Running Game Preview: Best Run D in the League?

[mascho]

The New York Jets do not just stop their opponent’s running game – they attack it with tremendous talent in the trenches and with a solid linebacking corps. Rex Ryan’s front seven is one of the better groups in the AFC, surrendering a meager 3.3 yards per rushing attempt and a scant 83 yards per game allowed this season. In 2013, those numbers were 3.4 and 88, ranking them 1st and 2nd, respectively.
 
The Jets have one of the toughest run defenses in the NFL. They play a base 3-4 defense, but, as demonstrated in the passing preview, they show a variety of alignments, personnel groups, and formations both up front and in the backfield. This unit has players at every level that effectively stymie the run on every snap from every position on the field.
 
http://central.sonsofsamhorn.net/nfl/new-england-patriots/best-run-defense-in-the-league/

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

That was really well done.  Kudos.  

 

[mascho]

Thanks man. 
 
With the huge rain forecasted for Thursday the ground game might be a big factor, which unfortunately plays to their strength on defense. 

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Thanks man. 
 
With the huge rain forecasted for Thursday the ground game might be a big factor, which unfortunately plays to their strength on defense. 

 
Great (and kind of scary) article.  That defensive line is just monstrous.  Especially with their depleted secondary, I think we still need to come out throwing early and often.  It doesn't look like the wind will be that bad so that helps.
 
Also, I didn't realize that Damon Harrison stole Casey Hampton's nickname - definitely not cool.

 

[dynomite]

First of all, amazing breakdown. I hope you're circulating to members of the media (Reiss, Volin) because that's the best film breakdown of the Jets I've ever seen.

Second, ugh. I agree, a sloppy field and wet conditions (and especially wind) could play right into the Jets strengths.

Then again, maybe it could also help slow down the Jets D line and make it harder for them to change directions? I remember a clip of Brady (from the Titans snow blowout in '09?) saying that he loved the snow because on screens and delayed handoffs the defenders would fall down trying to change direction? Am I misremembering?

 

[mascho]

Thanks. Yeah, Richardson is great but all three of those guys up front are monsters. Harrison is an impressive athlete for his size and because of the other two Wilkerson gets a lot of one-on-one situations. 

 

[MainerInExile]

First of all, amazing breakdown. I hope you're circulating to members of the media (Reiss, Volin) because that's the best film breakdown of the Jets I've ever seen.

Second, ugh. I agree, a sloppy field and wet conditions (and especially wind) could play right into the Jets strengths.

Then again, maybe it could also help slow down the Jets D line and make it harder for them to change directions? I remember a clip of Brady (from the Titans snow blowout in '09?) saying that he loved the snow because on screens and delayed handoffs the defenders would fall down trying to change direction? Am I misremembering?

Yes, exactly.  The Pats like to throw in rain and snow (but not so much wind).  The idea is that because the defense is reacting, their footing is affected more.

 

[mascho]

First of all, amazing breakdown. I hope you're circulating to members of the media (Reiss, Volin) because that's the best film breakdown of the Jets I've ever seen.

Second, ugh. I agree, a sloppy field and wet conditions (and especially wind) could play right into the Jets strengths.

Then again, maybe it could also help slow down the Jets D line and make it harder for them to change directions? I remember a clip of Brady (from the Titans snow blowout in '09?) saying that he loved the snow because on screens and delayed handoffs the defenders would fall down trying to change direction? Am I misremembering?

 
Thanks for the props, I just saw this. 
 
Wind will be the big factor in the passing game. If there are strong winds it's really tough to get a feel for touch and velocity as a quarterback. If it is simply wet it's obviously tougher than throwing in a dome, but the refs/sideline crews do a good job of keeping balls dry enough. 
 
I would guess that until the conditions deteriorate to a point where throwing is impossible, they're gonna try and throw the ball. Simply because that is the likely game plan against a defense with a stout front seven and big weaknesses in the secondary.

 

[ivanvamp]

 
Great (and kind of scary) article.  That defensive line is just monstrous.  Especially with their depleted secondary, I think we still need to come out throwing early and often.  It doesn't look like the wind will be that bad so that helps.

 
Yet the Jets are 25th in the league in points allowed.  
 
They've given up 24 or more points in their last 5 games.
 
And they are 30th in the league in points scored.
 
I think it sets up pretty well for the Pats to win something like 24-10.  
 
Of course, it'll probably be 13-10 with the Jets moving down the field for the game-tying FG or game-winning TD, and we'll all be white-knuckling it hoping the defense can make one more big play.