Robert Saleh’s Staff Taking Shape

Discussion in 'New York Jets' started by Falco21, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. LAJet

    LAJet Well-Known Member

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    Wonder what the coaching plan is for special teams? Boyer remains?
     
  2. NYJetsO12

    NYJetsO12 Well-Known Member

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    95 per cent of what you worry about usually doesn't happen..so is this CS RS put together final ? Not sure

    Saleh knows he will only be as good as those surrounding him

    Think about it ..good Coaches turn down Saleh not because they don't like him but b/c the Johnsons have created the worst dumpster fire Team in recent NFL history and its 200 projects for every position Coach smh

    Yes ..this is gonna take time
     
  3. MoWilkBeast

    MoWilkBeast Well-Known Member

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    Most of the defensive hires are just listed as assistants aren't they? Im thinking he has yet to hire/announce position coaches. That is probably why they are inexperienced, so it isn't a massive worry.
     
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  4. NYJalltheway

    NYJalltheway Well-Known Member

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    Do we still have Hines Ward?
     
  5. BroadwayAaron

    BroadwayAaron Well-Known Member

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  6. NCJetsfan

    NCJetsfan Well-Known Member

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    I agree that just because we know names doesn't necessarily mean that they're better coaches, but often times it does mean that. We've gotten to know their names because they have been spoken about positively in the media, by the players that play for them, and for the jobs that they've done developing players and helping teams succeed, and they often have a lot of experience.

    As I said, hopefully, the guys that Saleh has hired will all be great, but I think most of us (we never all agree on anything) would have felt a little more confident or excited if we had known some of the assistants.
     
  7. NCJetsfan

    NCJetsfan Well-Known Member

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    I would have been instantly turned off. I would think that we had hired another cretin on the order of Rex.
     
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  8. NCJetsfan

    NCJetsfan Well-Known Member

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    Dunno. Hopefully we do.
     
  9. NCJetsfan

    NCJetsfan Well-Known Member

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    Not a lot of depth or substance here, and most of us probably already knew this, but maybe it will help.

    http://turnonthejets.com/2021/01/preview-of-saleh-ulbrich-and-the-jets-new-defensive-scheme/


    Preview of Saleh, Ulbrich, and the Jets’ New Defensive Scheme


    Author Will Parkinson
    Posted onJanuary 22, 2021

    Will Parkinson gives fans an inside look at the Jets’ new defensive scheme switch.

    The New York Jets defense is going to look incredibly different in 2021 and beyond. For starters, Robert Saleh as a head coach will be bringing very different principles and discipline to the team, especially the defense. Along with Jeff Ulbrich, they will look to change multiple things starting with the Jets horrible penalty record. The 2020 Jets defense was flagged for 14 roughing the passer penalties (league average is below 4) and 10 defense holding penalties (league average is 5). Secondly and most importantly, the defense with be changing from a base 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 under scheme primarily playing cover 3 but will be able to adapt based on the opponent. This, in its simplest terms, means that the Jets go from playing with 3 defensive lineman and 4 linebackers to playing with 4 defensive lineman and 3 linebackers. Ulbrich and Saleh’s system, which they learned and became experts at while working together in Seattle, will affect a few guys on the Jets most.

    For starters, playing a 4-3 under will most affect Quinnen Williams. Williams played in this 4-3 scheme in college playing mostly Defensive tackle but because of his athleticism and strength can now be moved around the defensive line to get the best matchup to maximize his ability in both the pass and run game. In an under-front, Quinnen would most likely play 3 technique to the weak side, lining up in between the guard and tackle (think Aaron Donald). In this scheme, a big need is an elite-level edge rusher at the defensive end position, where people like Nick Bosa, Michael Bennet, and Deforest Buckner have thrived in recent years in Seattle and San Francisco. This is going to be a big need for the Jets to address in Free Agency or the Draft. A name already on the roster that could make a big leap is Jabari Zuniga who played in a 4-3 in college at Florida.

