49ers film room: How Jets Jamal Adams would take Niners to next level

No. 5: 49ers wouldn’t have to ever worry about covering tight ends again, ever

Jamal Adams had to face Rob Gronkowski twice a year in his first two years in the league, and Adams performed admirably. Adams was unlucky in coverage a few times, however, yet he won more reps than he lost to Gronkowski. With the 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers possibly facing each other in the playoffs, if there is a season, Adams would give the 49ers a player who can single-handedly take away Gronkowski and O.J. Howard.

In the play below, the Jets are in Cover 4 with Adams responsible for the deep quarter over Gronkowski. One of the weaknesses of Cover 4 — it’s called Cover 4 because there are four deep defenders with two cornerbacks and two safeties — is any out route ran by any receiver. This is because the cornerbacks are often in off-coverage, allowing the receiver a free release and can allow the receiver to go completely untouched whilst running the route.

Gronkowski is in the slot on the offenses left. Gronkowski will run an out route at the first-down marker. Adams is playing a deep quarter over Gronkowski and also sees Tom Brady staring down Gronkowski. Brady is a bit late with the throw, allowing Adams to break on Gronkowski and break up the pass:

Again, Adams has great eyes and plays fast, exceptionally fast.