New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles is taking back some of the defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Bowles will now be making the defensive calls in two-minute/hurry-up situations.
Mehta explained the rationale for the move:
Bowles has decided to take over in those critical moments, in part, to improve the communication flow before the snap. There’s a feeling inside the building that Bowles’ expertise will help rectify some of the defensive issues that have plagued the Jets. His calm, decisive decision-making in situational pressure situations should help matters.
The Jets are coming off a 21-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns, which was the Browns' first victory since 2016. New York's defense got off to a terrific start, but the crew folded when Baker Mayfield replaced Tyrod Taylor and began quickening the offensive pace.
Mayfield's presence threw off the Jets' entire defense:
Jets players were not lined up several times before the snap. On Mayfield’s first drive alone, there was a sequence where cornerback Parry Nickerson and safety Doug Middleton didn’t know where to line up presumably because the call had not been relayed in time. Defensive lineman Henry Anderson wasn’t set on one play too. There was another sequence when Middleton was looking to safety Jamal Adams for the call as the ball was snapped.
Mayfield finished 17 for 23 for 201 yards. He recorded a 100.1 passer rating while leading the Browns back from a 14-0 deficit, ultimately resulting in Bowles making this change.
New York has a tough game coming up in Jacksonville, though Blake Bortles and Co. struggled mightily in a 9-6 loss to the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday. The Jets are actually performing quite well overall on the defensive end, so they have a good opportunity to bounce back.
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