    To move back a level to the linebacker position this is again where you will see the biggest difference in the defense going forward. The Jets for the better part of a decade-plus have played with two middle linebackers and two edge rushers on either side. Now the Jets will be moving to a defense with one middle linebacker and two outside linebackers who must play in run support as well as the pass-game. This will most affect CJ Mosley who will be the biggest X-Factor for the Jets in Ulbrich and Saleh’s defense. He is an all-pro level player in a 4-3 system but has not played more than 80 snaps since the end of the 2018 season. If Mosley can return to his peak form the Jets will be able to play multiple coverages and schemes to bring the most out of their defense. For a comparison think of Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner when you think of how CJ will be used. The biggest need for the Jets will be acquiring a strong-side outside linebacker in the draft or free agency to help fill out this defense. A name to watch out for on the Jets defense is Patrick Onwuasor, who played next to Mosley in Baltimore and, if healthy, could make a big impact.

    Lastly, to preview this system, let’s move to the secondary. This is somewhere in the defense that could change week to week and will need to have lots of depth at both corner and safety. If Marcus Maye is re-signed, he will be able to benefit, but because he is a borderline pro bowl level player he could succeed anywhere. Bryce Hall is someone to look out for because he is set to make a big jump from year 1 to year 2, but also because Saleh has been able to get the best out of guys like Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, as well as Brandon Browner, and Byron Maxwell. The Jets will need to add at least 2-3 corners to the roster in addition to another safety to add depth behind Maye and Davis. Someone to look out for already on the roster who can make a leap would be Bless Austin. Austin struggled mightily this year with injury and penalties but flashed as a late-round rookie, and with the proper coaching and injury luck, he could develop nicely into a 3rd or 4th corner on this roster.

    While Ulbrich will be calling the plays and taking the responsibility as defensive coordinator, this will no doubt be a collaboration together with Saleh. It is important that Ulbrich call the plays and lets Saleh manage the team but expect to see fire, passion, and excellent communication from the 2021 Jets defense.
     
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  10. NCJetsfan

    NCJetsfan Well-Known Member

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    https://jetsxfactor.com/2021/01/22/new-york-jets-2021-coaching-staff-must-know-stats-defense/

    New York Jets’ 2021 coaching staff stats you need to know (Defense)
    By
    Michael Nania
    -
    01/22/2021

    Aaron Whitecotton (Defensive Line)
    Career:
    • Assistant Defensive Line – 49ers (2020)
    • Assistant Defensive Line – Bills (2018-19)
    • Administrative Assistant to the Head Coach – Bills (2017)
    • Assistant Defensive Line – Jaguars (2016)
    • Assistant to the Defensive Staff – Jaguars (2013-15)
    • Defensive Assistant – New Mexico St. (2012)
    Whitecotton did a decent job with the 49ers’ defensive line in 2020, helping the unit stay afloat after injuries to Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas and Dee Ford. Defensive end Kerry Hyder enjoyed a breakout season with a career-best 55 pressures, 13th-most among edge defenders. However, star defensive end Arik Armstead posted a career-low pressure rate of 8.9%, although that can likely be attributed to the heavy loss of talent on San Francisco’s defensive front leading to more attention being placed upon Armstead.

    In 2019, Whitecotton oversaw an excellent season of growth from Buffalo’s defensive line. Jordan Phillips (9.5 sacks) and Shaq Lawson (6.5 sacks) each posted career-highs in sacks. Without Whitecotton in 2020, Phillips and Lawson combined for six sacks in 23 games.


    Nathan Ollie (Assistant Defensive Line)
    Career:
    • Assistant Defensive Line – Eagles (2019-20)
    • Defensive Line – Western Kentucky (2018)
    • Graduate Assistant – Tennessee (2015-17)
    Philadelphia had its share of issues in 2020, but the defensive line was not one of them. According to Pro Football Reference, the Eagles’ defense ranked second in the NFL with a 28.1% pressure rate, even while blitzing at the fifth-lowest rate (22.2%). Fletcher Cox (14th – 43 pressures), Javon Hargrave (19th – 37 pressures) and Malik Jackson (22nd – 33 pressures) made up the only trio of interior defensive line teammates to each rank top-25 at the position in pressures.


    Chip Vaughn (Defensive Assistant)
    Career:
    • Defensive Assistant – Jets (2020-present)
    • Secondary – Air Force (2018-19)
    • Defensive Backs and Passing Game Coordinator – Fayetteville St. (2016-17)
    • Secondary and Special Teams – Winston-Salem St. (2015)
    Vaughn is a holdover from the Jets’ 2020 staff. He was a fourth-round pick of the Saints in 2009 out of Wake Forest, but only ended up playing three NFL games for the Colts in 2010.

