New York Jets: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 1
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson #22 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
2. Better team pass coverage
The Falcons made a lot of connections early on. In fact, they had very few incompletions. Coverage is about three things — pass deflections, interceptions, and closing in and not allowing yards after the catch when they allow catches.
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The Jets allowed the most catches of 20 yards or more in 2017. Yards after catch played a huge role in those numbers. The Jets did allow a lot of completions, and despite only forcing only 15 incompletions, the only allowed eight first downs through the air.
That means they closed in on the completions when the Falcons were catching passes. That’s going to be a key factor for the Jets in 2018. They’re probably going to allow a few catches, but team defense isn’t merely about individuals getting pass deflections and interceptions. It’s also about getting to the receiver when he does make the catch.
The Jets are going to have to have to limit the yards after the catch in 2018. If they can do that, the pass defense will be a formidable one. You can say what you want about this defense, but it’s not about individuals, it’s about good team defense, and it shows in how they closed in on the pass catchers.