The Jets arguably have the best defensive line in all of football. And though it would be foolish to question Rex and defensive schemes, I think I would start to be more creative given such a great defensive line.
Now, disclaimer, I am not a football coach. I don’t pretend to think I know more than Rex. I am merely offering a suggestion.
In light of the article about how Geno Smith struggled against the Tampa-2. One of the ways you can beat the Tampa 2 has been using a mobile QB. The Tampa-2 is a cover 2 defense that rushes 4 linemen and drops 7 in coverage. I’m thinking that since Rex has such a dominate defensive line, he could drop 8.
I remember Eric Mangini dropped 8 a few times, and I don’t think it was all that successful. But I think Rex is a lot more creative and innovative. I think if Rex drops 8 from time to time on the first two downs, the Jets could see an increase in turnovers and confusion on other teams offenses.
To make this successful I truly believe it should be a play that has a lot of different looks.:
· Typically 7 of the 8 LBs/DBs would drop into a coverage similar to the Tampa-2 look.
· The 8th player will create confusion with different tasks and assignments.
o Man coverage on a targeted receiver
o QB spy
o Dropping into zone that overlaps two zones.
What I think this will do.
· Give up a little more rushing yards.
· Fatigue Mo, Snacks, and Richardson
o Give Ellis and Douzable more time in a rotation.
· Increase the amount of coverage sacks.
· Increase the chances of interceptions
· Increase the likelihood of sacks if we do decide to blitz 5.
· Confuse opposition QBs because they can’t trust their reads
If I were Rex and the Jets I would have tried to find speed/coverage linebackers in the draft. That didn’t really happen, but I think if the Jets go with a nickel or dime package and try the same scenario, our abundance of safeties may help out. A zone scheme more often may also help play to the strengths of Dee Milliner.