What Tweaks can Jets Make to Help get Offense Going?
The New York Jets have a problem. It’s a problem that has persisted for decades and continues to plague them today. They can’t move the football. Even after replacing a lot of what was virtually practice squad level talent to go along with a Hall of Fame QB, they’re sputtering.
While there are no quick fixes that will turn them in to the greatest show on turf overnight, there are some subtle changes that may get them trending in the right direction. A few suggestions.
Activate Anthony Firkser: There’s no way around it. The Jets, who love to use tons of 12 personnel packages need to get a tight end on the field who isn’t a complete liability as a blocker. Firkser isn’t exactly George Kittle in that respect, but the veteran is certainly better than rookie Brenden Bates and veteran Jeremy Ruckert. Firkser also played for the Titans under new Jets offensive coordinator Todd Downing.
Give Malachi Corley a look: Rookie receiver Malahi Corley has just one catch for four yards this season which is inexcusable. Talk all you like about his need to develop his route tree, but Corley should certainly be able to bring more to the table than Xavier Gipson. If you can’t block, which the Jets can’t right now, then go to the guy who can create his own yards after the catch, which is the strongest part of Corley’s game.
Get moving on offense: The lack of motion used by the Jets on offense is ridiculous in today’s NFL. An easy tool to help read the defense, it feels like the Jets will go games at a time without using it. That has to change.
More Mike Williams: Not every deep shot requires a 7-step drop. Line Rodgers up in shotgun and let him sling it after 2 steps. Target Mike Williams down the field on some deep balls if they continue avoiding Garrett Wilson in double coverage and see what the veteran can do.
Let Izzy get busy?: Running back Izzy Abanikanda has done very little as a pro, but he also hasn’t had much of a shot to touch the ball. When you can’t move the football, why not give the most explosive player on your roster a few touches and see what he can do?
Added Red Zone Target: It’s a long shot, but as long as the Jets are happy to go to battle with a couple of tight ends who couldn’t block their way out of a paper bag, why not elevate second-year tight end Zack Kuntz? The 6′ 8” target could/should be an option for Aaron Rodgers in the red zone where Downing has done some of his best work as an OC.
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