Robert Saleh, 5 man overload pressure, match coverage concept!

The NY Jets and 49ers 5 man pressure with match concepts in the passing game

Robert Saleh is an excellent defensive coach. One of the schemes he likes to implement is a 3x1 pressure where he sends LB's and or db's and plays a cover 1 match concept.

The reason it is a match concept is that the coverage rules are as follows:

The CB on each side will take #1 wr. 

The Safety and LB to the 3x1 side will combo the slot wr and the #3 wr. This allows them to play inside outside on the #2 and #3 wr.  At times he's even dropped a wr to take the #3 wr. 

FS- The Free safety is a deep 1/3 defender

Peel rules-Usually a defensive end or an outside LB will be responsible for the back if he releases that way. It has been very effective for Saleh when he was with the 49ers and he still uses it with the Jets today. 

Jets Vs Falcons

front odd 3-2 although Huff is a DE by trade.

In this situation the Jets anticipate a slide and put the RB in limbo with 2 rushers attacking him. One inside and one outside.  They actually send three LB's and the first one does a great job occupying the RB vs the Falcons 4 man slide. Great design and ability to take advantage of the RB. You can see the Mike and the safety playing #2 and 3 in the passing game. Safety has outside leverage and mike does a good job on the #3 wr. 

 Jets vs. Saints

The Jets run a 3-2 look vs the Saints and run their cover 1 match concept. The safety and the lb are comboing the #2 and 3 wr. The DE peels for the rb.  The jets overload rush with a game on their right side and get 2 rushers home free.

Nice Design

De takes the rb and they get good pressure with the overload blitz

Jets vs Jags

Jets run a 6 man pressure (5man with the safety blitzing engaging the running back) but do a  a nice job forcing a bad throw.

Nice design out of the load front with the match principle with the lb and safety.

They bring good pressure again with the appearance they are sending 6 and playing man free with match principle  and jumping routes.  They actually are playing a defensive lineman in coverage in this situation. 

Most teams would sit and 4, they bring the pressure.  The 49ers bring great 5/6 man pressure with blitz engage principles.

The mike bails but they bring edge pressure

Excellent pressure from the load front. 

Its a 6 man pressure with match principles. Mike playing 3 to 2. 

Vs the Seahawks

Heres a very similar blitz on 3rd and 6 vs the Seahawks. This time they drop the de and match him on #3 

Here's look at the pressure in the situation.

They get into it but they are load left as the dT is standing up. 

The De drops as they bring the overload from the right side.

Good 4 man pressure to a side with the LB both coming and 23 off the edge. 

Excellent design and pressure from Saleh

Another 3rd and 10 and the 49ers bring pressure against the Cardinals. Good design with man free coverage. The 49ers get a 3x1 set with a te backside and the back strong to the 3x1 side. They scheme it up nicely as the cb comes clean and the coverage is great downfield.

These are just some of the things that Saleh ran with the 49ers and Jets on defense. 

You also saw it in the NFC playoffs when the 49ers ran it vs the Packers two times in a row. 

Later in the game on 2nd and 8 and 3rd and 8 they play cover 1 match, send 6 and double Adams with the safety, daring Rodgers to throw the ball to someone else. He actually had the tight end open but missed the read. 2 clips are below

2nd and 8

3rd and 8 and the next play, they run the same concept and get home. Forcing the punt which was blocked for the lead. Great defense!!

Its an excellent 3x1 concept that is utilized by the Jets and 49ers. 

Jets 2022 Offensive Line and Tight End Targets in Free Agency

 The Jets went out and got their franchise QB in 2021. They also got some key pieces in the draft with Elijah Moore and Michael Carter. There is plenty of excitement moving forward due to this young talented group and 4 draft picks in the top 2 rounds in the 2022 draft. They also have WR Corey Davis and a decent TE in Ryan Griffin. 

On offense, the Jets are rank 15th in passing yards and 28th in completion percentage. The offensive line stats are deceiving because of the situation of having a rookie qb. Also, the Jets are  last in rushing attempts on the year, which is shocking with a rookie QB.  But they are tied  for 11th in rushing yards per carry at 4.4. It's no secret that their lack of attempts hurt their statistical numbers and the team is a much better when they run the football on a consistent basis.. Even though they are last in attempts, they are 26th in yards. So, if they rushed 8-10 more times a game, they would probably be around the middle of the pack in rushing. 

They were also sacked 2.9 times per game which is  26th in the league. But, again that stat is deceiving because of several factors:

1. Having a rookie qb and making poor decisions

2. Some of those are on naked boots which is no one's faults up front.

3. Some were a result of the rb.

4. The Jets get a ton of 5 man pressures because they have a rookie qb.

5. They lead the league in passing attempts. More passing attempts=more sacks

6. They don't run the ball nearly enough, last in rushing attempts

My point is that you shouldn't get caught up in the numbers. They were better than what people thought. 

