Although it’s somewhat of an oversimplification, the Eagles run game is designed to pick on opposing linebackers. It features a ton of misdirection, wham blocks, and movement along the offensive line. The offensive line as a whole is incredibly intelligent and can generally take advantage of less disciplined fronts. Moreover, Doug Pederson has a lot of plays in his arsenal and can and will take advantage of matchups along the line. Therefore, it’s important to understand exactly where the Jets are strong and where they are vulnerable.
| Jets D-Line vs. Eagles O-Line | Adj Yds | Rank | Adj Yds | Rank |
| Left End | 2.37 | 7th | 4.18 | 15th |
| Left Tackle | 6.29 | 29th | 3.39 | 27th |
| Mid/Guard | 3.00 | 3rd | 5.59 | 1st |
| Right Tackle | 3.71 | 9th | 4.96 | 14th |
| Right End | -2.28 | 2nd | 4.33 | 13th |
Positions in the chart above are listed in the perspective of the offense; therefore running at the left tackle means running at the right defensive end.
The primary way to find success against a 3-4 defense is running outside zone. While the width of the linebackers will make rounding the edge difficult, off-tackle gaps and cutback lanes will open. That’s why you see the rise in production behind both tackles. While the Eagles primarily run an inside zone scheme, they have all the tools to deploy a successful outside zone run. Jordan Howard, despite lacking speed, is a very decisive runner and will take advantage of any gap he’s given. Outside zone was his bread and butter in Chicago. On the other hand, Miles Sanders has the speed to quickly stretch a defense, but will need to get north and south quickly to exploit rapidly closing running lanes. He ran mostly inside zone at Penn State and has to break the tendency of bouncing the run to the outside too early. New York will be a worthy test.
The outside zone can be run in many ways with many variations. Below is an example of the Bills using a pin/pull concept with an outside zone path. The important factor is the lateral movement across the defensive line.
Another example is given by the Patriots on the goal line. Different look, similar concept.
A schematic approach can sometimes neglect the players on the field. The Jets have some peaks and valleys in terms of on-field talent. The Eagles will have to take advantage of the weaknesses on the New York defense.
Unsurprisingly, opponents have not had success trying to run at Leonard Williams. Although he moves around the formation, he’s mostly used as the nose tackle or as the 5-tech left defensive end. Understandably, the Jets have preferred to give extra help to the opposite side of their all-star. Williams is the cog that runs this defense. Because of this, there are some major keys for the offense to take advantage of.
When Williams is lined up at nose tackle, the Jets’ weakness is to the outside. Simple and effective, the Eagles should avoid complicating this scenario. Although Jason Kelce has given highly esteemed defensive tackles fits in the past, the Jets also have Mosely to clean up any mess in the middle. Running to the outside is the path of least resistance. This is when you hand the ball to Sanders, Darren Sproles or Corey Clement and watch them turn on the jets (no pun intended). There are big plays to be had with Williams on the interior.
Here we see Williams is lined up at nose and the Browns run outside zone. The same look is seen on Chubb’s touchdown run above.
When Williams is lined up at defensive end, there are two scenarios. In longer yardage situations or common passing downs, the Jets tend to send the linebacker on Williams’ side of the field to enhance their pass rush. Generally looking to overwhelm opposing tackles, in this case, it’s better to run away from the big man. In mid to short yardage situations, New York likes to leave their free linebacker on Williams’ side to limit quick passes and complicate RPO reads. In this case, there is room behind him. A double, wham or pre-snap motion can create some massive running room if the offensive line is able to penetrate to the second level.
While there is some adjustment required, the Eagles are coming off a long break and will have plenty of time to game-plan. It could be a huge game for Jordan Howard, who has proven time and time again how effective he can be with zone handoffs. This could also very well be a breakout game for Miles Sanders both in the passing game as well as on the ground. It would be a huge confidence boost for the team to have another strong showing in the run game leading into a difficult matchup against the Vikings.
All statistical information provided by Football Outsiders.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
