Outside of the penalties on defense this was one thing I noticed a lot tonight. The jets simply didnt have anyone who could lineup vs Heap. It seemed like every time they needed a first down they looked to Heap and he physically had our safety outmatched every single time. I love having Leonhard out there in the secondary but theres only so much you can do against a guy who has 9 inches and 75 pounds on you. I know we havent seen Pool yet, but I definitely feel like this could be a vulnerability in our pass defense this year especially since Heap isnt that great. And I think when you have a great safety like Leonhard who isnt that big, its incredibly important to have a much more physical safety to compliment him and I wasnt seeing that from Smith tonight. I hope this isnt a reoccurring theme this year since Heap really isnt even that good.
This. They got in great position though, so Heap did not get nearly the yards after the catch he could've gotten. Kerry rhodes would've missed a tackle or three. I don't see this as an issue, that's why Tight Ends are a premium in the league. Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Chris Cooley, Jeremy Shockey, even our own Dustin Keller these guys provide versatility and all kinds of match up problems.
Heaps not really known for his YAC anymore. I just felt like every short yardage situation esp on 3rd downs the guy was a sure thing. I know they had to have gotten at least 5 1st downs on 3rd downs to easy passes to Heap. I know that tight ends are usually hard to cover, but I feel like it shouldn't be that much of a glarding weakness for us . I went back and saw that 5 of their 3rd down conversions were on easy passes to Heap. Its the most important down on defense and if teams can easily just give it to their first down thats gonna kill the effectiveness of our defense all year
Seriously? I remember Heap catches short out or hitch passes in one on one situations. He's not what he once was, but he's still pretty athletic and he's large. The problem was the blitz's weren't working a lot of the time later in the game as the Ravens have a good line, made adjustments, the defense was tiring, and we lack one or two great pass rushers. Short quick passes to a guy who's large and can box out are near impossible to defend. It's why people don't make anything of the TD Moss scored on Revis last year because unless Brady made a terrible throw there isn't really anything you can do to defend it. For all the physical issues he's went through and people knocking him since he's had them, as much as I hated seeing the Jets lose and him make this play, seeing Heap make that leaping catch (which was a great play on his part) reminded me of the player he once was (a player I liked).
I dont think Leonhardt or Smith are great coverage safeties We have decent coverage in Leonhardt, but for the most part these are hard hitting safeties who lay hits and stop the run. Thats really fine, but in that case we need our CB's (Cromartie/Wilson) to step up, at least one of them. Until Cromartie or Wilson get their shit together, Rex has to realize we cant send 7 or 8 men and leave them on islands... we dont have the talent in the secondary
That was painfully obvious to me last night. The way that Wilson was hung out to dry was totally unfair. I still think the kid's going to be a good one but man, what an ugly debut.
I got bad news for you all. New England drafted NOT ONE, BUT TWO pretty good TE's. And we're going to see a lot of two TE sets this weekend. Belechick planned for this. Many aggressive Defenses are great against the run, and take away the deep ball leaving the middle quick release open. I have plenty of respect for Rex's D, but Belechick is a master at keeping one step ahead of the curve. And remember how Welker always burns us on the short route.
we had two white safeties starting last night. One White safety is enough, but two is waaaaaaaaaaay too much. Need Brodney Pool.
@ The game I was just furious at the way our safeties played. But credit to Baltimore, they adjusted and called plays that would leave Heap 1v1. But what people aren't mentioning is how late the OTT help came from the safeties. This is a difference in seeing the game on TV and at the stadium. On Almost every deep play The Safeties were constantly getting there too late. They were obviously in positions set up to help Cro & Wilson but were never there OTT when they needed to be to help out.
This likely becomes an issue in the next game, as we'll likely keep at least one safety back for Welker's little ass! Especially if Wilson is on him. I know they are rookies and unproven, but NE's TE situation does worry me a bit.
That's when you hope Pool is able to go, a few knocks and Welker may not be catching too many balls. We have good players but we need somebody to lay some wood and Pool and Smith are the only guys.
I was thinking Wilson reminded me of Lowery in the past. I though Lowery would have done a better job on the TE. Eric Smith is good at making the tackle after the ball has been caught to limit the YAC but does not look good in coverage.
Wilson hung out to dry? You guys realize that where ever he is lined up that's where they are going. He is a rookie and they sure as shit are not fucking with Revis. I was watching a different game then all of you, I guess. I saw Wilson have pretty damn good coverage on almost all the applicable plays were I noticed him, both good and bad. This kid is going to be fine. Once he gets used to the speed and actually turns toward the QB he is going to be a damn good player. Again his coverage isn't the problem.
the shit that went wrong can be easily corrected. you expect the secondary to look like this forever now? if you do you are lost.
