Overall observation I liked everything about our offense, from the beginning to end. Chan deserves a lot of credit for that. A lot of playactions, rollouts, screens, playaction screens, shotgun, a lot of 4-5 WR sets, bubble screens from the 4-5 WR sets. Checkdowns to the RB's, move the ball, make safe, short completions, create mismatches, avoid turnovers. Mixed in with a lot of good run plays. That's what the offense was all about and it was nice to see us be that consistent on offense for once. Something not so nice were all those ridiculous flags on offense. We were called at least twice for ineligible receiver downfield. How does that happen? Once would be embarrassing enough. The tackling was better this week, but still too many missed tackles. Especially on special teams, the missed tackles by Purdum could have cost us a lot and they did that one time when Hester almost took it to the house, getting stopped by Bilal Powell at the 2yd line. The GOOD - QB's Ryan Fitzpatrick & Bryce Petty For Fitz it wasn't exactly a lights out performance but it was effective in terms of him not turning the ball over and completing passes, and just overall running the offense and find open receivers. He showed good poise, he knew what was going on at all times, didn't make mistakes, read the defense, didn't force any throws. If we're gonna go somewhere this year it'll be this type of QB'ing that will take us there, along with a good performance on defense and a good rushing attack. His arm isn't exactly great, there were 1-2 throws where he just underthrew his receivers, you could see he doesn't have the zip some other QB's have. But I'm not too worried about that, he can be very effective in Chan's scheme. Similar to Chad Pennington in his prime and that's the type of guy we need right now, we don't need Kaepernick to throw it downfield 95 yards. Bryce Petty meanwhile looked very good in his 2nd game I thought. He started out slow, maybe he was a bit nervous, but as he settled in he took over the offense and showed good poise. He looks very good in the pocket, doesn't get rattled, doesn't panic and take off, he just stands tall in the pocket, does his little pump fake here and there and hit a receiver or then get some yards out of the play by running if he can't find an open receiver. He misfired a couple throws late in the game (before he was 10/13 for 100+ yards), he probably could have been picked by Southward in the endzone, but bounced back with a beautiful bomb to Hakim and an impressive TD throw to Pousey where he threw a dart and showed dead on accuracy/placement. Another step in the right direction for him, if he continues to make progress like that over week 3 and 4 I'm not sure we really need Matt Flynn to back up Fitz. I'm not even sure if Flynn could have played any better than Petty did this week. I doubt it. - RB's Chris Ivory & Bilal Powell How about those two guys? Five catches each! Chris Ivory looked like a completely different back. He looked like a legit receiving back, always open for Fitz to dump the ball to if there are no better options, and showing consistent hands, not dropping a single pass, running good routes and finding space to get open. One thing that didn't change was his running style, still just as physical but a little more explosive I thought, a lot of more cuts to the outside, outrunning linebackers and getting yards along the sideline, capped off by a beautiful long touchdown run where he set up the safety and faked him out of his shoes. Powell essentially had the same type of performance. I love how Chan uses him, in 4-5 WR sets he'd line him up outside as a receiver and let him catch those bubble screens, try to get the ball to him in space so he can make some plays. Something the previous coaching staff didn't understand. Bilal also had a beautiful big run over the left side, but it was called back because of a meaningless flag (Decker), there was no need for that. Bilal also once again showed great effort on special teams by running down Devin Hester to prevent a touchdown when brought him down at the 2yd line. Overall this is of both these guys should be used over the course of a season. If we can get both of them to touch the ball about 200-250 times this year I think that's when those two will shine, especially in Chan's offense. Daryl Richardson was the 3rd back in the rotation but he didn't really show too much, he wasn't able to. He took a huge hit (helmet to helmet) and he's concussed now. I think his odds of making the team are zero now which is a shame because he could have had a shot, maybe he still has. Zac Stacy looked ok at the end of the game just getting tough yards over the middle and not fumbling, eating up time off the clock. I'd have to imagine Ridley if he were healthy would be a safe bet for the 3rd spot right now. - Wideouts Ran good routes, caught everything, big, physical guy you can throw the ball to even when he's covered. Did some nice stuff after the catch as well. Decker meanwhile had a rough outing today. Got flagged once and had a ball go right through his hands over the middle on a Fitz pass but I expect him to bounce back next week. Enunwa made a nice grab, showed good blocking. Jeremy Kerley unfortunately took a helmet right to the chin...and of course he's concussed now. On a play that was called back by a Kellen Davis penalty. What a waste, he didn't need that right now, we didn't need that right now. Another big blow to our WR corps. - Backup ILB's I wasn't a fan of this group at the beginning, thought we'd be fine with one backup ILB. But two guys so far have really stood out and I think they both should make the team because not only do both of them compliment each other, they are virtually identical to our staring ILB's. Joe Mays is a poor mans David Harris, same size, good instincts against the run, tough, always around the ball. Lattimore is more of a DD, he's quicker, lighter, struggles a bit against the run with his angles (last week was awful) but he looks very natural in coverage, the way he drops back, reads the QB and creates turnovers, something he's been doing in camp better than any other linebacker. I'd like for both of them to make it. Henderson was a nice story, but I don't see him being a threat here. Taiwan Jones has been invisible. - DE Leonard Williams The rook made a couple of huge plays for us. Two sacks I believe, one safety. He didn't destroy his opponents on those sacks, but he found a way to get to the QB, showing impressive quickness. He stuffed another run for a big loss. He's gonna be a really good one. Jason Babin also showed some nice edge rush ability. Very explosive, good quickness. He also had a sack. Him and Mauldin should be our situational pass rushers this year. Speaking of, Lorenzo Mauldin once again missed about 2 sacks I believe, looks very explosive, he had another one taken away via flag. Left the field a couple of times unfortunately but he seems alright. It's just a matter of time until he piles those sacks up, hopefully that'll happen next week. (SNIP - TOO LONG)
