QuickFix: Smart play design exploits Jets' weaknesses
The Jets defense was pretty effective for most of the game yesterday, but the Bucs caught them out with a few nicely designed plays which suggested they've identified some weaknesses from watching Jets film. The executed well enough to exploit these weaknesses for some key plays.
Let's review some examples:
These first two plays come from early in the game, during what was presumably the scripted portion of the offensive gameplan. Obviously these were installed specifically to get the Bucs off to a decent start and this was important as the Jets basically spent the entire first half trying and failing to flip the field.
Note how the Bucs line three receivers up on the same side. This is because they know the Jets only have Buster Skrine who is experienced at playing in the slot. So, this is designed to create a mismatch with DeSean Jackson as the intended target:
Not only does this create a mismatch, it actually leads to a blown coverage, as both Buster Skrine and Darryl Roberts follow the other slot receiver, leaving Jackson uncovered. At first glance, this looks like Demario Davis' mistake, but it's probably Roberts who should have picked up Jackson and the reaction of the players after the play makes this clear.
The same concept led to another big catch for Jackson on the play which led to Morris Claiborne opting to leave the game. This time he ends up with that match-up in the slot and can't stay with Jackson across the field:
These next two examples came on the Bucs pivotal touchdown drive.
On third and long, they anticipate the Jets will be in their Miles/Davis dime pressure package and run right into the teeth of it for a huge first down:
Having been stopped all day in the running game, trying it with seven defensive backs in the game was smart and they executed their run blocks well.
Kony Ealy is sealed to the inside and Juston Burris also gets sucked inside, while Jamal Adams does the right thing by filling the outside lane to ensure outside contain but is then sealed off to the outside. Safeties Rontez Miles and Terrence Brooks are both pancaked at the second level and downfield and Darron Lee can't get over at the second level as he ends up on the floor, although it's unclear whether he either slips or is illegally dragged down.
Shortly afterwards, the Bucs moved into scoring range with this first down pass, on which it might initially look like Marcus Maye got beaten:
However, this is another well-designed play, looking to exploit a lack of focus or awareness from Buster Skrine. He's matched up with the receiver who catches the ball in the left slot but gets caught up in traffic, leaving the receiver wide open in the opposite flat.
Skrine anticipates a run because the offensive line moves in unison to the left. He realizes after a beat that it's a play action roll out, but by then it's too late to recover to his man, especially with so many bodies in his way.
The Bucs' offensive staff deserves credit for these play designs, but also this underscores how the Jets have some bad habits and defensive weaknesses that can be exploited, even by a team with non-elite personnel.
PREVIOUSLY: The Irony Bowl