Brad Smith Could Make a Big Difference Against Denver Broncos

by John B on Oct 15, 2010 8:45 PM EDT

While Leon Washington got a lot of attention for his pair of kick return touchdowns a few weeks back, the Jets haven't missed him terribly as a returner. While Leon leads the league with a 40.2 average, Brad Smith sits third with an average of 32.3. Are these stats always definitive? Of course they are not. Jim Leonhard is ranked third in the league in punt return average, but he hasn't been very impressive. His returns are mainly the result of a lot of open space.

Smith has been legitimately good, though. Mike Westhoff's blocking schemes are doing excellent work giving him space, and he is reading these blocks, exploding through holes, and making guys miss. His 86 yarder against Minnesota set up what proved to be a critical field goal.

Denver is a team struggling to contain kickoff returns. They are giving up 27.5 per return, which is number twenty-seven in the NFL. In their opening loss, the Broncos allowed returns of 53 and 46 yard to Tiquan Underwood. This field position led to a pair of field goals. They lost by 7 and needed to go 77 yards in 1:50 in their final posession instead of just needing a field goal had those field goals not been kicked. Kyle Orton had to force it down the field and was intercepted. They also gave up a 98 yard touchdown to the Titans.

The Jets have a terrific offense. Things will be that much easier if Smith can give the team good field position off kickoffs.

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Comments

great point.

For the second week in a row the Jets are the best field position team in the league.

in starting position: 35.03 (CHI is first: 36.51)
in opponents starting position: 34.63 (KC is second 25.40)
in Net position: 10.40 (CHI is second 8.45)

Denver is 21st (offense), 7th (defense), 13th (NET).

"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson

by kv on Oct 15, 2010 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

I totally agree John

Im looking for a huge game out of him against a really questionable defense.
It’s really one of only two things I WANT to see out of this game.
The other thing I want to see is Mark showing some added command out of his newly improved WR core. I think the addition of Holmes threw off the timing of a great offensive machine last week. I want to see everything settle back down again. And like your recent posts, get the ball back to Keller, and keep defenses off balance with the Wildcat.
There is no need with over analyzing stats if the team fixes these things during the week because If they do, the offense should roll on sunday in a winning effort.

by colinyoung on Oct 15, 2010 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

From the sounds of Ryan

unless he is playing possum, the plan is going to be to really drive Greene into the line, setting up big pass plays.

Personally – although I’ve been cool on run-first against the recent teams – I’d like a lot of run and then play action pass, getting all those defenders in the box. Keller would fit perfectly in that. I like the run here because success with the run could dispirit the Broncos and get them over-reacting.

I don’t know if the WRs, and nice as they are, need to be the offensive feature. This is a road game, mile high. I want to tire their defense. I don’t want to score quickly.

"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson

by kv on Oct 15, 2010 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree. The only concern really is turnovers. Pound the rock, possession passing with Keller and Braylon, every once in a while work Holmes on a quick slant or a deep come-back. Try to hit em for 6 if we catch ’em cheatin and get a favorable match-up.

If we can rush it 35 times and keep Sanchez’s attempts at 25 or less, we should be in good shape.

We should attack in the red zone though. We can’t settle for 3s like last week. Especially on the road.

by Crackback on Oct 15, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions

For all their passing yards, they really don’t score many points. The most TDs in a game i saw from Orton is 2 i think. If we can jump on them early and hang a 20 by half, they’ll fold.

Its also interesting to note that Buffalo played New England the week before they played us and NE rushed for 200. We then went up there and rushed for over 270.

Last week, Denver let the Ravens rush for over 200. I can’t say i won’t be dissappointed if we don’t put up at least that.

by Crackback on Oct 15, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn't say the WR's needed to be the offensive feature.

I just want to see Mark show that he has taken a step further with his new WR core. Like I said, the passing game was out of sync last week. I just want to see improvement. Balance. The Jets offense played like there were too many mouths to feed in the passing game. They are going to find plenty of chances to impose their will in both the passing game and running the ball equally. Lets not forget the Broncos will be very thin at corner. If Im correct they should be starting either a saftey or a rookie in the slot. A great chance to see an unsung hero like J-Co have a great game. This is a good week to see the offense operate well in all phases. I think that whats more likely to happen.

by colinyoung on Oct 16, 2010 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions

In Defense of Leonhard

I think they use #36 because he has good hands and makes good decisions, even if “unspectacular”. You don’t have to worry about him muffing one. His sure hands contribute to the positive turnover ratio. +11 has a lot to do with the 4-1 record.against quality opponents (except Buffalo).

by Black Dog Jet on Oct 15, 2010 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

Completely agree. I think he has done a good job.

"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson

by kv on Oct 15, 2010 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Santonio Holmes?

returning punts anyone? I think you got to give him a shot.

by BIG OH!!!!! on Oct 16, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah they do not bring Jimmy out to oooo and awh people…lol

In an Ideal world I would have all ten fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.

by BL3ACH on Oct 16, 2010 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I sure hope so, I love Brad Smith and I appreciae Schotty trying to use him in so many different ways. I wish he would have panned out as a WR, cause I think hes a real talent. I also appreciate the fact that I never heard of him talking crap about lack of playing time, or not given a chance to be a QB, players like this are valuable to a team, and im glad we have him. I cannot wait for him to break a long one.
For you Yankee fans, he reminds me of Bernie Williams when he runs, I love it.

Bingo!

by Shawamar on Oct 15, 2010 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

wildcat

I would really like to see the jets open things up with B Smith passing from the wildcat. Once the defenses see the pass they have to be concern about the pass and things will open up for the run and pass. B Smith is also a very good passer lets use it.

by ocjet on Oct 15, 2010 11:40 PM EDT reply actions