Moving Forward

Now they have to address some pieces to really take the next step as a program. One of the positions they have to address is the offensive line and tight end. 

The biggest question marks on the offensive line are the following:

1. Who plays right guard?

2. Do they bring Moses back or kick Fant back to right tackle?

3. Who plays center? Do they restructure McGovern  or go to a different option either through the draft or free agency?

What will the plan be. I happen to like Moses and think he should be brought back? If not, do you go after a veteran back up. Would you bring him back and move Becton to guard. Would it be more cost effective?

Imagine an offensive line  of:

Fant-Becton- Mcgovern-Tucker-Moses. I 'm in the minority about moving Becton to guard but that would be a really impressive offensive line. 

But let's dive a little deeper into the options:

Last year's starters.

LT/RT- George Fant-George moved from the right side to the left side after Mekai Becton went down and played really well over there. Arguably, he played better than Becton and graded out quite weil in both the run and pass game. 

LT-Mekai Becton is going to play somewhere next year. Tremendous run blocker with some issues handling speed rushers. He will be back but do you consider moving him to guard? Probably not, but it wouldn't be the worst move in the world. 

LG Aligah Vera-Tucker- Vera Tucker did a real nice job in the run game as a rookie and will be a solid player for years to come. He is excellent in the zone scheme and playside in the gap counter schemes. The areas he can improve upon is pass protection and his trap, counter blocking technique. Thought he struggled at times in those 2 areas. The nice thing about him is he can kick over to right guard if they sign a left guard.

C-Connor Mcgovern- Connor is a good football player that fans seem to underestimate his ability. I don't think he is nearly the problem they make him out to be. To me, he is a top 10 center and a player I would want on my football team. That being said, he does have a huge contract but that can be converted into a 2 year deal with a nice signing bonus, thus giving the Jets more cap flexilbilty.

RG- Laurent Devarney-Tardiff - Tardiff was a nice pickup and great story as he has done a tremendous amount for the community. But in reality there are better answers to play guard. They could really benefit from him coming back in a reserve role but I think they need to go in another direction at starting right guard.

RT- Morgan Moses- Morgan Moses was a good addition and is a very solid right tackle. He has only let up 3 sacks and is a very solid pro. 

Backups

Dan Feeney, Greg Van Roten, Connor McDermott and Isaiah Wilson were some of the key backups on 2021.  I would expect Feeney back, especially for the excitement of Islander games.

Tight End

The Jets 2 tight ends were more run blockers and neither was a top tight end in receptions in 2021. Griffin was #30 in receptions. This an area in which the Jets would like to get a quality receiving te in 2022. 

TE- Tyler Kroft- Had a good year and is a very solid run blocker. Was adequate in the passing game but really not a dynamic wr. 

TE- Ryan Griffin- Not the run blocker that Kroft is but a little more versatile in the pass game.

TE-Trevon Wesco- A one dimensional tight end/full back who givves them some versatility. 

2022 definite returners

Fant, Becton and Tucker will be back and it gives the Jets some flexibility.  Fant could be restructured but I wouldn't mess around with him too much. It may cost you more money. 

Possible Returners

C- Mcgovern is a 9 million dollar savings if cut. The Jets could restructure him give him a 2 year deal and bring him back. Throw him a signing bonus and  maybe a 2 year 12 million dollar deal. I think he's a solid player and worth the investment.

RT Morgan Moses-Here's where it gets interesting. I like Moses and think he would be worth bringing back. But you aren't going to get him for the bargain basement price you got him at last year. Now do you resign him and give yourself some more flexibility with 3 tackles. 

TE-Tyler Kroft and Ryan Griffith are both free agents. What direction do you want to go there. I coould see them bringing one back and then searching for the more dynamic option in free agency.

Free Agency Options

Let's look at some of the free agent options for the Jets at both tight end ,center and guard, the  positions you can see the Jets possibly bringing in thru free agency.

#1 Guard

I don't think the Jets need to focus on a left or right guard because of Vera-Tucker's versatility.He played right guard at USC in his earlier years. People may disagree with me on that but I want the best available guard there.

Below are 9 guys who would be great additions to the Jets offensive line. All are clearly better than what the jets have now. I would be surprised if they don't go after a guard in free agency only because of the depth in free agency at the position.

1. Brandon Scherf  wft     A great player who will be one of the best guards on the market.    He won't be franchised again.

2. Connor Williams cowboys A player who may be franchised but I can see hitting the market because of the cowboys cap issues.

3. James Daniels  Bears    Really came into his own this year after moving around over the years. Is he good enought to be tagged or will he hit the open market.

