We are back with another TOJ New York Jets film breakdown. Check out previous editions right here. On to the #tape…

The Good

Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ statistics don’t pop off the page through his first three games: 15 catches, 106 yards, 7.1 YPC, 1 TD and 1 catch over 20 yards but if you dig deeper, it is starting to look like the Jets have found their long term tight end. ASJ is showing himself to be a reliable third down and red zone target, with improved route running and hands, while also stabilizing as a blocker.

On 3rd and 4, Seferian-Jenkins is lined up in the traditional Y tight end spot. He runs a speed out, breaking behind the corner and in front of the safety, flashing strong hands at the catch point to convert a first down.

On Seferian-Jenkins touchdown, he makes a usually low percentage throw, a fade route, look incredibly easy. The Jets line him up as their lone wide receiver and he easily beats the defensive back off the line who likely expected ASJ to try to beat him with size, except he was able to beat him with foot quickness off the line.

Outside of lining up at Y and Z, Seferian-Jenkins also lines up at H back, like below. On this play he is able to find the soft spot in the zone, mirror the quarterback and pick up 9 yards with another impressive catch.

How To Score A Touchdown

The New York Jets back breaking touchdown to Cleveland from Jermaine Kearse came on a well designed play from offensive coordinator John Morton, that was set up by a previously run play earlier in the game. Let’s break down how it happened:

In the second quarter, the Jets motion ArDarius Stewart across the formation and throw him a one step wide receiver screen. They use Seferian-Jenkins and the offensive tackle as lead blockers.

Later in the game, the Jets utilize a similar pre-snap motion but with Jermaine Kearse. This time Seferian-Jenkins is flexed out as a blocker as the point man on a bunch set. The Jets pump the wide receiver screen they ran earlier in the game and release Kearse on a wheel route. Cleveland’s secondary charges up to defend the screen and is easily beat for a touchdown. This is how you set a defense up with first half play calling.

Maye Day

It is hard to overstate how impressive it is for a second round rookie to start from day one and be as consistent as Marcus Maye has been. He had been circling close to forcing his first turnover and it finally came this past week in the red zone.

Cleveland runs a very common red-zone sprint out route combination here. The slot receiver runs a speed out at the goal line and the outside receiver works the back line. You move the pocket to ease the angle of the throw for the quarterback, in hopes the slot receiver can beat the inside cover guy to the pylon. Maye recognizes the route combination immediately and takes an absolutely perfect angle to undercut the route and intercept the pass. This turnover is a perfect mix of play recognition and raw athleticism.

The Bad

Growing Pains

Jamal Adams has generally been excellent through five games for the Jets but Sunday against Cleveland was unquestionably his toughest day at the office so far.

Below, Adams is one of two high safeties in zone coverage. He is a step slow on recognizing and breaking on David Njoku’s deep dig route, allowing a 18 yard completion, as the one step he takes towards the middle of the field opens up a throwing window.

On Njoku’s touchdown, Adams has him in man coverage and gets physical with him early in the route. Unfortunately, Njoku is able to shake him and beat him on the deep corner route. Adams tries to undercut the throw but Njoku creates far too much space and makes a beautiful catch for six.

Finally, Adams missed a rare tackle on third down prior to this Njoku touchdown. It is 3rd and 3, Cleveland swings the ball to Isiah Crowell, where he gets matched up on Adams in the flat, who is playing outside linebacker. Adams has him lined up to stop Crowell before getting a first down but allows to shake just enough free to move the chains.

–

Photo Credit: NewYorkJets.com

Related