Tag: pass rush

Jets should go after EDGE Vic Beasley if the price is right

The Falcons gave up on 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley, but the Jets should give him a look at a cheap price.

It’s not often a pass rusher with 37.5 sacks in five seasons hits the open market, but that’s exactly where Vic Beasley finds himself after the Falcons announced they wouldn’t pursue contract negotiations with their 2015 first-round pick. With Beasley becoming a free agent, the Jets should take a hard look at the 27-year-old Beasley, who is fresh off an eight-sack season and has the tools to be a solid contributor in the pass rush.

Beasley opened his career with an uninspiring rookie season after the Falcons took him eighth in the 2015 draft, but broke out in a big way in 2015. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2016 and looked poised to become the Falcons’ next great pass rusher.

However, his production dropped off considerably. Beasley tallied only five sacks in each of the next two seasons. He looked poised for another disappointing season in the final year of his rookie contract in 2019, but registered four sacks in the final four games of the season amid a late-season resurgence for the Falcons defense.

In a way, Beasley’s final season in Atlanta encapsulated his entire career so far. Though he doesn’t lack the ability to perform at a high level, Beasley has always battled consistency. He’s had two big seasons in between three mediocre ones and he’s disappeared during stretches through each season as well, stacking great performances back-to-back before failing to make an impact for multiple games.

While the Falcons may be over Beasley’s inability to perform week and week out, the Jets should swoop in to grab Beasley to help fortify their pass rush. 

The Jets had one of the worst pass-rushing units in the league in 2019 and only saw real production from Jamal Adams and Jordan Jenkins, who combined for 12.5 of the Jets’ 35 sacks. Though the Jets blitzed the fourth-most in the NFL, they finished with the 27th-most hurries and the 23rd-most sacks. 

The price will need to be right for the Jets to give Beasley a shot, though. He won’t get a big-money contract like the one Za’Darius Smith or Anthony Barr earned last offseason, but there’s a chance Beasley could command somewhere between Tahir Whitehead’s three-year, $19 million contract with the Raiders and Alex Okafor’s three-year, $17.9 million contract with the Chiefs. Both are around the same age and body type as Beasley, though Beasley has been more productive than both during his career.

The Jets can afford to pay Beasley and see if they can capture some that potential the league saw in 2016. New York is projected to have the 11th-most cap space this offseason, per Spotrac, and Beasley could be a nice, cheaper option for a Jets with a considerable amount of holes across the roster. 

If the Jets do go after Beasley, it shouldn’t be contingent on what they decide to with Jenkins and/or Brandon Copeland. If anything, Beasley and Jenkins would make a great pass-rushing duo on each edge. At 6-foot-3, 246 pounds, Beasley is built similarly to Jenkins and Copeland and could seamlessly slide into Gregg Williams’ defense. 

Beasley also fits the mold of a Williams defender in that he can play multiple positions in the front-seven. He’s lined up both as a 4-3 defensive end and as a strong-side linebacker in Dan Quinn’s defense. Williams could have a lot of fun with a pass rush revolving around Beasley, Jenkins, Anderson and Quinnen Williams.

The Jets need help across the board, and Beasley offers the perfect opportunity to fill a need without breaking the bank.

Rasheem Green’s development could bolster Seahawks pass rush

Defensive end Rasheem Green’s development could significantly bolster the Seattle Seahawks’ pass rush unit for at least the near future.

In his second season, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rasheem Green made a significant jump from his rookie year. This could serve the team’s pass rush well going forward.

Green registered only nine tackles and a sack in 2018 and missed numerous games due to injury. However, he largely shook off the struggles of his first year to become a valuable contributor throughout the 2019 season, racking up 27 combined tackles (12 solo) and four sacks, leading the team in the latter category. He made several key plays along the way, compiling three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

With the uncertainty regarding the free agency of Jadeveon Clowney, Ezekiel Ansah and Jarran Reed, Green’s development is key to the Seahawks pass rush’s progression into a solid unit.

