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Analyzing the Critical New York Jets’ Week Four Drive

By Alan Schechter

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In week four, the New York Jets took on the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in London.  The final score was 27-14 in favor of the Jets, but it truly wasn’t that close, as the Jets dominated most of the way.  However, the Dolphins wouldn’t go away, making it 27-14 in the second half, and driving late in the fourth quarter with the chance to make it a one score game.

The Jets opened the second half with the football, up 20-7.  Here was a critical drive and moment in the game.  If the Jets had gone three and out, Miami would have had great momentum and the chance to bring the game very close.  But, the Jets drove it right down the field and scored what proved to be the touchdown that put the game out of reach.

Let’s take a look at this game defining drive.  (All screen shots courtesy of NFL Gamepass).

First and ten: New York Jets’ 22: Ryan Fitzpatrick lines up under center with Tommy Bohanon and Chris Ivory behind him.  Devin Smith is lined up to the right, fake in motion and then line up as circled.  He runs a crossing route as indicated.  Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick’s throw is off the mark, too far ahead and short, leaving the Jets with a second and ten.

Second and ten: New York Jets’ 22: This time, the Jets’ are in the shotgun, with two wide receivers to the right and one to the left, Brandon Marshall.  Eric Decker goes in motion into the slot on the left side.  The Jets run a quick wide receiver screen to Brandon Marshall, picking up six yards and setting up a third and short.

Third and four: New York Jets’ 28: Ryan Fitzpatrick is in the shotgun. The Jets go four wide, with two wide receivers on each side. However, nobody is open, and the normally slow-footed Ryan Fitzpatrick is able to escape, picking up 14 yards before sliding to safety with a Jets’ first down.

First and ten: New York Jets’ 42: Here is the play that puts the Jets in business. They are in a popular formation for them, the offset I. Chris Ivory is the deep back. Ivory takes the handoff and takes the ball off the left side. Right guard Brian Winters pulls, and leads Ivory into the hole. He makes a terrific block at the point of attack(pictured), and Chris Ivory does the rest. He uses his speed and takes the ball 24 yards, setting the Jets up deep in Dolphins’ territory.


First and ten: Miami Dolphins’ 34: Again the Jets are in the offset I. Chris Ivory is the deep back, with fullback Tommy Bohanon offset to the right. The handoff again goes to the left, with Bohanon actually pulling to lead Ivory through the hole. A great block again at the point of attack gives Chris Ivory his opening, and he takes it nine yards to set the Jets up second and short.

Second and one: Miami Dolphins’ 25: For a third straight play, the Jets are in the offset I. They are lined up strong side to the left, with Bohanon offset to that side this time. Ivory takes the snap and again tries the left side, picking up nine yards and giving the Jets a first down in the red zone.

First and ten: Miami Dolphins’ 16: The Jets are in the exact same formation as the previous play, but Zac Stacy has checked in to give Chris Ivory a break. Stacy takes the ball off of the left side, but the Dolphins’ are ready this time, limiting the Jets to a two yard gain.

Second and eight: Miami Dolphins’ 14: This time, the Jets spread it out a bit, with one receiver to the left and two to the right. Fitzpatrick is under center with Zac Stacy behind him. At the snap, the pass rush gets a little penetration, and Fitzpatrick throws to his short option, Zac Stacy. He takes the quick pass and takes advantage of the opening created by D’Brickashaw Ferguson and James Carpenter (circled). 12 yards later, it’s first and goal for the Jets.

First and goal: Miami Dolphins’ 2: The Jets are in their jumbo package, as D’Brickashaw Ferguson has reported as an eligible receiver, allowing him to line up at the tight end spot. After the snap, Zac Stacy takes the handoff and does the smart thing. He reads his blocking, follows behind the block of D’Brickashaw Ferguson and takes it to the house. Jets take the lead by a commanding 27-7 score.

When the Jets had to, they got the job done. How did they do it? By following a formula that will do them well all year long. They did it behind great offensive line play, Chris Ivory running the football, and timely passes.

Next: New York Jets: Five MVP Candidates

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