By Tom Rock
A few notes about my article today in which I suggest that the Jets abandon the 3-4 defense until they can bring in the proper personnel:
Thanks for all of the emails, some applauding the sentiment and others calling me an idiot. You all made fair points, which is what makes this issue so murky. If it were clear-cut, there would be no debate.
The Jets will once in a while shift into a 4-3 with Bryan Thomas going to a three-point stance. But that’s just a way of trying to catch an opponent off guard, like a right-handed boxer who sometimes slips in some southpaw jabs. They need to do that more often.
The 4-3 I would line up would be Ellis, Robertson, Hicks, Thomas with Bowens and Coleman subbing on the ends. That would leave Vilma in the middle with Barton on one side and Hobson on the other.
Don’t be fooled if the Jets defense dominates the Bills this week. That won’t mean that everything is OK. Just as getting trounced by the Patriots didn’t mean that the defense stinks. In fact, I think this week might be a good chance to unveil a new 4-3 package since the Bills seem incapable of doing anything against any defense.
Lastly, it seems to me that if an offensive set was not working, it would be abandoned, or at least pushed to the back of the playbook. I’ve never been able to understand why that doesn’t happen on defense.
Comments (7)
It's pretty obvious when you Vilma see fighting off guards that out weigh him by 100 pounds. I thought that was the point of bringing in thos ENDs like Coleman to show defensive versatility? How many 10 yard runs down the middle or on screens need to happen before changes are made?
I agree Tom. This could be Mangini's first "big" mistake in his tenure. His stubborness in an issue like this could cause him problems down the line.
Tom, I must begin by making it clear that I believe my Jets finally have an organization that will make us proud some day. I must also state that I am thus far disappointed with our Defense.
I am hoping through self-scouting and the thrive to constantly make improvements (as often stated ny Mangini), the coaching staff will at some point determine that things need to change on Defense.
I think you can help by bringing up this issue (including the stats listed in your article) at the next Mangini press conference.
I am particularly concerned with the fact that the Patriots had regressed on Defense when Mangini was their coordinator.
Thanks for the blog.
Tom, I disagree. I disagree that this is a murky issue. It's obvious we don't have the personnel for a 3-4. Vilma, #1 or #2 most talented player on defense is nothing more then wasted talent at this point. 4 years ago the #4 pick overall went to Robertson who clearly isn't a nose tackle built for a 3-4. In fact the only personnel built for the 3-4 is Mangini and he needs to check his ego at the door and adjust to the players on the roster.
I've been saying this since before last season even started. Thought for sure they would unveil the 4-3 for the first Pats game last year. Now its so obvious, and everyone is calling for it - does Mangini make the change and admit his mistake? Or suffer through it until he gets the right players?
one sad probability is maybe he killed Vilma's trade value.
the saddest thing is Vilma is a guy you could build a great 4-3 around.
One other thing I've wondered about, why not have Vilma outside, and also Tom, what do you think of D-Rob as an end? I wonder if a 3-4 end isn't the ideal position for him.
Thanks for all the comments. Greg, I like the idea of having D-Rob as an end a whole lot better than I like moving Vilma to an OLB. And Eddy, Mangini is very aware of the stats. He's just convinced (apparently) that the system can work despite the pieces the Jets have. The Patriots are a system-first program. But when they do bring in players (some of whom are named Adalius or Junior) they are players who can play the system.