hope they start racking up more sack numbers so they get the recognition they deserve.
It's amazing how seemingly every player we have, especially on D, suddenly loves playing for this team this season. It's awesome.
Not sure if anyone else saw this last week, but on Reggie Bush's fumble, BT is being totally blocked, BT turns his body and his blocker and forces Bush to have to cut back and run it inside(Bush was tryinig to go outside) then Bush fumbles. BT made that play! No one has said anything about it, but thats COACHING! Some thing we NEVER EVER saw with Mangini! Go back and watch it if you dont remember, it was a great play! BT has been more than solid this season.
Yeah BT has totally looked solid, and with adding pace back i just get chills. cant wait for monday night.
I'm just excited to see the way that Rex uses Pace and Thomas when Calvin gets back. Now that Ryan knows that either can play the strong side at a high level, we could be seeing a lot of mixing and matching on blitzes between the two. Gholston couldn't really generate a ton of pressure with all the chances he was given, but Thomas and Pace should be able to have a lot more success. If we can get pressure from the outside to go with what the ILBs are providing inside, the Jets' blitzing will be unstoppable.
Let me say that I think Mangini may be a solid coach someday. He played an integral role in building the team that Rex is thriving with now. BUT, there can be no doubt that our team looks better having an actual coach, someone who has been around the game his entire life. The biggest difference in our team, as compared to last year, is our coach's ability to scheme, adjust mid-game, and utilize players' talents. Amazing. I hope Rex never becomes complacent, instead leading the Jets to a successful decade (and beyond).
I've debated Mangini's 3-4 system when he came when a lot of people whined about switching to the 3-4 without personel... BUT - THIS was the system Mangini talked about but, never really used... Mangini came in talking about the 3-4 being the system where you can change fronts, mix it up at the line and bring the blitz from anywhere.. Problem was he never did it - He started to with Jenkins and then sat back the end of last year... I feel a little redemtion now - YES... 3-4 / MULTIFRONT defense is the best... But, you need to put players in the right position and let them so what they do best... I really thought this was the D Mangini was bringing - Maybe some of it lays with Sutton but, It boggles my mind why Cleveland wouldn't LET IT FLY now... If you're Losing, PLUS you have Rob Ryan... Why not Send the house - You're losing anyway - Get you Defensive captains in the room and let them tell you how they want to fly and enjoy themselves on the playing field - That gets you locker room cred.. Bring Great Game plans to the table every week and let R rip.. No reason why Cleveland shouldn't be a blitzing machine regardless of personel.
The Pace suspension might be good in the end... Thomas and even Gholston have roles now where the staff know they can plug them in... Moreso Gholston since BT will always have a role.
