New York Jets Must Bench Demario Davis
The New York Jets are getting exposed at the linebacker position, and the biggest culprit is Demario Davis.
The New York Jets have dropped four out of their last five games to drop their record to 5-5, and fall deeper into a playoff dogfight in the AFC. They have been exposed in all phases of the game, and especially on the defensive side of the football.
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One of the biggest concerns New York Jets’ fans have is with the speed of the linebackers. For years, they have been slow in pass coverage, and the player that most fans have a tough time with is Demario Davis. Over the last few weeks, that problem has come front and center, and the time has come for him to be benched in favor of a guy like Erin Henderson.
Let’s take a look at the game against the Houston Texans for one of the biggest examples. This is the play that went for a touchdown to Alfred Blue in the third quarter.
Photos Courtesy of Gamepass.
The Texans have the ball at the New York Jets’ 21. T.J. Yates is under center, with Alfred Blue straight back behind him, and the fullback in the offset “I”. Demario Davis is in the green circle, with the responsibility to cover his section of the field. Blue is going to come out of the back field and run a “go” route. Davis’ responsibility will be to cover whomever comes into his area, and in this case, it will be Alfred Blue.
Maybe he is having a tough time with the scheme, but Demario Davis is completely out of position. Yates has flipped the ball to Cecil Shorts on the outside, and he is looking for someone to throw to. Look at the circles once more time. Instead of following his man, Demario Davis is watching the quarterback. Alfred Blue (red circle) is running free and clear, which spells trouble for the New York Jets.
Shorts has released the ball, and Alfred Blue is wide open. Davis has figured out his mistake and trying to catch up. It’s far too late.
Blue makes the catch easily, walks in for the score, and the New York Jets lose the game by a touchdown.
Next: Jets Make a Statement with Quinton Coples Release
The New York Jets have some problems on the defensive side. In the early part of the season, the Jets looked like world beaters. But the saying goes, you are never as good as you look when you are winning, and never as bad as you look when you are losing. The New York Jets, clearly, weren’t that good.
They made a move earlier this week, releasing Quinton Coples. The next move should be to bench Demario Davis.