New York Jets: Quincy Enunwa’s importance in middle

For the New York Jets, having Quincy Enunwa back is just as important as having a tight end emerge for Sam Darnold.

It is commonly said that having a good tight end is essential for the growth of a young quarterback. While it’s true that a good security blanket can provide comfort for a young quarterback, in today’s game, having a quality wide receiver in the middle of the field is just as important, and Quincy Enunwa will need to continue his growth there for the New York Jets to show some level of success in 2018.

Generally speaking, slot receivers are smaller, quicker, and provide a matchup advantage with speed in the middle of the field. Despite his size, Enunwa provides a matchup advantage for the Jets in the middle of the field just like a prototypical slot receiver.

He’s too quick for a linebacker to cover and too big for a safety. So, he’s going to have to continue his progression in the middle of the field for the Jets.

In 2015, when Enunwa made his first big splash, Ryan Fitzpatrick was 13-of-27 (six drops) for 170 yards (53 yards after catch) when he threw to Enunwa over the middle, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Then in 2016, Enunwa took a big leap forward, especially in production over the middle. He caught 32 of 59 passes over the middle (10 drops) with 515 yards (264 YAC) and two — out of his four total — touchdowns.

With two young tight ends who are still developing and a tight end who is primarily used as a blocker, Enunwa is going to have to step up big time in the middle of the field. He’s going to be a matchup nightmare in the middle. He’s going to be Darnold’s security blanket, and what a security blanket he can be if he continues the upward arc from 2015-16.

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