The BAD - Defense / Miscommunication I can't blame a single player here. On Matt Ryan's touchdown pass it was obvious somebody blew their assignment. I think it was supposed to be man coverage and when the slot receiver switched over to the other side Cro who was covering outside (Skrine had the slot) tried to change the play and as Skrine was running over but I guess he couldn't hear him. Immediately after the touchdown you saw Cro get upset (as usual) because he saw this coming. Again, can't really blame anybody specifically here. If Cro had played his man I think we would have been fine, but that's not what the call was or should have been. It was supposed to be zone but Skrine stuck with his man and was taken out of the play because his guy ran a slant to the outside where Cro was already covering in zone, creating a huge hole inside where Skrine was supposed to be. Communication, blown coverage, this stuff can be easily fixed, it's good for it to happen now so it can be addressed before the season begins. The UGLY - TE Kellen Davis Really? Really?! I have no idea how many snaps he played. 4? 5? How do you get flagged THREE TIMES when you're barely on the field?! I'm sorry but this guy has got to go. Trade for somebody if you have to, go sign Chris Cooley, find somebody, I don't care, just get this guy off the team. He showed nothing in camp and in two preseason games he's looked like garbage and cost us more than he actually helped us. With Cumberland not showing us anything either and Amaro still banged up I think we have to do something here. There are a lot of decent TE's on other teams' that could be had for a late round pick I'd imagine. We need one for insurance because I don't trust Cumberland and we don't know if Amaro can stay healthy all year. Wes Saxton had a really nice catch late in the game, but he's a project at this point. He could maybe become in a couple years what Cumberland was supposed to be for us. - LS Tyler Purdum He probably just had a bad day, but he better clean up his tackling. I like the fact that he's the first guy to get to the returner, but what good is it if you're gonna let him walk by you for a touchdown? Hit the guy, WRAP UP, bring him down. Two tackles he missed, that just can't happen in the regular season. - The "Right" guys It'd be too much to single out every single one of them here so I'll just go over it quick in one paragraph hopefully. Starting from Winters (again), Dozier, who half the time didn't look like what he was doing or what his assignment was, even against 3rd stringers at the end of the game, Dalton Freeman who didn't look good late in the game either and Jarvis Harrison. All those guys played 3rd stringers, Winters played some 2nd stringers as well but these guys weren't asked to do too much or handle LT in his prime. Qvale gave up at least one sack from what I remember, and he looked ridiculously bad at it, like he was on skates or walking on ice. I wouldn't be shocked if neither of them made the team based on this game and last weeks game. Ijalana (LT) and Aboushi (LG) fared much better, Aboushi even got some 1st team snaps while Carps was out. Bubble Players DL Davon Walls was overmatched late in the game. Got pancaked almost into the goalpost on the touchdown run by a Tight End, it looked that bad. CB Javier Arenas is making a case for a roster spot. He had a beautiful tackle at the goal line to prevent a touchdown pass, showed great instincts and perfect technique to bring his man down and not letting him get a single inch out of the play. His odds of making the team aren't that high but so far he's looked good. S Rontez Miles had a couple of nice hits, scored on a fumble return touchdown, but also looked a bit lost once or twice in coverage, especially on one deep ball. Miles can't let guys run past him in coverage. DL Stephen Bowen was almost invisible despite playing backups, got pushed around in the run game, didn't show any pass rush, I don't think he makes the team. TE Wes Saxton looked solid but he can be stashed on the practice squad. I'll update my roster prediction later based on the 2nd preseason game, there'll be some adjustments. Injury Update RB Daryl Richardson (concussion) WR Jeremy Kerley (concussion) S Durrell Eskridge (concussion) I probably missed some players and I have to rewatch the game again to really get a clearer picture, especially with the O-Line/D-Line and the DB's. Feel free to correct me on anything if I mixed up a player or saw something different.
I agree with most of this. However, some things are worth pointing out. I was very impressed w/ Bryce Petty, but I disagree that we don't need Flynn. Petty had one good outing in a preseason game versus 2nd and 3rd stringers. He's showing progress which is significant, but he's not ready for backup duties. I mean for goodness sake...Tebow had great stats in preseason. Matt Flynn has actually played in real NFL games and is much needed for depth until Geno is ready to come back off of injury. Fitzpatrick was the ultimate game manager, but ultimately I think this will be his downfall. He was looking for deep routes constantly but never pulled the trigger and threw one deep. Fitz was ultra conservative, often checking down to Ivory or Powell. With threats like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the Jets need someone who can sling it. However, I agree, Fitzpatrick is the best option at this point. The defense is going to have to be very good for this team to win games, because I don't see this offense scoring often.