Seattle has enough cap space to re-sign Clowney, but he is still a question mark. In addition, L.J. Collier’s rookie year in 2019 was largely unproductive, and while he could have a sophomore campaign like Green’s or better, it is not a guarantee. Green must continue to step up for the defensive line for the foreseeable future.

The Seahawks are expected to bolster the pass rush via free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft, and Green’s continued development will play a big role in the unit’s improvement regardless of the events that transpire this offseason.

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Should the Seahawks pursue a trade for Matthew Judon?

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to franchise tag and shop pass rusher Matthew Judon this offseason. The Seattle Seahawks could be a fit.

It’s no secret the Seattle Seahawks will be heavily involved in the pass rush market this offseason. A dismal effort last season, even after the addition of Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah, was perhaps the team’s biggest weakness, a glaring hole that needs to be addressed before the 2020 campaign – regardless of whether or not they re-sign Clowney.

The Seahawks are involved with nearly every trade or free agent anyway, but fans can bet they’ll be even more active when it involves pass rushers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that Ravens pass rusher Matthew Judon, who has recorded seven or more sacks in each of the last three seasons, is a potential trade candidate this offseason.

Judon is set to hit free agency in March, but Baltimore is expected to place the franchise tag on him, potentially opening up the door for them to shop him around on a one-year deal.

Considering the haul of draft picks recent trades of Frank Clark and Dee Ford netted teams, it would make sense for Baltimore to do the same – as they look to keep their books clear for an eventual record-setting contract for Lamar Jackson in a few years.

Judon would immediately become Seattle’s most prolific pass rusher, and the team has plenty of draft capital and cap space to get a deal done – while retaining Clowney as well if they so choose.

Judon made his first Pro Bowl appearance this year – getting a chance to spend a week with Seattle’s coaching staff as well as Russell Wilson and Shaquill Griffin. Perhaps the extended familiarity between the two sides will make the Seahawks more inclined to pursue him, if they saw a potential fit.

Expect the Seahawks to be involved in nearly every available pass rusher this offseason while they look to shake things up and get to opposing quarterbacks more often in 2020.

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Shaquem Griffin could be key to Seahawks pass rush in 2020 season

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin could get chances to contribute significantly to the team’s pass rush in the 2020 season.

By now, we all know the story surrounding Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin and his incredible journey to the NFL. With the 2019 season concluding, his story will only continue to grow from here.

Griffin was given the opportunity to shine in Week 10 against the 49ers and showed his potential, bringing speed off the edge despite not logging any sacks or tackles.

He further progressed in Week 13 by notching two quarterback hits and a few pressures against the Eagles. His speed showcased something that Ezekiel Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney did not display while rushing the passer. Griffin averaged one pressure per 7.5 rushes and had a pressure percentage of 13.3.

He got his first sack in the postseason against the Packers alongside his twin brother Shaquill and seemed to be growing more with each passing game, likely earning the chance to be a significant contributor next season rushing the passer.

Griffin may be counted on more in 2020 with the impending free agency of both Clowney and Ansah, the latter of whom will almost certainly be gone.

The Seahawks could certainly use more production from the pass rush, and whatever moves are made in free agency and the draft, Griffin could get even more chances to contribute in 2020.

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Texans defense finished with worst output in Romeo Crennel era

The Houston Texans defense managed to finish the 2019 season with the worst Pro Football Focus grades of the Romeo Crennel era.

The Houston Texans defense, which for the past decade has been the strongest unit on the team, was anything but in the final season with Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator.

According to grades from Pro Football Focus, the 2019 unit finished with a grade of 64.4, the lowest of the Crennel era, even when accounting for 2017 as a Crennel season, though he was merely the assistant head coach and Mike Vrabel was the defensive coordinator that year.

