The New York Jets’ offense exploded in a 32-25 road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. But does it matter?
To Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, the answer is clear. For Jets fans, though, it is a little more complex than that.
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Adams had a massive day in Jacksonville, totaling nine catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns – all in the second half! Rodgers completed only 16 of 30 passes but still threw for 289 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions while adding 45 rushing yards. It was a good day for the offense against a much-maligned Jaguars defense.
The question for Jets fans now is, what does this performance mean for the future? Should the Jets bring Rodgers and Adams back next year with a real coaching staff?
There is so much that goes into that, a discussion that will be had for the next few months. For now, let’s look into what went right for the offense in Jacksonville.
New York Jets film vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
With motion at the snap, the Jets run play action with split zone getting Rodgers off his spot. I’d call this a flood variation with Garrett Wilson on the sail route. Wilson uses his signature rocker-swim to beat press, winning on the route easily. It’s a cool concept and an awesome release and route from GW for a big gain. Nice ball from Rodgers as well.
On 3rd & 4, Rodgers cans (audibles out of the first play called in the huddle) the play and then audibles again after his second dummy count. He sees man coverage with a possible blitz. Wilson has a slot fade, Adams is running a 3-step slant. Adams wins easily and Rodgers gives him a perfect ball for him to get upfield for a huge gain. This is all Rodgers pre-snap, doing what he does best: IDing the coverage and getting into the perfect play.
A run play is called here, with the option for Rodgers to go to Adams. And for Rodgers, it’s simple: if he sees Adams one-on-one, throw the fade! This is not a high-percentage play from the 1-yard line, but the execution is beautiful. It is a perfect ball from Rodgers, and at the catch point, Adams displays Iate, strong hands before toe-tapping his feet in bounds for the score. Pretty nice.
3rd & 6. Pre-snap, the Jags show MOFC (middle of field closed), but post-snap, they get into 2-man (field side safety just bracketing Wilson). Jets are running hitch-seam with seams on the inside and hitches on the outside (could be a fade on sight adjust). Rodgers hits Allen Lazard with a rope, in the chest, but he can’t hold on through contact. I wonder why Rodgers chose to throw this one on a line and not lead Lazard into the end zone.
Todd Downing calls a fun variation of four verticals; the Jets have hit Breece Hall on this as the RB on a wheel. The Jags are in Tampa 2, which is cover 2 with the middle linebacker having the responsibility of the deep middle third. This is an A+ anticipation throw from Rodgers to Adams up the seam. He throws him open, Adams makes a nice catch, and the veteran receiver does a great job getting in the EZ. Beautiful stuff.
Man, the trust these two have is nuts to see sometimes. Rodgers knows he is going to Adams pre-snap, as he sees press man coverage and no safety ranging over the top (the field side safety buzzes down post-snap). Pause the video when Rodgers releases this – outrageous. It’s a good throw, but an outstanding catch. Adams tracks it and catches it over his outside shoulder, while having awareness to toe tap simultaneously. Just disgusting. Great reactions from the sideline, too.
Bonus clip: Rodgers is addicted to pump-faking 4-5 yards past the line of scrimmage when he scrambles. At least he is consistent with it!
