The New York Jets’ newest No. 1 CB: Pierre Desir | Blewett’s Blitz Film Breakdown

Blewett’s Blitz breaks down the New York Jets’ newest No. 1 cornerback, Pierre Desir, in this 50-plus rep extravaganza.

Tall, physical, smart and more prone to fitting in a zone is the way Gregg Williams likes his corners within this specific version of the New York Jets defense. These aren’t the days of Deion Sanders or even Darrelle Revis anymore.

Thanks to the offensive rules that have destroyed defensive backs’ ability to one-step ahead, the idea of the lockdown corner is a thing of the past. It’s why guys like Bless Austin, Bryce Hall and Pierre Desir—the man of the moment—are leading the way at the position for the Jets. (Williams would take a lockdown man corner, of course; but hey, that’s just not reality at the moment.)

Desir is a 6-foot-1 corner with length who can plug and play within this defense. What’s still unknown is whether or not he’s worthy of the title “No. 1 corner.”

Blewett’s Blitz breaks down Pierre Desir film to help answer that question ahead of the 2020 season (over 50 plays).

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The first rep of the review showcased good athletic ability paired with lackluster technique, as Desir (bottom) is in off-man coverage. As the WR stems vertically, Desir uses a shuffle technique as his eyes stay on the wide receiver. The issue comes with Desir giving the WR too much room horizontally inside (about 2-3 yards).

The WR runs a rounded dig route which allows Desir to make a play on the ball. At the same time, Desir shows a quick break and acceleration for his size plus a good job playing the ball/WR.

Desir (bottom) vs. Josh Doctson (yes, I did this on purpose) with Desir in off-man coverage. Desir gets into his backpedal as the WR stems vertically. Doctson sells the post with his hips. Desir, again, being too far outside while allowing too much room to the inside, has to break hard inside to make up ground if Doctson was to run the post. Doctson runs the comeback (meh route) and comes back to the ball for the reception on Desir.

Desir (bottom) is in soft press vs. the X-WR. Desir has a good stance presnap, gets into his backpedal with good balance as his shoulders are over his toes. Desir is patient with his hips (slightly angles off) as the WR uses a skip release and breaks inside and vertical. Desir shows fluidity in his hips as he gets them around quickly, length as he gets his right hand on the shoulder with a swift punch to slow down the WR, and is then in the WR’s hip.

Some good and bad here in this rep from Desir (bottom). Desir uses another shuffle technique and isn’t too far outside like he was a few reps ago. My issue here is with Desir’s eyes. As they go farther into the rep, Desir’s eyes come off of the WR (loses one of his senses). The WR telegraphs the break is coming as his shoulders come high and he gears down. Desir is a split second to react but shows really good athleticism (hips and flexibility here) to get out of his break and nearly gets the interception.

Note: bad route by the WR in many aspects.

Desir (bottom) could’ve/should’ve been beaten for a touchdown here. Desir doesn’t start the play poorly. He angles his hips, stays decently patient, closes and gets hands on the WR who runs the fade.

The poor part is that when he looks back for the ball he goes low to high instead of high to low. Desir loses the ball and then looks to continue to play towards the back pylon. At the point where he can’t find the ball, he needs to play through the WR’s hands or eyes.