Quick Fix: Reviewing the rotations against the Browns

by Site Admin

Let's start today's analysis with a quick review of the rotations on offense and defense in yesterday's game.

Forcing their hand

Injuries at defensive back, outside linebacker and running back ultimately meant the Jets didn't have a great deal of choice about what to do at those positions.

Marcus Williams was forced into a major role due to Juston Burris and Darryl Roberts being injured. Williams hadn't played any defensive snaps all season until Sunday. The Jets also used plenty of base packages with just four defensive backs and newcomer Ed Stinson and Mike Pennel rotating in on the line.

At outside linebacker, the Jets essentially just rotated three into two as Freddie Bishop, David Bass and Jordan Jenkins all got plenty of work. Surprisingly, Obum Gwacham was inactive.

Once Bilal Powell went down, Elijah McGuire moved into a full time role at running back. This required him to stay in to block much more than he has done in the rest of his appearances so far this season.

Garbage Dime

The Jets used a 2-2-7 dime package a handful of times during the game, which was the only time back-up safeties Rontez Miles and Terrence Brooks got in the game. The two linemen in these packages were basically either Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson paired with one of the outside linebackers. Demario Davis often rushes off the edge in these packages, creating an effective three-man front.

With two minutes to go, they opted for a bizarre personnel package within this look. For some reason, they had Lawrence Thomas - now a full-time fullback who was supposedly only going to play defense in emergencies - on the line with David Bass. They also had Julian Stanford in for Darron Lee. The result? A long touchdown on a screen pass featuring several missed tackles and multiple players struggling to get off blocks.

Rookies left on ice

Although McGuire and the two starting safeties had a big role, the Jets didn't get much else from their rookie class this week.

ArDarius Stewart got two touches on offense but only played 12 snaps. Chad Hansen was in for just a couple of plays and has now played just five snaps since opening day.

Jordan Leggett and Derrick Jones made their NFL debuts but only played on special teams. Dylan Donahue is, of course, on injured reserve now and Jeremy Clark remains on the non-football injury list.

PREVIOUSLY: Putting it all together at the right time