I really think that the jets need to make one major move in 2008 which would greatly improve their defense--GO BACK TO THE 4-3 scheme for several reasons. Unless they plan to totally overhaul their roster, it makes sense for the following reasons: 1. Shaun Ellis is a 4-3 end. He is not a 3-4 end, he is not a 3-4 OLB, he is not even a DT as Herm first envisioned. Unless you cut Ellis he is out of position; 2. Drob is a 4-3 tackle. If he is still around, he is NOT a 3-4 NT, and he is too short to play 3-4 end. 3. Harris would excel as a MLB in the 4-3. He'd easily be another sideline to sideline Zach Thomas. 4. BRYAN THOMAS stinks. In the 3-4 or 4-3, he stinks. I didn't hear his name called yesterday against Dallas although he was on the filed for every defensive snap. He is playing in a "playmaker" postion in the current 3-4, and his lack of production is a big reason the jets D stinks. The jets foolishly gave him a $9M bonus last year to resign and are married to him for several more years. Oh boy. More reasons for the 4-3 move available on request.
From your mouth to Mangini's ears. Two years of getting run over around and through and seeing QBs with all day to throw such convince any coach who claims to be smart that his "scheme" just doesn't fit the personnel.
I totally agree about Thomas. WTF? Why did they give him that deal. he's nothing special at all. He ALWAYS looked like a JAG. I personally like the 4-3 more than the 3-4 but this is not gonna happen. Mangini came up in the 3-4 school and it's all he knows, so it's all he'll use.
yea mangini seems pretty committed to the 3-4.. im not so sure the scheme is the problem as much as a few players in key positions. bryan thomas as you mentioned, is truly looking like the bust of the year for our defense. hobson doesnt do much either, and you are not going to run a very good 3-4 with 2 OLBs who cant even get close to the qb. robertson has been better.. tho he still gets dominated when double teamed. somehow theyve managed to get him matched up one on one the past few games and thats where his productions coming from. lets just hope they keep making adjustments on defense so we really know who needs to be replaced in the offseason. also.. what did you guys think of the "not line up in positions and just walk around til the play is called" formation? they used it at least 2 times.. probably in an attempt to confuse an o-line who they were simply overmatched against, but i havent really seen many defenses do that before. i think we might see more of it this season to try and give some of our better defenders the chance to make some plays.
Joe, I totally agree on Hobson and Thomas. As OLB in our 3-4 they do nothing! If Mangini doesn't make some major changes this off season, then next year could (and should) be his last.
We aren't going back to the 4-3, but if we did Dorsey and Robertson would be a great tandem. Dorsey has been playing hurt and it has shown the past couple of games.
Hobson and Thomas are both total JAGS. Just bodies back there. We really need some talent. As for the "walk around before the ball is snapped" technique, I LOVE IT. It's just so advanced, I feel like it's the cutting edge of football defense. It's very confusing to defend and for the QB to read. It seems to take an incredible amount of focus and stamina for the defense to keep doing every down though. The problem is if the O-Line and QB are good and experienced, it doesnt work. I remember we tried that the whole first half against the patriots, and it didnt work much. We could really use some physical guys who could stick their hand on the ground and rush the passer though.
