2017 Jets Coverage Stats: Week 3

Welcome back to another breakdown of the Jets in coverage in 2017! Let’s take a look at how the Jets and newcomers Trumaine Johnson and Avery Williamson did in coverage in Week 3 of the 2017 season.

Previous editions: Week 1, 2

RULES

• The coverage numbers include only legitimate targets into the general area of a receiver. Throwaways and deflections at the line are excluded.
• The stats for each individual are that of the quarterback’s passing numbers when targeting the individual’s matchup. A player could have an interception to his coverage credit even if the interception itself was made by a teammate. For example, when Tyrod Taylor threw an interception targeting Darron Lee’s matchup, Juston Burris ended up with the interception, but I would add that incompletion and interception to Lee’s resume.
• I did not apply the same rule to fumbles; I will only count those if forced by the covering defender.
• Penalties counted are only those accumulated in coverage.

Remember that these numbers reflect raw production only, and not always are indicative of true performance level! It’s plausible that a defender can get completely smoked and end up being credited with an interception, or vice versa, bringing very tough coverage but allowing big yardage due to an incredible catch. Make of these numbers what you like!

WEEK 3 SYNOPSIS

After what turned out to be easily their worst defensive outing of the year in Oakland, the Jets turned around and put in what turned out to be their best defensive effort of the year agianst Miami. The Dolphins scored only 6 points, coming on a garbage time drive to end the game, in a 20-6 Jets win. Jay Cutler completed 26 of 44 passes for 220 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, equaling a 70.3 rating.

Johnson’s Rams won a 41-39 nailbiter against the 49ers.

Williamson’s Titans defeated the Seahawks 33-27.

COVERAGE NUMBERS

Overall coverage yield: The first chart shows the total coverage numbers allowed by each individual Jet.

Most Jets had terrific individual days. Burris’ struggles all came on one garbage time drive, as he was benched following his Week 2 efforts. Roberts had a strong game, his passer rating is bloated by one garbage time touchdown. Terrence Brooks hauled in two picks. Demario Davis was dominant, yielding a highly impressive 3.3 yards per target and not allowing a single first down.

Coverage by matchup and field side: The chart below shows the Week 3 coverage yield for each Jet broken down by opponent matchup and the side of the field they lined up on. Check out my glossary at the bottom of the image!

As you saw above, Trumaine Johnson was absolutely obliterated by Brian Hoyer and the 49ers offense after starting his season with two lockdown performances. Pierre Garcon ate Johnson up down the field, as you can see below.

FILM

Obviously, based on the numbers, Trumaine Johnson did not have a good game. He gave up a total of 120 yards, 114 of them coming from Pierre Garcon. All four of Garcon’s receptions were 15+ yard first downs, including two on each side of the field. Here is his longest catch against Johnson, a 59 yard bomb down the left sideline. This is a nice throw and catch, but Johnson gave a ten yard cushion here to prevent this kind of play.

The most maligned part of Avery Williamson’s game is his coverage ability. While I think he demonstrated potential in that area and I believe his numbers will steady over time, he owns the second highest passer rating allowed of any of the players in this report at this point of the season. Here he allows Chris Carson to breeze by him for the touchdown, as he is slow to react and whiffs on the tackle.

I’m skeptical of how Jamal Adams’ numbers will unfold over the rest of the season, as I do remember quite a few hiccups from him in coverage. However, you cannot help but love his output at this point of the year. Adams has yielded only 4 receiving yards on 4 targets through the first three weeks, not one of those going for a first down. Check out Adams making a rangy pass breakup from the free safety position on the left side.

Terrence Brooks had himself a heck of a game. He picked off two passes, one of them coming on a fake punt and the other coming out of his middle zone in front of Jarvis Landry. Between Brooks, Rontez Miles, and even the potentially returning Doug Middleton, the Jets have some intriguing safety depth.

SEASON TOTALS

Here is how the Jets are stacking up after three weeks of work in 2017.

What are your thoughts on the Jets’ Week 3 coverage performance?