    At the Air Force Academy, Vaughn played a part in an enormous turnaround on the defensive side of the ball. In 2017, the year before Vaughn arrived, Air Force ranked 101st in the nation with 32.4 points per game allowed. The school rose to 56th with 25.8 points per game allowed in 2018, and in 2019, they skyrocketed to 20th with only 19.8 points per game allowed.


    Ricky Manning Jr. (Defensive Assistant)
    Career:
    • Assistant Defensive Backs – Seahawks (2016-17)
    • Graduate Assistant – Fresno St. (2015)
    • Defensive Backs and Special Teams – Fresno City College (2013-14)
    Manning has not coached since serving as the Seahawks’ assistant defensive backs coach in 2017.

    In 2017, the Seahawks had a tremendous development story come out of their DB room in the form of rookie cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The third-round pick out of Central Florida had an outstanding debut season, ranking 15th among cornerbacks with 15 passes defended (fourth among rookies behind Tre’Davious White, Marshon Lattimore and Adoree’ Jackson) while allowing only 6.3 yards per target, which still stands as a career-best.

    Manning played 84 NFL games at cornerback for the Panthers, Bears, and Rams from 2003-08. He was a third-round pick out of UCLA in 2003.


    Hayes Pullard (Defensive Assistant)
    Career:
    • Quality Control Analyst – Southern California (2020)
    Only 28 years old, Pullard was in the NFL as recently as 2019, a year in which he spent time with the Cardinals and Eagles during the offseason. A seventh-round pick out of Southern California in 2015, he played 46 NFL games at linebacker for the Jaguars and Chargers from 2015-18, also consistently playing on special teams.

    The USC defense had an improved season in 2020, ranking 32nd out of 127 teams in defensive FEI (Fremeau Efficiency Index, via Football Outsiders), the school’s best position since 2013. It represented a 25-spot leap from their No. 57 ranking in 2019.


    Jeff Ulbrich (Defensive Coordinator)
    Career:
    • Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers – Falcons (promoted over final 11 games of 2020)
    • Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers – Falcons (2020)
    • Linebackers – Falcons (2015-19)
    • Linebackers and Special Teams – UCLA (2012-14)
    • Assistant Special Teams – Seahawks (2010-11)
    Ulbrich massively increased the attractiveness of his resume with an outstanding finish to the 2020 season. After Dan Quinn was fired five games into the season, Ulbrich took on the defensive coordinator role (previously held by Raheem Morris, who was promoted to interim head coach) and led the Falcons’ defense to extraordinary improvement.

    Over the first five games of the season, Atlanta allowed 32.2 points per game and 446.0 yards per game. Over the final 11 games of the season, the Falcons allowed just 23.0 points per game and 376.7 yards per game.

    The most impressive aspect of the improved play under Ulbrich? Atlanta did it against elite competition. Throughout that 11-game stretch, the Falcons played the Chiefs (2nd in offensive DVOA), Buccaneers twice (3rd), Saints twice (7th), Vikings (8th), Raiders (14th), Chargers (15th) and Lions (16th). The average rank in offensive DVOA of Atlanta’s opponents over that span was 11.1. Besides the 30th-ranked Broncos, each of the other 10 opponents ranked no lower than 17th.

    Ulbrich also has an excellent development story under his name as a linebackers coach – Deion Jones. A 2016 third-round pick out of LSU, Jones leads linebackers with 11 interceptions since he entered the league, while ranking second in passes defended (38) and sixth in solo tackles (341).

    The Falcons were 25th in defensive DVOA when Quinn was fired. They finished the season ranked 14th.
     
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  11. LAJet

    LAJet Well-Known Member

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    Very nice read. Quite informative
     
  12. Jonathan_Vilma

    Jonathan_Vilma Well-Known Member

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    I've watched a good amount of Air Force over the past couple years and those boys can tackle with any team in the nation. Not sure what that says about the coach but a good note I guess.
     
  13. Losmeister

    Losmeister Well-Known Member

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    just knowing theri names. nah.
    ffs, we just mokes on the friggin internet.
    ok, i know a few coaches in the league... we just had Gase and WIlliams very well known. So friggin what.

    I make no bones about the fact that they might not be better than the guys they are replacing. We dont know. Thats all.
    95% of GGN feelings thought Sam had a HOF floor, ffs!
     
