Jace Amaro and Devin Smith; Who Matters More?
Both TE Jace Amaro and WR Devin Smith are recovering from injuries and are looking to contribute this upcoming season for the New York Jets. However, only one of their recovery really matters: Smith’s. All expectations should be on Smith’s speedy recovery and return and less on Amaro’s health.
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Jace Amaro, Devin Smith: When can Jets expect these injured guys back? | NJ.com Here’s a look. |
| Source: www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/05/jace_amaro_devin_smith_when_can_jets_expect_these.html | |
If Amaro recovers and returns he will be a non-factor in the Jets passing game because the tight end position has no featured plays in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s playbook. Last year, the first receiver that Ryan Fitzpatrick looked for as soon as the ball was snapped was Brandon Marshall. If Marshall was covered, then the quarterback’s eyes went Eric Decker’s way. Then his progression reads were the third receiver (usually Jeremy Curley) and later the running back if the RB went into a passing route.
Last year tight end Jeff Cumberland only had 5 receptions for 77 yards. With playmakers Marshall and Decker, Ryan saw no need to throw Cumberland’s way. As talented as Amaro may be, there is no place for a TE in this offense.
Devin Smith, on the other hand, is a different story. He provides the deep threat that’s needed for the slot position. Even if opposing defenses cover Marshall and Decker, Smith will have one-on-one matchups and should beat them with his straight line speed. Alternating the slot position with receivers like Curley, Smith was able to amass 9 receptions for 115 yards with 1 touchdown in his rookie season. There is potential for him to expand these stats especially if he takes a bigger role in his second year.
With his rookie season behind him, Smith should have a better understanding of reading defenses and he’ll also open up other lanes for the 4th receiver and receiving running back. For these reasons there should be more of a concern over the health recovery of Smith rather than that of Amaro because of the impact on the Jets offense.
