Please be specific and don't just say "better running game". Delve into the details as to what you think is wrong specifically, and what can be done to fix it.
1) We have to throw less. alot less. like 20-25 times a game. 2) we need to protect the ball at all costs, maybe go back to that "red-yellow-green" system we used with sanchez at one point 3) we need to run when its not working, and go with a "punt is better then a turnover" strategy 4) defense, which hasnt been bad, needs to step it up even more, and rush the passer better 5) special teams needs to be flawless 6) our redzone game on both ends needs to be near flawless basically, we need to go back to 2009. run run run. only pass when necessary, and even then sometimes run anyway. try not to turn it over, play lights out defense and score in the redzone
The biggest issue is playcalling on both sides of the ball. Offensively: If Sparano figures it out, we could actually be in decent shape. Those 1st down gut runs weren't working against the Dolphins, yet they were still being used through the 2nd quarter. The lack of adjustment was the disturbing issue there. He also needs to figure out when he should use the Wildcat and use it in a better manner situationally. 3rd/4th and 1s should be either Tebow or Greene time. 3 down goalline situations should be Wildcat, or heavy PA boot for Sanchez to run it in. More play actions on 1st and 2nd down. Stuff like that where if it doesn't work, fans are more understanding, whereas when people are guessing the 1st down play (because it was also a gut run) in the game threads, you're not so happy when it doesn't work. I'd rather this team be more limited by execution than the playcalling itself. Defensively: Blitzing. As people have mentioned before, Rex and Co. have stepped off the pedal since the 45-3 loss to the Pats in terms of blitzing. However, that sort of play was what got them to the playoffs in those first two years. Their exotic looks no longer work very well and we aren't getting pressure because more often than not those looks result in 3-4 people rushing anyway, so the OL knows they have it covered. Personnel-wise, I think Ducasse going in there needs to happen sooner rather than later since he's simply a better run blocker than the other two at this stage, even if he gives up some in pass protect. I'd rather we established the run and win in pass protection due to balance than lose in the run game and be forced to pass more anyway. It looks like defensively they're already going younger, though I do hope Berry learns the playbook ASAP so they can figure out how to use Kyle Wilson better.
He needs to not make has many throws that sail and go somewhere bad. He needs to get rid of the ball sooner. He needs to protect the ball when he's going to get sacked. Maybe take off and run it more, because the receivers aren't getting open on a lot of plays. Put more checkdown routes in, because he likes those. Try to move up the field with checkdowns maybe. Stephen Hill needs to catch the ball. Obviously, Dustin Keller is working -- good target and Mark goes to him well. More plays designed to target Dustin Keller.
Make sure Kerley and Keller are on the field often. Get the ball in their hands as much as possible. Throw more balls up for grabs to Hill. Let him use his size and height to his advantage. Use the pass to set up the run. Commit to protecting Sanchez but try to avoid max protect or protects that leave Keller blocking since he is a prime target. Get Joe McKnight the ball often and in space. Teams are catching onto our throwing plays out of heavy run sets. My key thing would be let Sanchez go out there with Hill, Kerley, Keller, 6OL/Hilliard or Smith or someone like that and McKnight and let them run some hurry up or no huddle. Let them push the pace, keep the defense off guard. Sanchez looks his best when we go to a no huddle or hurry up. Keep the defense on the heels. Don't have to necessarily snap the ball right away. Let Sanchez motion Kerley or Keller all over the field to read the defense and get them open.
Defense: Rush the passer. I feel as though the QB's don't even have to wash their jersies after the game with the tiny amount of pressure we put on them. If you can't sack them, at least force them into a bad decision. Kyle Wilson: Improve your speed. You are getting burned constantly. Look at the ball and make a play on it. If the QB overthrows, don't wag your finger like you did shit. Offense: Wide receivers need to pretend that the ball is a newborn baby and hold onto it for dear life. No drops, no redzone drops especially. Sanchez needs to do the same as well. If nobody is reasonably open, do NOT stand there, do NOT take a sack with the football loose. Either throw it away, protect the ball in a sack and live for another day, or tuck it and run. If you are down by ANY amount, stop playing grab-ass and start running the no huddle. Show some aggressiveness, and maybe our run game will improve. Run game is steadily improving, but we need to open bigger holes to get Greene and McKnight in space. 3rd and 1 and redzone rush situations: Put Tebow in. No ifs, ands, or buts. I really wish Tebow would just insert himself in on those situations, but that's unrealistic. Tebow can barrel over defenders to get something going. 4th and up to 5 on the opponent's side of the field: Use a fake punt. Mix it up with a fake punt run and fake punt pass. Be aggressive, if it works, it swings momentum drastically in our direction (see the Colts game). Special Teams: No more blocked anything. A successful punt return for me would be if they return it to the 30 yard line.
Special teams needs to be better, OL needs to be better, we need to run more and quit taking dumbass penalties. Special teams really let us down these last two games.
1. I don't think the key is throwing less, but rather keeping yourself out of positions where you need to throw a lot. This offense isn't built to come from behind and it struggles when it tries to do so. 2. I agree with that 100%. This team will win more games if the defense plays better. The defense will play better if turnovers are kept to a minimum. 3. There is something to be said for sticking with the run. I think those short runs can become longer once the defense is fatigued in the 2nd half. Again, this can't be the case when the team is behind. The defense needs to step up to make up for this lackluster (seemingly by design) offense. 4. Pass rush is huge. I think the defense is going to have to win the majority of the games for this team. The most you can realistically ask from this offense is to keep the mistakes down and not lose the game for you. 5. Amen 6. This is kind of true for everyone, but I agree with you; on those occasions when the offense is in the redzone it needs to come away with TDs and not FGs.
We need to see more long throws downfield. Feels like Sporano really doesnt trust Sanchez enough, probably for good reason. But if you have to make the D respect the pass, the run game will then be more open.
Work the middle of the field with Kerley and Keller. Both guys work really well across the middle. Let them do that and send Hill down the field more. But stay true to the running game. Fact is if the Jets are going to be successful this year the running game has to be a big reason why. On defense we have to stuff the run which we have been improving on and let our young players play. Keep Davis and Coples out there, hopefully Quinton can help generate a pass rush.
Looking at their last three games they cockslapped Indy, moved the ball on a crappy NE D and got smoked by a what appears to be sick Miami D. Obviously the latest dud is all thats on anyone's mind. Really interested to see what they have coming off a bye at SEA.
Whoa now, don't go all Tonya Harding on us. Football > Baseball except in one area: In Baseball you can bench the starting pitcher midway thru the game and finish up with the relief pitcher. I wish we could do that in football without everyone thinking it's the end of the starter's career.
If Mark has a deep threat as a weapon, we can go downfield. Who is his deep threat? Cro for the Texans game? We have no deep threat. Or threat in general.
