3 Not-So-Obvious Improvements the Jets Need to Make

[NYsportsGUY]

The Same Old Jets Scenario. This was the worst scenario out of the 4 that I speculated would happen after the Jets lost to the Saints in Week 4 of the NFL season. Unfortunately after 3 straight losses, it looks like the most probable. It's clear that the Jets need to do the obvious things to win football games but there are more things under the hood that are obtuse enough to overlook. Here's my take.

1) Adjust Play Calling - The Jets loss to the Bills was way more frustrating then their loss to the Dolphins mainly because the Bills suck balls way more, we were at home, and it was the third loss in a row as opposed to the second loss in a row. For me, the fact that Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer failed to adjust their play calling based on how the game was playing out. In the Dolphins game, the stupid ass wildcat was the problem for the defense. The Dolphins guards and fullbacks were winning each 1 on 1 battle with the Jets LB's in addition to preventing the Jets from being able to utilize their best weapon, the blitz. The Jets offense was the problem for the game against the Bills. Ok, that's pretty fuckin obvious. But what concerned me was that Schott and Ryan didn't properly adjust the offensive play calling. It was crystal clear that Dirty Sanchez was having issues with the wind and temperature but why didn't we run some screens? A standard RB screen to Leon would have definitely produced yards. A WR screen to Clowney could have lead to a huge play. The essence of short, easy pass mitigates the chance that the wind or Sanchez's manicured hands will affect the flight path of the pass.

2) Get Keller and Sanchez on the Same Page - TE Dustin Keller was targeted an astronomical 10 times against the Bills. WTF! He caught 2 passes for 16 measly yards. It wasn't all Keller's fault though. Clearly Sanchez had more picks than Stockton and Malone and many of the passes targeted to Keller were way off or intercepted by the Bills below-average secondary. Mark and Dustin have about as much chemistry as an arranged marriage and I wouldn't look for any cute nicknames like "Dus-chez" or "San-tin" anytime soon. The Tight End is supposed to be the key for a rookie QB. The escape valve. The easy short throw that can help move the chains on a big 3rd down.The 3rd option who will always be open with the 1st and 2nd aren't. Some timing drills need to be implemented so that these guys can get on the same page - Going on a date to Red Lobster to share some shrimp cocktail and buttery biscuits wouldn't kill them either.

3) Continue to Be Aggressive - Or you could also say, don't be Eric Mangina. Rex Ryan needs to be objective with how he approaches the rest of the season - especially these next 2 weeks when the Jets have winnable games. It is totally possible the Jets could be 5-3 (Games @Oakland and then home vs. Dolphins) and control their own destiny going forward before the bye week. This will not happen if they don't continue to blitz, take shots down field when it's appropriate, and get that swagger back. An away game at the Raiders should help Sanchez be Sanchize again because the conditions will be much more favorable. Don't lose hope yet Jets fans, this is a 16 game season.

Any other improvements the Jets need to make going forward?
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[Dan]

Nice article. I especially like the reference to Shawshank...Good article, still a good team that barely makes it into the playoffs.