PFF grades aside, the Texans had the third-fewest takeaways in the Crennel era with 22, tied with the 2016 season for the fewest sacks with 31, allowed a 97.6 opposing passer rating, the second-highest since 2014, gave up the most yards with 6,213, and allowed 385 points, the second-most in the six seasons with Crennel involved in the defense. Pro Football Focus doesn’t need its grades to demonstrate that there was something off with the defense in 2019.

Some of the problems were personnel related. Defensive end J.J. Watt missed the final eight regular season games with a torn pectoral, but outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus was unable to step up in Watt’s absence to provide a big threat on the edge.

The Texans recently promoted defensive line coach Anthony Weaver to defensive coordinator. If he can get the defense back to a level that was on par with the best of the Crennel days, combined with the Texans’ offense led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, then Houston should be able to set themselves up for a deeper playoff run in 2020.

Report: Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel considering retirement

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is considering retirement, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

The Houston Texans might be forced to make a move at defensive coordinator in the offseason.

According to a report from Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, current defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is contemplating retirement after coaching his 39th season in the NFL total and 12th as a defensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, sources say Texans veteran defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is still contemplating his plans and whether to retire or return. If Crennel decides to move on, Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is regarded as a top in-house candidate to succeed him.

The Texans defense was tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the most yards surrendered in the NFL at 6.1. However, Houston only gave up 385 points, the 14th-most in the league. The bread and butter of the Texans defense, sacks and tackles for loss, were in the bottom-10 of the NFL at 31 (tied-sixth) and 51 (third) respectively.

If Crennel does move on from the Texans, they will need to find a candidate who can run the 3-4 as a majority of their personnel is geared to run that defense. If they switch to a 4-3 front, then it could be another season of poor defensive output as they go through the growing pains of such a transition.

Game-day injury updates for Seahawks, Eagles ahead of wild card

The Eagles have cleared tight end Zach Ertz for the wild-card game against the Seahawks, but have ruled out tackle Lane Johnson.

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles will kick off at 1:40 p.m. in the wild-card round Sunday afternoon. Here’s some updated injury information ahead of the matchup.

The Seahawks have downgraded wide receiver Jaron Brown to “out.” Rookie wide receiver John Ursua will likely get some reps in Brown’s absence.

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has been cleared to play against the Seahawks, per a league source. He has been quarterback Carson Wentz’s favorite target throughout the past four years, so Seattle should expect him to play a big role in Sunday’s game and plan for him accordingly.

Ertz racked up 88 receptions for 916 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games this season and has been one of the only consistent receiving threats for his quarterback.

On the other hand, Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Wentz is known to play much better when his All-Pro right tackle is on the field. The Seahawks’ pass rush issues have been well-documented, but Johnson’s absence provides a big opportunity for Seattle to take advantage.

The Seahawks will be dealing with many injuries and absences of their own, so victory is up for grabs for both teams.

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Leaning on Sam Darnold’s arm among 4 keys to Jets’ offense against Steelers

Sam Darnold’s performance typically ties directly to the Jets offense’s ability to score points this season.

Despite the box score, the Jets’ offense looked decent against the Ravens in Week 14.

New York moved the ball well, but it failed to capitalize on a couple of quality scoring opportunities. The Steelers will be another tough test, featuring a third-ranked in total defensive DVOA per Football Outsiders and top-five pass and run defense DVOA. The Jets will need to lean on Sam Darnold to execute the offense and find gaps in the defense.

The biggest issue will be pass protection against one of the most ferocious pass rushes in the league. Pittsburgh knows how to get to the quarterback thanks to breakout linebacker T.J. Watt as well as defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and rookie linebacker Devin Bush. If the Jets can give Darnold room to operate behind the line of scrimmage they could find ways to score. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at what it’s going to take for New York’s offense to thrive in Week 16.

Get Sam Darnold going

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Without a reliable running game, the Jets need their young quarterback to step up and build sustained drives to put them in a position to put points on the board.