What I have noticed both weeks with Petty is that when they have him playing a typical NFL QB role he seems nervous and unsure what to do but when Gailey opens it up and plays his usual type offense and lets Petty throw he excels. I would love to see him play a series with our starters in that open offense and see just what he can do.
Like I said, for that to happen Petty needs to make more progress the next 2 games. Right now if Flynn is healthy and if he knows the offense he'd be my backup, but in 3 weeks with Petty making progress, I would take him as my #2. Geno will be back a couple weeks into the season, the odds of Fitz getting hurt within 1-2 games are slim to none.
That's what I noticed as well. He's just more comfortable with that type of offense. He looked comfortable running the no hudde, out of the shotgun, with 4-5 WR sets, that's where he did the most damage.
I can't agree with your assessment of the defense ones. They looked slow, lost and once again exhibited powder-puff tackling. They looked like a team that doesn't practice and that can't be blamed on the QB situation. I will say, the play calling on both sides of the ball, throughout the game, was effective even if the effort and form wasn't there from some guys.
I didn't really say otherwise. I don't think our starting defense looked great or even good. Some big issues have to be fixed now, the penalties and miscommunication. Tackling itself wasn't bad from what I remember. Definitely way better than last week.
Petty looked good last night for the most part. The guy has a rocket arm and he put it exactly where it needed to be on that TD pass, high and where only the WR could get to it. Love his quick release. Obviously, it was against backups so we'll see what he does against better defenses and having to make quicker reads. The first team D looked so slow and lethargic again in the 1st quarter. Ryan had way too much time back there to dissect them. I hope to hell that it's just holding back but they better show some serious improvement between now and Week 1.
I don't want see Petty as the back up no matter what he shows in pre-season or practice. I want to see this kid brought along as the project we thought he was coming out of college with good coaching and patience. I think Geno going down really helped this kid giving him more snaps and game action that he never would have gotten if Geno remained healthy. Let him continue and watch a full season from the sidelines and re-evaluate going into next season. As far as the defense goes, I'm hoping it's the learning curve of a new system and having to "think" as opposed to "react". I'm hoping as the season progresses guys settle in and start playing faster . I had high hopes for a great season with the possibility for a wildcard but I can't help but now feel it's going to be a roller coaster ride.
Agree with most of your takes. Bilal Powell - looks like a different guy out there man. I think he is going to be a good outlet. Chris Ivory - has always been a great runner but man if he keeps catching balls like this could become a franchise , 3 down back as a poor man's Marshawn. Zac Stacy impressed me as well. He can close out games for us as a 3. Hits hole hard. Brandon Marshall - just so smooth. He's best receiver we have had in a long long time. And boy do we deserve it! Leonard Williams - beast mode. Kerley - looked really smooth. Hope concussion not serious. Lattimore, Mays, Wes Saxton (still my dark horse to supplant Cumberland or Kellen Davis) and Posiey deserve honorable mentions. Petty has a rocket for an arm. Now to the bad(and there's lots of them) 3 concussions in one game! Brutal. Cro - I said this was a bad signing from day one. People thought he would take a hometown discount. He fleeced us - guy is going to be a liability and I hope unlike Rex, Bowles has courage to sit him if he keeps this up. Coples - him and Geno were supposed to be the breakout guys. He just disappears. Pass rush - we don't have an above average pass rusher in this roster. It's a glaring hole and with Calvin Pryor/Cromartie in backfield, this could be our Achilles heel. Cumberland/Kellen Davis - I am not sure what new set of coaches see in him. We need to upgrade ASAP. I'd rather see Saxton as our receiving TE.
I have to admit I was wrong on Bilal. I didn't hate the guy I was just kind of meh. Never really loved his game. He looked like a straight ahead, put his head down, down hill runner. Maybe one cut if that. This is two weeks in a row he looks like a different runner. Fast, elusive, second and third cuts, taking it outside, almost dynamic if you will. Very happy with how he looks. And I'm much happier with how Kerley is playing. Hope the concussion isn't bad because he's making this team. Our third best option until Smith comes back. _
He obviously won't be the backup whenever smith gets back but he should definitely be the backup until then or do you want some guy that has never played a snap with this team instead?
Exactly, Firzpatrick is like every other qb this team has add for the last 10 years, favre excluded, afraid of their own shadow when it come to throwing the ball downfield..they would all rather throw it 3 yards behind the line and hope the receiver can make something happen.
You think a veteran who hasn't taken a snap would be any worse then a kid that's only had a few weeks of practice and not even a full NFL pre season game under his belt & has ZERO experience playing in an NFL style offense? Obviously you do but I don't. I also don't want the kid thrown into the fire prematurely and see his growth stunted as a result of it. Again, just my opinion but if I were running the show this would certainly be my approach . Let's pray neither Flynn nor Petty is forced to take a snap during the regular season unless it's in garbage time of a Jets blowout win. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
