Mac played pretty good overall against a very good defense. No TO worthy plays that I remember or really bad passes but no explosive or plus plays. The OL isn't good and probably won't be for a minute. The play calling could definitely be better. RZ has been an issue all day. That said he's had a problem dealing with pressure since college. I talked about it a ton. If he can ID it he can make it work at times but direct pressure around closer to his body is a problem. He's 3 or 4 in dealing with pressure according to PFF I believe.
Let's really look at the sacks now ...
Watch every sack by the New York Jets' defense in 6-sack game from Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season.
www.nfl.com
1)Not entirely on Mac but fails he yet again to identify or anticipate 2nd level pressure. You have to check to see who the rusher might have in coverage, if not, what exactly do you think he's doing????? Hes not looking around or checking anyone. Everything screams rush. Pressure up the middle didn't help and design didn't help, let's be honest but throw that at someone's feet and move on. Let's say he's 50% responsible here.
2)Mac obviously feels the pressure and see it coming. Doesn't help himself with his footwork or where he's holding the ball. Kind of froze and didnt move at all. Let's say the same 75%.
3)Swallowed up but again look at where he's holding the ball. He's in no position to help himself though. Again look at where the ball is. No position to help himself, froze as the rush was collapsing but this was mostly on the OL.
4)It's 2023 you have to make this play and step up. You can fell the rush. It's obvious they're getting through. You have to anticipate and have those feet firing up and down. 75% on Mac.
5)Had Rham but again not helping himself at all here. Mostly on Mac. 75-80%.
6)Not on Mac
Most of these sacks are on Mac. Some would take a great play to make it work. Others a simple check down or ball in dirt would have helped the situation. This has been the case since college though.
Playing the QB position is like a barter system. It's a give and take of accepting pressure for explosive yards or sacks. It seems it's been an either / or situation with Mac so far in his young career. Yesterday was a poor performance handling pressure, low air yards, no explosive plays/yards fpr playing it safe. Mentioned the PFF list and another name high on the list is Joe Brady who passed for 4 TD yesterday. You need to bring something to table - elevate players around you, avoid/handle pressure, rushing yards/TD, explosive passes etc ...
All that said Mac wasn't the biggest problem yesterday. It's the OL by far and I'm afraid it just won't be good consistently all year. We'll have spurts but this just isn't a good unit. The injuries, lack of technique from Strange, poor play. It's been run blocking and pass pro. It's just been a mess all year.
Sure, the scheme could be better but I've been telling you nice folks all year it's not the problem and it's not. Matty P definitely needs to step it up, not my first choice. Him or Judge but the play calling, scheme we you want to call it isn't the biggest issue save red zone and a few dumb calls (we've been through this before).
Going into next year the OL has to be priority #1 and quickly following. Maybe even #1 depending on FA/Draft. Getting Mac a legit #1 that can A)win outside B)demand/dictate certain coverages C)wins in the res zone.
I mean this will be year 3 so the excuses and patience will be running out. Not to mention those issues or suggestions above seem to be unanimous in my mind. I know everyone will be with the OL but it's clear Mac isn't elevating most or any players around him. That's not a knock or a surprise if you've been reading my post so let's just get it done. Allen has Diggs, Davis and Knox. Murray has Hopkins, Burrow might have the best rec corp in the league. It's not a bad thing but it does change how you operate upstairs bc those guys (elite WR) are 20+ easy.
Big FA (we have $$$) and Draft (we have picks) in year 3 so big offseason.
Refs deserve a lot more consequence going into 2022-23. Some of these calls, spots and just poor performance is unacceptable with the # of eyes, cameras and money in these games.
Marcus Jones was a favorite of mine in the entire career. I root for certain guys no matter where they land and he would have been one of them. Almost had a 2nd on him. Extremely dangerous return man and eventually I think he's our starting slot, down the road. I'll pay a 3rd for a great return man that can change field position though.
I thought Dugger made several great plays yesterday. He's a game changer in the run game and seems like hes always improving a little in the passing game. Not an easy position to play at all.
Speaking of players improving Wise deserves some real mention. He's become quite the piece and really knows how to make an impact on the game without getting sacks. Very very tough, smart player.
Easily one of the most crazy years I've witnessed in a long time. Playoffs will be outstanding this year no matter who gets in.