Todd Squad: Bowles steps in to help ‘D’
He’ll take over some of Gang’s defensive play calling
The Jets’ primetime loss in Cleveland last Thursday has prompted Gang Green to make one significant change that it hopes will reverse their funk.
The Daily News has learned that Todd Bowles will take back some of the playcalling duties from defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. Specifically, Bowles will call the defensive plays in two-minute/hurry-up situations, according to sources.
The Jets had a terrific defensive gameplan against Browns starter Tyrod Taylor before rookie Baker Mayfield gave them fits when he entered in the final minute and a half of the first half. Gang Green had a creative plan to flummox Taylor, who went 4 for 14 for 19 yards and a 39.6 passer rating before leaving with a concussion late in the second quarter. The Jets put consistent pressure on Taylor with three sacks and myriad hits.
Then, Mayfield changed everything in Cleveland’s two-minute drill.
Jets players were not lined up several times before the snap. On Mayfield’s first drive alone, there was a sequence where cornerback Parry Nickerson and safety Doug Middleton didn’t know where to line up, presumably because the call had not been relayed in time. Defensive lineman Henry Anderson wasn’t set on one play too. There was another sequence when Middleton was looking to safety Jamal Adams for the call as the ball was snapped. Mayfield went 3 for 4 for 47 yards on his first drive that resulted in a field goal.
The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft finished 17 for 23 for 201 yards and 100.1 passer rating.
Bowles has decided to take over in those critical moments, in part, to improve the communication flow before the snap. There’s a feeling inside the building that Bowles’ expertise will help rectify some of the defensive issues that have plagued the Jets. His calm, decisive decision-making in pressure situations should help matters.
The Jets are statistically sound on defense through three games. Gang Green ranks 10th in scoring defense, 12th in total defense, seventh against the pass and 12th against the run.