  14. Losmeister

    Losmeister Well-Known Member

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    how is Jax not a worse dumpster fire. stop being such a wuss, ffs. we're not special. lots shit to go around. cleve, detroit, et cet....
     
  15. sozopol

    sozopol Well-Known Member

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    The Jets liked Robert Saleh. A lot. They believed he was the perfect coach at the perfect time. Spirits tend to drop when you haven’t made the playoffs in a decade. Saleh’s starry vehemence, which radiated through in his first Zoom interview, seemed to be the jolt this team so desperately desired.

    But the Jets weren’t ready to commit yet. It takes more than passion and intensity to win games. They wanted a little more conviction. They couldn’t afford to get this hire wrong. They had to know this was right.

    So Saleh told them who he planned to have on his coaching staff, specifically offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

    The Jets didn’t need much more convincing after that.

    At 34, many consider LaFleur among the league’s up-and-coming offensive minds and the latest branch off the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. The younger brother of Matt, whose Green Bay Packers play the Bucs in the NFC Championship on Sunday, has worked with Shanahan the last seven years. He first joined him as an assistant with the Browns (2014), then Falcons (2015-2016), before following him to San Francisco as a passing game coordinator (2017-2018).

    By hiring LaFleur as his offensive coordinator, Saleh brings Shanahan’s scheme to the East Coast.

    Here’s what that means:

    The primary description given to Shanahan’s system is run first — like an old-school, Alex Gibbs, wide-zone scheme. It’s not that simple, though. It is run first, yes. But it is so, so much more intricate in that he uses an abundance of diverse 21 (two running backs and one tight end) personnel to press the defense.

    In its most vanilla execution, the run game is a zone, but Shanahan makes the opposition’s life miserable by working in an absurd amount of pre-snap motion and misdirection. When you combine that with what he does formationally, Shanahan can position the defense just the way he wants, so he has the angle, alignment, and assignment advantage. This results in his offenses consistently outflanking the defense. Those angles at the point of attack put continual stress on the defense’s run fits.

    Shanahan will hit you with wide zones, crack tosses and lead tosses against defenses.

    Then he plays off it with gap runs and whams.

    Among the most significant benefits of this rushing attack is that it doesn’t require an elite-level line to function. You don’t need to create movement. Instead, you need to reach, scoop, get in position, seal and get to the second level to cut off the back side. This makes average linemen look good, and good linemen look great.

    When the Jets hired Adam Gase, GM Mike Maccagnan signed Le’Veon Bell in what seemed a questionable marriage. Gase made it clear he wanted a running back by committee, not one lead back. Shanahan is a bit of a mix between the two. His scheme doesn’t require either, but instead a skill set. If one guy has it: Great. If multiple: Also great.

    The primary trait the offense requires from its running backs is speed. Shanahan needs guys who can get to the perimeter before the defense. In Atlanta, that was Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. In San Francisco, Shanahan hoped that would be Jerrick McKinnon, but he suffered back to back season-ending injuries. Journeyman Raheem Mostert stepped up and became the perfect example of a scheme-fit player.

    From 2015 through 2018, Mostert played for five teams. He rushed 42 times for 594 yards and one touchdown. In 2019, he rushed for 772 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns, along with another 336 yards and five scores in San Francisco’s three playoff games. Mostert is not an elite-level back in that he lacks nifty feet and great vision. But he’s fast and knows where he must be on each running play.

    Once Shanahan can establish the run, he begins to attack through the air. What makes this scheme so quarterback-friendly is the marriage of the run to the play-action to keep the quarterback out of drop-back situations. Shanahan will scheme receivers open, which has the quarterback throwing to windows, not players. This makes the read progressions much simpler.

    LaFleur will run Shanahan’s offense with the Jets. But if he wants to run it successfully, he’ll need a quarterback with enough athleticism to operate outside the pocket and throw accurately on the move. If LaFleur wants to take Shanahan’s scheme to the next level, he needs a quarterback who is just as effective in drop-back situations and can stand in against pressure, deliver the ball on time, and push the ball down the field while avoiding turnovers. This is where defenses have had success against Shanahan in recent years.

