While training camp has not yet begun, NFL players are already hard at work learning their playbooks. Much of the NFL’s spring workouts, especially for teams with new play-callers, include significant time in the classroom to teach the new system.
The New York Jets’ offense has done a lot of that with first-year offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
For fullback Andrew Beck, what’s stood out the most is how the 64-year-old “puts guys in the right spot.”
“He does such a good job of not necessarily a giant diverse playbook of a million things that we have to master, but putting guys in different spots and letting them do what they do best,” Beck told the Jets’ official website. “So he’s not going to ask me to run 80 yards downfield, and he’s not going to ask Garrett Wilson to run ISO [isolate] on the linebacker.”
As we’ve broken down, the schematic cohesiveness between Frank Reich, Geno Smith, and the Jets’ No. 1 pass catcher, Garrett Wilson, could be highly rewarding for the team this season.
It will be interesting to see how the OC deploys Beck. Last season, he played an integral role on special teams while being a key blocker on offense near the goal line.
He was also used in the passing game, finishing the season with six receptions for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Throughout the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos, he was listed as a tight end before transitioning to fullback.
If you’re an avid reader of this site, you know how much Reich loves to use his tight ends. Does he view Beck as a traditional fullback or as a tight end who can run routes and play in line? It’s an interesting question.
If Beck’s comments prove true, the Jets should be in a nice spot with Reich. A system centered around what its players do best will always be poised for success.