The Jets are significantly better when the passing game is clicking. They’re 5-1 and are averaging 22 points per game when Darnold throws for at least 250 yards. New York 1-6 and with 13.1 points per game when he totals below 250 passing yards.

Darnold looked solid against a tough Ravens defense despite only mustering 14 points. He led the Jets deep into Ravens territory five times, but a missed field goal, a failed fourth-down conversion and an interception took three potential scores off the board. The Steelers provide an equally difficult test as they allow only 204.1 passing yards per game and haven’t allowed at more than 250 passing yards since Week 6. 

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Seattle Seahawks sign linebacker Dekoda Watson

The Seattle Seahawks brought back linebacker Dekoda Watson, who was signed for two days in October before the team claimed Josh Gordon.

The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran linebacker Dekoda Watson to the active roster, taking the place of suspended receiver Josh Gordon.

This is Watson’s second time being signed by the Seahawks this season. He originally signed on October 30, with the hope that he would help contribute on the special teams and on Seattle’s depleted pass rush unit.

“We’re gonna give him a chance to give us some rush on the edge,” coach Pete Carroll commented after the signing. “He’s been a really accomplished [special] teams guy too. We’re hoping he can give us some additional boost there. We’ll see.”

However, Watson’s first stint in Seattle only lasted a few days, as the team released him to make room for Gordon, who they won on waiver claims two days later.

Now he’s back, this time replacing Gordon, and he’ll once again have a chance to contribute off the edge and on special teams.

The nine-year veteran has primarily been a special teams contributor, but he does have six career sacks – including two in 2018 as a member of the 49ers.

The Seahawks also shuffled things around on the practice squad, cutting linebacker Jermaine Grace and replacing him with rookie linebacker Sutton Smith, who was a sixth round pick by Pittsburgh this year out of Northern Illinois.

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Texans should sign former Ravens, Cardinals OLB Terrell Suggs

The Houston Texans would be smart to sign outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, who played with the Arizona Cardinals.

On Friday, the Arizona Cardinals ended Terrell Suggs’ homecoming.

The Redbirds released the Arizona native 13 games into his first season with the team. The Texans would have to put in a waiver claim and wait until Monday to see if anyone ahead of them on the waiver priority has also claimed him. Currently, Houston is near the bottom of waiver priority, as it is determined by record, and the Texans are a game away from a winning season.

Suggs, 37, is best known for his days with the Baltimore Ravens. In 16 seasons at B-More, the pass rusher racked up seven Pro Bowl appearances, a 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, an All-Pro nod and 132.5 sacks.

Suggs decided to forgo his 17th season in Baltimore to return home to Arizona. In his 13 games with the Cardinals, he remained to be a productive edge rusher, tallying 5.5 sacks, 37 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits in 638 defensive snaps.

In 2018, with the Ravens, Suggs tallied seven sacks, 34 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits in 16 starts.

According to Pro Football Reference, Suggs has recorded 14 pressures and five hurries on the 2019 season. Both digits are far cries from his production in 2018 when he compiled 37 pressures and 24 hurries with Baltimore.

Suggs’ numbers should pique the Texans’ interest. Without J.J. Watt (torn pectoral) and Jadeveon Clowney now in Seattle, Houston has struggled rushing the passer. They are 27th in sacks (26) and 31st in pressure rate (18.5%), per Pro Football Reference.

Theoretically, Suggs should improve that reeling pass rush in Houston. Though perhaps not an every-down player, he could rotate nicely with an outside linebacker group of Whitney Mercilus, Brennan Scarlett and Jacob Martin.

If the Texans were to luck into acquiring Suggs off of waivers, they would only owe him less than $3 million of his guaranteed contract via prorated bonuses, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

Bill O’Brien and the five-man general managing council showed boldness in trading draft picks for key veteran pieces. Now, with a playoff run impending, they should consider signing a proven pass rusher.