    Statistically, Jimmy Garoppolo excelled in 2019. The 49ers went 13-3 while he completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Garoppolo’s impressive numbers were more a result of Shanahan than his success, though. Defenses figured they must contain the run, and force Garoppolo to stretch the field, to win. In an injury-shortened 2020, Garoppolo went 3-3 as a starter completing 67.1 percent of his passes for 1,096 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

    But if the run gets going?

    If the play-action opens up?

    If the quarterback hits his mark and avoids turnovers?

    Good luck.

    The Jets offense has been dismal for the better part of forever, absent a random outburst from Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2015. It’s understandable why Joe Douglas and Co. were elated at the Saleh-LaFleur package deal. While he is not Shanahan, LaFleur will run his offense. That alone should provide a jolt to the previously stagnant unit. And while this Jets roster undeniably needs work, they do have some players who can benefit from its implementation.

    Quarterback Sam Darnold is the first, assuming the Jets don’t trade for Deshaun Watson or draft Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. He’s athletic and best when on the move. Surprisingly, he seems more accurate in that situation than when he’s sitting in a clean pocket. It’s unclear if he can consistently stretch the field, but at a minimum, he should give the Jets what the 49ers had in Garoppolo.

    Running back Ty Johnson impressed in limited play time last year, specifically with his speed. Like Mostert, he’s not the most elusive, but when he sees a hole, he gets through. Left tackle Mekhi Becton, center Connor McGovern and right tackle George Fant should all benefit from the zone blocking scheme. Even guard Greg Van Roten, who struggled mightily in 2020, should be able to, at a minimum, function.

    That’s a good start.

    The Jets must now spend this offseason acquiring what they don’t have.

    Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is a major contributor to the 49ers — an oddity in 2020. He gives San Francisco so much versatility in that he forces the defense to stay in their base personnel, but he himself can leak out of the backfield and create mismatches normal fullbacks cannot. The Jets hoped Trevon Wesco, a fourth-round pick in 2019, could do this for them. He hasn’t developed.

    The Jets also need receivers who thrive after the catch. They have that a little of that in slot Jamison Crowder, but wideout Denzel Mims is more of a linear route player. When the 49ers offense was at its best in 2019, Garoppolo got the ball to his playmakers and let them create. Guys like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Ayiuk could also play directly off Juszczyk in the backfield. It added another layer for defenses to defend in that San Francisco could hand the ball off to either on jet sweeps, then watch as they rushed around the corner like running backs.

    The Jets don’t have anyone like that under contract for 2020. And while this scheme is easy for an offensive lineman, the Jets still need to address the guard position with one, maybe two new starters.

    Lucky for Douglas, he has the means to bolster the roster. The Jets should begin free agency with near $90 million in cap space — most in the NFL — and have seven picks within the first four rounds, including No. 2 and 23.

    Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel and Titans tight end Jonnu Smith fit as yards-after-catch weapons. The Patriots aren’t expected to re-sign guard Joe Thuney, whom Douglas coveted last year. If the Jets don’t select a quarterback second, they can trade back to accumulate even more capital, targeting players like Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis, LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase or Northwestern guard Rashawn Slater. The possibilities seem limitless.

    It will take some work, but that offense might not actually look so bad next year.

    Especially with LaFleur calling the shots.

    No wonder that’s all the convincing the Jets needed.
     
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  16. sozopol

    sozopol Well-Known Member

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    One takeaway from that ^ : For the Jets, WRs of a certain type (good run-after-the-catch guys) may be a greater need than OL. And that Mims may not be the best fit.
     
  17. Mogriffjr

    Mogriffjr Well-Known Member

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    There’s talk Boyer and Dennard Wilson may stay.
     
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  18. BroadwayAaron

    BroadwayAaron Well-Known Member

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    thanks for posting!

    I also got this sense, but not so much that Mims isn’t a good fit... moreso that he needs to develop beyond being a straight line speed guy. Hes definitely got the physical tools so if he can get his route running up to NFL standards then he’s a fit in any offense.

    But yes, you get the sense that the Jets are going to have to significantly invest in a WR or two. I think Douglas just threw up in his mouth.
     
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  19. Noam

    Noam Well-Known Member

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    I read somewhere in the last two days that a number of people (I assume players) have been lobbying for Boyer but no decision of yet.
     
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  20. LogeSection2RowJ

    LogeSection2RowJ Well-Known Member

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    Rex wasn't out of his mind crazy like that guy was. Rex was funny, not a nutbag. (That day)
     
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