4.  Austin Corbett Rams    Corbett is really good. Has some good years ahead of him.Can play center or guard which is great for versatility purposes. Do the Rams franchise him or Darious Williams-CB?

5. Andy Norwell Jaguars    A great vet who doesn't seem to have lost a step.   

6. Laken Tomlinson 49ers I think Saleh knows how good he is.

7. Mark Glowinski Colts Mark is a heck of a guard. Could get the franchise tag.

8. Quinton Spain  Bengals Quinton is a very good guard and excellent run blocker. Definitely a great run blocker

9. Patrick Mekari Ravens   A restricted free agent so I don't see the Ravens letting him go but you never know.

#2 Center

The only players in the same class as McGovern are:

Ryan jensen    Bucs       

Brian Allen      Rams

Brad Bozeman  Ravens

These are the only 3 who would be worth replacing McGovern with. Are you going to get them for under $9 milllion per year. These guys are going to command $10 million plus per year so maybe trying to lure Mcgovern back may be a better option.

Other options who aren't the players Mcgovern are and I put in the avearge range include: Ethan Pocic Seahawks

Matt Paradis   Panthers

Patrick lucas packers 

Max  garcia Cardinals    Garcia intrigues me because he can play center/guard, which in today's NFL is a commodity

 

The options are McGovern, one of the players above or drafting a center in the 2nd round. That's how it will play out.

#3 TE

The Jets have 2 free agent tight ends. Both are good blockers and I can see 1 being brought back. Both Griffin and Kroft are solid pros.  Whether they attack the position in free agency or the draft remains to be seen but I can see them signing 1 tight end  and drafting another in round 2 or 3. They also have Kenny Yeboah so will see their thoughts on him. Either way they need two tight ends. 

Here's where it gets interesting in free agency. The tight end class is not very deep. The best tight end is Mike Gesicki. I will be shocked if Gisecki hits the open market. I anticipate him being franchised. But if he gets his wish and he's classified as a wr, he may hit the market because that would cost the Dolphins some $$$. Keep an eye on that. 

That leaves the following:

1. Dalton Shultz cowboys       69 receptions, 733 yards,10.6 ypc Will be available because the Cowboys will mostly franchise Gregory, Williams or Kearse. 

2. Zach Ertz- Cardinals 60 receptions , 638 yards 10.6 ypc Great veteran who has a few years in the tank,

3.Tyler Conklin   min             54 receptions 540 yards 10 ypc He may be the best one of the group,has great upside and is a good route runner. Keep an eye on him but I don't see the Vikings franchising anyone else. HE would be the franchise tag recipient as I see it.

4. CJ Uzomah   bengals       45 receptions ,461 yards 10. 2 ypc Good veteran who may be a nice security blanket for a young qb.

5. David njoku     Browns 30 receptions , 436 yards 14.5 ypc . Njoku is a wr who plays tight end and that's an intriguing player because you can split him out and force some 1x1 matchups on the perimeter. Not an inline tight end but would be a great off the ball option.

         

6. Ricky Seals-Jones   wft A converted wr who has even more room to grow. He adds to his body, he may be an even better tight end in 2022. He's a guy to keep your eyes on.He had 29 catches for 263 yards in 2021.  

7 Robert Tonyan packers     Tonyan was coming into his own before getting injured in 2021. May be a 1 year prove it candidate as Joe Douglas loves.

8 Mo Cox Colts. Mo Cox could be a very solid addition, especially in the run game. He's just a good football player.

Again, this isn't a tremendous free agent class so expect the Jets to draft a tight end.

All in all, the offensive line and tight end positions need to be addressed. 'm curious to see how it plays out.

I hope you enjoyed this article and my thoughts on the offensive line and tight end position.

NY Jets Zach wilson week 15 highlights vs Dolphins

Zach Wilson vs the Miami Dolphins 

The Jets and Zach wilson  are getting better offensively. That being said, he still has some work to do and needs to continue to develop in some key areas. He is also doing it with a a banged up wr core and without key play makers in the passing game at WR and RB.

1. Stepping up in the pocket and making big throws in pressure situations. Not looking to scramble every time some pressure is in his lap. 

2. Making reads and staying on the vertical routes longer, not settling for the easy check downs on a consistent basis.

3. Improving in the drop back game, and starting to throw more intermediate routes.

4. In order to be an elite qb, he has to get better on third down. Since his return, he is 12/45 on 3rd down which is 31st in the NFL during that span. The only qb worse is Mac Jones of the Patriots.

5. Being more efficient in the red zone. Jets are 27th in the red zone and part of that is not having a go to wr down in this area. They lack a wr with size and ball skills down there. 

In the big picture a qb makes his mark on 3rd down, when he has to make a throw in the pocket in a pivotal situation. He has to improve in this area to really get to the next level. 

