Awuzie was effectively abused all season from start to finish. The fact they pulled him on the last game was comical but speaks to the coaching staff’s collective ineptitude.
Jaylon is to me the biggest disappointment on defense hands down. I saw some warning signs last year with his play but presumed he would evolve with more playing time and NFL experience.
He didn’t.
His regression was stunning to the extent I don’t think he’s a starting NFL caliber LB. I mean, you can trot him out there but you get diminishing returns with him snap after snap.
- He is utterly useless in space;
- Does not take on blocks to disrupt running lanes/gets washed out of plays;
- He epitomizes the phrase “takes false steps;”
- Is a liability in coverage other than covering a receiver sitting down over the middle;
- He chronically takes the bait on play-action or misdirection plays;
- He often misreads the hole, putting him in pursuit.
I would also add that I think he lacks good linebacking instincts. Think about it...when was the last time you saw Jaylon make a read, anticipate, react and blow up a run play or screen that was developing?
The highlight plays he does have are typically him running in a straight line to beat a guy to a point (eg. the DeShaun Watson goal line play last year) which exemplify the one positive trait I think he has.
The FO absolutely blew it with extending him early. He’s due an $8M fully guaranteed option bonus in March. The team is saddled with him likely until 2022 due to the salary cap impacts.
