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The same coverage problems the Jets have had most of the year, reared their ugly head once again against the Bengals, and if they don’t come up with a better plan against New England, they could be in for a long night.
I’m talking about covering tight ends and slot receivers.
On the Bengals first pass attempt, TE Jermaine Gresham beat Eric Smith for a gain of 11 on a quick slant. Also, late in the first quarter, Gresham had a 25-yard reception, but this might have been more of a linebacker issue.
Smith had a terrific night against the run. He led the Jets in tackles with eight, including stopping Cedric Benson on the line on the first series.
Antonio Cromartie did a solid on Chad Johnson, who finished with just four catches. Cro only had a few bad plays, but none for long gains. On the Bengals first possesion, he gave up a 10-yard reception by Johnson, on a third-and-10. It was a throw to the right side that kind of floated. Cro didn’t play the ball very well. He also up an 11-and eight-yard gains on consecutive throws to Johnson to start off a two minute drill, at the end of the first half, that resulted in a touchown. Cro also had an illegal block in the back on the first punt return. He needs to be taken off this unit.
Obviously Cro’s best play of the game was his pick in the end zone in the second quarter on a pass intended for Terrell Owens. While this was an impressive play by Cro, the concept that Palmer would throw into triple coverage, into the middle of the end zone, when already in field goal range, is mind-boggling, considering how long he’s been in the league.
Cro had a PD on Gresham on a quick slant on the first drive of the second half.
Early in the second quarter, Jim Leonhard picked off a deep pass by Carson Palmer. It was one of those deep third down passes that was just like a punt.
Now on to the Jets other big issue this season – covering slot receivers.
Drew Coleman was beat by Shipley for a five-yard touchdown pass on the right side late in the first half. Shipley led the Bengals with five catches. Wes Welker is next on the schedule. No more need be said.
Coleman had an impressive PD on a pass down the deep left to Shipley, also late in the first half.
On the Bengals touchhown drive at the end of the first half, Coleman was called for spearing Owens with his helmet. It took the ball from the 11 to the five.
Was it just me, or did it seem to you that Coleman took over the nickel job again, based on the amount of reps he got in this game?
James Ihedigbo did some good work as a pass rusher. He had a sack and a pressure, but on the sack, he was called for illegally using his helmet. The QB pressure, in the fourth quarter, ended a drive.
