Cimini: New York Jets Blitzing Less This Year

Cimini notes the Jets are attacking less and playing more coverage this year.

(5+ pass rushers, percent of opponent dropbacks, 2009-2011 Seasons, NFL rank)

2011 -- 30.9 -- 17th
2010 -- 44.8 -- 3rd
2009 -- 52.4 -- 1st


This dates back to the Playoffs a year ago when the Jets went to more coverage based tendencies. The blitz was becoming ineffective down the stretch. Prior to the season, we noted that Football Outsiders had the Jets rated as the worst defense in the league on third and long situations in 2010. Now the Jets semm much less apt to attack on third and very long than they were a year ago, for which many fans must be thankful.

I had noticed this. The Jets do mix things up, but there seem to be a lot of zone blitzes, where linebackers and people come from the secondary and linemen drop into short zone coverage. These would not count in Cimini's stats if only four men are rushing.

If this tendency continues, pass rushers like Jamaal Westerman and Aaron Maybin can provide a big boost if they can step up and win their matchups.