Stopping TEs As of right now, Who do we think is going to be charged with the big physical fast receiving tight ends ( a la Gronk ). I've heard good things about Davis but can't expect him to be ready for the full time job right away ( and can't expect Scott to be ready to give up the job ). I'm kind of hoping that we end up using Landry in this position as his combination of size strength and speed should allow him at least to punish people for making those throws over the middle, even if we can't stop them right out. Ellis Lankster for real? I've heard good things about this guy in camp so far ( mostly from Steiny so take for what it's worth, he usually hypes people up ), But I heard he was getting first team reps today. Anyone who's been there have any input? If he can actually proves to be as good as he is raving about we could have an improved group of DBs this season... Which is really scary. Cro @ WR? What? I know he setup a couple times there last season, ( Ran an end around once ). Why are we risking something like this. Seems like if nothing else we should be seeing how he can play at FS, Specially if the topic above plays out. Plus we have plenty of untested WRs on the roster right now, Why add another to the list of our WRs who have cought < 10 NFL passes.
You can't forget that an improved passrush is huge for a secondary. There is reason to expect a better passrush. Davis could be the guy on the third downs underneath with safety help over the top. You double Gronk if you have to. The Big Nickel will have Smith/Allen/Bush, Landry, Bell so a combo of them in base packages.
In the grand scheme of things, I do not see much difference in terms of personnel assignments. One change will come from ILBs - if Scott proves to be still slow, then Harris-Davis ILB tandem will see the playing time sooner than later. That said, this is how I see it: Jets usually employed 3 down linemen, with Bryan Thomas sealing the far edge. He is in 2 point stance, true - but he is essentially a down lineman. Now, with him returning as a backup, if Jets do go 4-men front, then I would suspect that Jets will go with DeVito/Pouha(Ellis)/Wilkerson/Coples lineup, with both Harris and Scott (Davis) lining up 5 yards behind both guards. If it is normal package, Pace will be lining up at Sam spot, but if it's Big Nickel package, then both Bell and Landry will line up behind ILBs. Also, on passing downs (3rd and 10 etc) you will see Maybin in place of Pace; and Maybin will play from all over the box, not just the edge. I am more than certain Jets defense will feature inside fire zone and outside fire zone, if they have legitimate threat on both places. I don't know who will play FS but I pray it's not Eric Smith. (But then Jets are forced with the likes of Josh Bush and whatnot, all low-round rookies. If you are asking for trouble, you can't do better than that.)
