I've been thinking about how the Jets could have a better showing from their defense if they run a 3-3-5 base. They could keep the DL roughly as is, play Scott, Harris, & Pace as their LB, have Pool & Leonhard play the traditional safety positions and use Eric Smith as the Big Nickel. They could also sign the recently cut Deion Grant as depth here. I feel this package would be beneficial to run as it keeps the best 3 LBs on the field while removing the liability that is Bryan Thomas, would give Rex more speed and athletic ability to play with for coverages and blitz packages, and give Cromartie more of a chance to gamble & roam (due to the increased team speed). I know you're losing some size with Thomas on the sidelines his contract is for naught, but I don't think you're really losing production and the increased speed on the field will be helpful in combating the Pats spread offense and may also give blitzing looks that can hit the correct gaps and neutralize the effectiveness of the wildcat. What do you guys say? I know it's a somewhat outlandish suggestion, but it's the offseason and it's all I got!
Bryan Thomas isn't a liability,he's doesn't get a pass rush but he's very good against the run.Taking him out would hurt our run stopping ability.
I don't think shifting to a nickel base makes a lot of sense for a team that was already tops against the pass.
#1 vs the pass, but average at sacking the QB while also being the team that blitzes the most. The Jets blitzed on 57% of defensive snaps, the Saints came in 2nd with 43%. This is according to NFL Network. This manner of defense should increase the team's sack total.
+1 Even tho his numbers weren't great last year, he made some great plays against the run. Like Badger said, situational yes, but not as a base D. Rex runs a hybrid and the 46 anyway, so I'll leave it up to the Mad Defensive Scientist to figure it out. I think adding 1 or 2 defensive players from the Draft that fit his criteria of play-style and this we'll be disgusting, regardless of what kinda formation we run.
As Rex/Petting always say, sacks are overrated, it's about pressure. For example, the Jets hit Brady over 20 times in there week 2 matchup last season but never sacked him.
Not necessarily. I'd rather have the D with one of the lowest 3rd conversion % and the highest in 3rd and long's than sacks.
So you're basically swapping Thomas for Smith? I think we did that quite a bit last season anyway, not much of a change, IMO. And if we're talking about running it vs a spread or wildcat, aren't we then talking about a situational defense?
NFL is all about 4-3 or 3-4. The 3-3-5 the 4-4 the 2-4 they are situational formations I like them but you wont see teams using these every down.
in passing situations thats a good idea but as a base formation I could see teams gashing us with the run. Lots of 2nd and 5s.
Not really outlandish, I was talking this kind of stuff last preseason when I saw what Rex was doing. He did use 3-3-5 a number of times over the course of the season, but it was used as a transition defense depending on what kind of looks we were getting from the offense. But it'll never be the base defense.
In the college game? Sure. In the NFL? Not really. If the Jets want to work the 3-3-5 situationally in pass downs like they did last season then that is great but it is not a good base defense in the NFL. NFL running teams are going to shit all over that.
Sacks are awesome, don't get me wrong, but if the QB is getting hit, even if it isn't a sack, It's a good thing, and BT is extremely underrated as a defender. He's not the best pass rusher but he can stuff the run, and can lay some big hits every so often.
3-3-5 as a base would not be smart. We use 3-3-5 in nickel situations but an offense could expose that package with the run easily if overused.
3-3-5 base is a fun theory to look at with our current roster. We have a strong secondary, and lack a speed edge rusher that could be compensated with blitzing DB's as we did a good amount last year. With that being said, hopefully we'll get a solid OLB with speed in the draft and the 3-4 base will be a bit more fun. Its true that BT isn't a liability but he also isn't dangerous enough for this defense. I like him in running situations, but as a starter, he's so vanilla.
We shift, and run a offset of every formation. The casual fan just goes with what's heard, we are running a 3-4. I could careless about sacks if we continue to have a number one defense. What's the point in leading the league in sacks but giving up more points because you can't deploy the right coverage.
Thomas isnt a liability. He isnt much of a pass rusher but he is solid against the run. I would look to replace him but calling him a liability is to strong of a word IMO.
