Through seven games, the New York Jets have 11 interceptions on defense – one pick fewer than its 2010 total.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said New York has disguised more coverages this season, sprinkling in loaded zones despite showing man coverage at the snap.
“We're mixing in a few more traps and things like that which have helped, and they've thrown a couple balls in there,” Ryan told the media Thursday. “But sometimes those things happen.”
New York prefers man coverage, which puts pressure on cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to lock down their sides so the Jets can do different things in the middle of the field.
Typically, that results in more picks for the safeties and linebackers, yet Revis and Cromartie account for seven of the team's interceptions.
“We play so much man with [Darrelle] Revis that everybody knows," Ryan said. "It's hard to get an interception when you're just playing true man, even though Revis can.
“But every now and then you give him what we call the down off once in a blue moon where you actually let him play like every other corner in the league, and he gets interceptions, it seems like.”
Another key to the Jets’ turnovers through the air has been its improvement on getting to the quarterback.
“I think with a better pass rush comes more interceptions and more sacks comes with better coverage,” Ryan said. “So I think it's a combination of those things. But we certainly have the ability. We have guys that can make plays on the football, and we're doing that so far this year.”
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Tweet
