By Ross Jackson
After a few days of watching the New York Jets offense, a couple of trends are easy to spot. The team plays a ton of man coverage relative to the rest of the league and the defense favors Cover 3 when playing in zone coverage.
As the New Orleans Saints prepare to host the Jets, the two hallmarks of New York’s defense present a favorable matchup for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and one of the areas in which his game has been the strongest.
The Best Way for Shough to Attack the Jets’ Defense
Man coverage defenses can be challenged by crossing patterns that create congestion for players in coverage. Meanwhile, Cover 3 zone defenses can be challenged in the short areas over the middle of the field. Both allow for Shough to continue to lean into a comfort he’s shown in his six starts: attacking between the numbers.
Pro Football Focus highlighted this strength of Shough’s in their preview of each Week 16 game.
“A key highlight of Tyler Shough’s play since taking over as the starter has been his effectiveness between the numbers. Since Week 9, Shough has completed a league-best 86% of his passes in that area, and his 113.1 passer rating on those throws ranks third-highest in the NFL.”
With the Jets deploying man coverage at the fourth-highest rate across the league (32.1%) and Cover 3 as their go-to zone look (28.9%), the middle of the field should continue to be open for Shough and the Saints.
Can They Attack Without Vele?
When it comes to who Shough can target in the area, even with big-bodied receiver Devaughn Vele out, there will be options available.
Star wideout Chris Olave has 37 receptions between the numbers 377 yards and a trio of touchdown catches. Meanwhile, tight end Juwan Johnson averages 10.6 yards per catch in the area, just shy of Vele’s 10.9 yards per catch. Johnson could also contribute considerably while attacking the seams downfield as well, another way to successfully challenge Cover 3 looks.
New Orleans will have speed on its side with Olave, which is essential in attacking defenses with crossers. If second-year receiver Mason Tipton is available Sunday, his speed can have an impact as well.
Attack Early, Force Jets to Play From Behind
The Jets’ offense lacks firepower in their passing game, ranking No. 32 in the league in passing yards per game. New Orleans will need to take advantage of the potential exploits available in the New York offense in order to put undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook into some desperate situations. Doing so should create opportunities for the Saints’ defense to make plays. Doing so early, which has not been a strength of the Saints, is going to be imperative.
The cracks in the foundation are there for New York. Now, it’s up to head coach Kellen Moore and his injured but still talent-available offense to take advantage of them.
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