Zach is good on early downs and benefits from a heavy play action passing game with various boot routes. He also benefits from some jet sweeps that are passes but also from the rpo swing game. The Jets love running that play and it's an easy read for their qb. Lastly, they are very conservative rarely throwing the ball downfield on early downs which greatly helps his completion percentage, but also gets teams to start bringing edge pressures, a tremendous amount of cover 2 and man free coverages which is what the Dolphins did in week 15 in the 2nd half.

  vs the Dolphins

13/23  170 yards                                                           3/11 on 3rd down

                                                                         

Lets look at 1st and 2nd down vs miami . Zach was 10/12 on 1st and 2nd down benefiting from a heavy play action and short passing game. 

Here's a look at some of the play calls. 

2nd and 4 Boot for  16  yards to   Griffin

2nd and 2 rpo swing to  for  2    yards   to Carter   

1st and 10 drop back , quick out 14 yards to  Crowder

1st and 10 Boot,  19 yards   to Wesco

2nd and goal swing   pass   4   yards   berrios 

2nd and 8     Quick out  for   12 yards in the flat to Kroft

 2nd and 9  Incomplete pass vs man free rat  that was intended for crowder no one open

2nd and  5  Boot that wasn't open but got bailed out by a roughing the passer penalty 

2nd and 7    Hitch route, 6 yards completed to Crowder

1st and 10    Trick play 24  yards to kroft from Wilson

hitch to crowder 7  yards, dig was open , he didn't stay on the read ,took the hitch for 7. These are the throws he has to be patient and make the read on.

You can see the dig window starting to open up vs cover 3 behind the lb but zack already made his decision to go to Crowder for the easy one. 

Could have been a 15 yard gain and again, one of the aspects Zach has to continue to work on. 

1st and 10 option route  sack , Carter gets beat in protection, Crowder beats him inside, but runs the whip route. Did he need to convert it or could he have just kept going and run the crossing route. Not sure if that was a choice but it may have been. 

2nd 19 incomplete  slant to crowder , the pass gets deflected.

3rd quarter

2nd and 10 bad read rpo,,,,1st series 2nd half  film

3rd quarter

1st and 10 boot  edge pressure    near sack 

1st and 10 boot edge pressure sack 

2nd and 18 9 yard crowder 3 hitch .

4th quarter 

1st and 10. 24 boot screen to the te Kroft. Nice design and gain.

1st and 10 drop back swing with 2 slants lt gets beat horrible routes fumble and turnover.

2nd and 12. fade to mims vs man free coverage, incomplete pass

2nd and 8.  Tries to hit the deep dig with the back releasing late. The Dolphins play man free and no place to go with the ball.

The Jets were 3/11 efficiency on 3rd down which has been an issue over the past 4 games. 

Here are some examples of some miss opportunities in the game. 

3rd and 7 miami 9 they run a sit by #1 with a wheel, tight window but he scrambles, could he have hit kroft?  (See clip below) Possibly could have stepped up in the pocket and hit Kroft for the nice gain.

After 2 bad plays they get a big 3rd and 11 to start the 2nd half. 

This was the biggest play before the half as Zach missed a wide open big gain. They run a post pattern with a dig and the Dolphins are in cover 2 with no middle of the field safety. The play is   wide open. Possible big gain instead they have to punt on the next play.  This was the biggest miss of the game. 

They were up 17-10 at the time and this was a bog opportunity to keep the chains moving.

Here are 3 clips that show the problems mentioned above. You'll see a nice easy big gain on the 3rd and 11 with the clean pocket. 

3rd and 4  scramble bad route on the smash ....wants to throw it #2 too deep on the smash route but the wr never breaks it off and gives Zach a chance to make the throw. Should he have adjusted his pattern depth? He gets lucky and scrambles for 6 yards. (see clip below)

3rd and 9  protection breakdown.. Nothing that can be done as The line is sliding left but Mc Dermott goes the wrong way and he gets sacked( See clip below)

up to the 4th quarter...

3rd and 12 sack man free coverage, no separation, now one open downfield. You can see the 4 pictures below where there was not a time where he could make a throw and Wilson eventually gets sacked.

3rd and 7

They run mesh to the 3x1 side with the rb releasing that side. The Dolphins go cover 2 after going man free on some of the earlier snaps. The only routes he can throw is the crosser to the rb. He takes the rb and even if he caught it it would be short of the 1st down. Don't think he has the option of hitting the #1 wr and they don't sit the 2nd crosser down going away from the mesh. 

Not much Zach can do with the ball.

Here's some 3rd down film:

As you can see, the Jets are trying to really simplify things on the early downs but have to be more efficient on third down. Wilson needs to progress and start taking some shots on the intermediate deeper routes when the read takes him there. Overall, he needs to keep getting better and has shown some improvement.