Improved protection could unlock Jamison Crowder’s unique deep game (Film)

Jamison Crowder's uncanny ability to create downfield - which was absent in 2019 - could be unleashed in 2020 if the New York Jets offensive line steps it up. Jamison Crowder proved to be an excellent addition in his first season as a Jet, fitting Adam Gase's offense like a glove and building a nice rapport with Sam Darnold. He was one of the most productive slot receivers in the league, ranking fourth in receptions (58), fourth in touchdowns (5), and ninth in receiving yards (648) out of the slot. Of course, Crowder did most of his damage in the underneath game. With great short-area quickness, he cuts out of his breaks sharply, making him a dangerous route-runner on shallow concepts. He also possesses strong awareness, consistently finding the open space on option routes. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of Crowder's game during his time in Washington was his rare ability to produce big plays out of the slot in addition to handling his traditional responsibilities underneath. Over his final three seasons in Washington from 2016-18, Crowder caught 64.5% of his targets while also averaging an impressive 12.5 yards per reception. He was one of only 11 wide receivers over that span to post a 64.0+ catch rate and 12.0+ yards per reception on at least 150 receptions - a mark of his ability to combine the reliability of a slot receiver with splashy big-play production that is usually not expected from the position. That did not translate in Crowder's first season with the Jets. In 2019, Crowder maintained a reliable catch rate of 63.9%, but his yards per reception averaged dipped to 10.7, thus giving him a career-low average of 6.8 yards per target. Big plays were a much less frequent sight. The primary reason for that decline was Crowder's freefall in deep production, an area where he is uniquely skilled for a five-foot-nine slot receiver. On deep passes (20+ yards downfield) from 2016-18, Crowder recorded 15 receptions on 28 targets for 469 yards and five touchdowns (over 40 games). This past season in New York, he caught two of nine deep targets for 70 yards and one touchdown (over 16 games). The frequency of Crowder's deep targets dipped a small bit, but it was his efficiency that took a major tumble. By pushing his deep efficiency back up to the level it was at in Washington, Crowder's overall impact can be even better than it was in 2019. Perhaps he could even flirt with a 1,000-yard season. Much of Crowder's regression in downfield efficiency had to do with the atrocious Jets offensive line, which limited the number of instances in which the quarterback had enough time to allow downfield routes to develop or enough space to deliver a clean throw. If the line can improve to a competent level in pass protection this year, Crowder should have a chance to recapture his previous heights as a deep receiver. Let's break down the film of Crowder's deep game. We'll take a look at some of his best deep grabs in Washington, his flashes with the Jets, and examples of how the offensive line hampered his deep production. Washington (2016-18) In this 2016 Sunday Night Football matchup against Green Bay, Crowder lines up slot left on the line of scrimmage. The corner gives him a free outside release on the seam route, expecting safety help. When the safety moves outside to cover the go route on the sideline, Crowder is in the clear. He has enough speed to maintain separation and makes a tough catch on a throw from Kirk Cousins that comes in behind him for the 44-yard score. Crowder is lined up slot right in what you might even call a Y-flex, as he is on the line of scrimmage and tight to the formation. He runs a switch with the receiver to his right, waiting for his teammate to release inside and then releasing outside behind him. Crowder runs a deep angle route. He sells hard to the outside before cutting vertically towards the middle, schooling the safety, who bites on the outside move. It's a beautifully executed route by Crowder for a 26-yard touchdown. Slot left on the line of scrimmage, Crowder draws a man-to-man matchup with solid slot corner Adoree' Jackson, who backs off at the snap. Crowder sells a drag route over the middle, which Jackson bites on. Crowder then makes a sharp upfield cut - off of his inside (right) foot - into a deep corner route, snagging an over-the-shoulder grab for a 30-yard pickup. Slot right on the line of scrimmage, Crowder runs a wheel route off of a designed pick. That creates separation for him, and he pulls in a 26-yard catch. Jets flashes In Week 6, the Jets ran a concept for Crowder nearly identical to the one above. This time lined up slot left and off the line, Crowder runs a wheel with a pick from his teammate to the outside (Ryan Griffin). Darnold drops a feathery touch pass into Crowder's arms for a 24-yard pickup. The play did not count as a "deep reception" for Crowder, since he caught it 16 yards downfield (deep is considered 20+), but nonetheless, it's an example of how Crowder can stretch the field. Crowder's most notable deep catch of the 2019 season was easily this 26-yard touchdown against his former team. As the inside slot on the left with Demaryius Thomas as the outer slot, Crowder takes a few steps vertically before looping outside into a wheel route. Thomas sits down about five yards downfield to wall off Crowder's defender, and Thomas' man is late to switch onto Crowder. Darnold hits Crowder in perfect stride for the touchdown. Offensive line woes limiting Crowder's potential The two plays above have one key thing in common - Darnold had a clean pocket, giving him plenty of room to deliver a good throw and providing ample time for Crowder to get open. That was an infrequent occurrence in 2019. The Jets allowed their quarterbacks to take pressure on 42.9% of dropbacks, worst in the NFL. Crowder eventually creates sufficient separation towards the sideline on this deep out route about 20 yards down the field, but Luke Falk is unable to connect under heavy pressure. Falk is forced to step up and then takes a hard hit from Dont'a Hightower as he releases, leading to a slightly errant throw. On this play, the Jets run a fake screen designed to open up Crowder downfield. Vyncint Smith (outside right) positions himself to catch a screen, and Darnold pump fakes in his direction. Crowder feigns a block attempt, successfully selling the defender on the screen action and freezing him in place. Crowder breaks open for a potential big play, but Darnold overshoots him. Part of the reason why Darnold misses is that his back foot is contacted during the throwing motion by left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who was bull-rushed into the pocket. The hope in Florham Park is that Joe Douglas' revamped offensive line will not destroy opportunities for big plays as much as last year's unit did. If the men up front can accomplish that, Crowder's unique knack for making deep catches out of the slot should shine once again, potentially making him one of the best all-around slot receivers in the NFL.