Gang set to fill Adams, C.J. void
turn the Jets into a winner. But he can’t do it alone.
It’s unfair and unrealistic for Darnold to morph into Superman this season. He needs guidance. He wants guidance. He’s eager to learn.
Gase must do the best coaching job of his life to help Darnold make a significant leap in Year 3. That means the coach must be proactive, flexible and think much better on his feet. That might even mean chewing out his pupil if needed. Sitting back and waiting for Darnold to stop the bleeding – if there is any – in 2020 is a recipe for failure.
Gase praised Darnold for having a better grasp on the offense. He wants the quarterback to do less thinking about logistics (like figuring out where teammates should line up) and focus on what matters. Ball location, progressions, protections and coverages.
“Being in meetings with him, I’m really been impressed how much he worked himself on learning on what defenses are trying to do pressure-wise,” Gase said. “And how he can help himself. When he talks through these things in meetings, it gets us really excited because he spent a ton of time on his own doing this stuff.”
Gase has been given a tremendous opportunity to help mold a special young talent into a star. Greatness lies within Sam Darnold.
Will Gase get it out of him?
It’s no secret, but the Jets appear to be lacking playmakers on defense.
In the past two weeks, Gang Green traded away safety Jamal Adams to the Seahawks and linebacker C.J. Mosley decided to opt out for the season. Who is going to step up and fill the void?
Coach Adam Gase thinks the team’s defense as a whole can make plays this year, even without the services of Mosley and Adams.
“There were especially certain games where individual plays were made that were outstanding,” Gase said about last season’s defense. “I do think one of the reasons our defense was able to be successful last year was because they were on the same page. And when you have a group of guys, 11 guys that are on the field, and everybody’s pulling in the same direction and trying to execute their assignment, that’s what helps make a successful defense.”
Even with inconsistent edge rush and shaky cornerback play, the Jets did field one of the better defenses in the NFL. They finished 10th in Football Outsiders’ Defensive DVOA metric and allowed just five yards per play, good for fifth in the NFL.
“I think our front, with the depth we have, with the interior guys that’s something that we’ll always be leaning on,” Gase said. “Obviously, we’re going to try to build through the front offensively and defensively.” One player who can help the defense stay among the league’s best is second-year defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. He had a quiet rookie season after being selected third overall in the 2019 draft, posting just 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss in 13 games. The Jets believe he has the talent to become a dominant interior defensive lineman, but that potential needs to turn into actualized production.
Gase also mentioned linebacker depth as a positive. The team should be getting a big boost from Avery Williamson, who tore his ACL in the preseason last year and is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
However, Williamson said he’s feeling good. “Just really starting to turn the corner and doing a lot of running,” he said. “The workload has increased over the months, but I’m feeling really good and I feel like I’m competing out there and just listening to the trainers right now.”
The last full season Williamson played was in 2018, when he was one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL. Williamson totaled 120 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
This season will be his first time playing for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. “I feel like I’ll do a good job,” Williamson said. “You know, whatever position they want to put me in, I feel like I’ll definitely do a good job. We got some good talent in the room.”