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

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Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Jamal Adams would surely improve an impressive-but-rarely used blitz package the 49ers have

Jamal Adams had the same number of sacks Dee Ford did last season. Both Adams and Ford finished with 6.5 sacks.

Yes, Adams played all 16 games for the Jets whilst Ford only played in 11 games for San Francisco. Even considering that Adams played five more games than Ford, it’s still impressive Adams ended up with the same number of sacks.

It’s even more impressive because it’s not Adams’ first responsibility, as a safety, to get sacks and rush or blitz the quarterback. However, whilst Ford contributed only 6.5 sacks when rushing the passer, Ford also gave opportunities to other 49ers defensive linemen to get pressures and sacks. Missing Ford hampered the 49ers pass rush and led to some below-par defensive performances.

Adams is electric when blitzing, often blowing up running backs and tight ends who try to block Adams but have absolutely no chance. When an offensive lineman tries to block Adams on a blitz, Adams is too quick and athletic. This leads to Adams running around the offensive linemen, especially offensive tackles.

Take this play against Washington. Adams is blitzing from the right side of the defense, left side of the offensive line, meaning the left tackle and guard need to communicate and react to the blitz and try to block Adams. The Jets line four players up over the left side of Washington’s offensive line, with six in total on the line of scrimmage.

Even though the Jets look like they are blitzing six players, they actually only end up rushing four: two defensive linemen and two defensive backs, all on the left side of Washington’s offensive line. The left tackle tries to block Adams after identifying Adams is blitzing, however, quarterback Dwayne Haskins feels the pressure from the left side and tries to roll out to his right. This wasn’t the play for Haskins to roll out as his offensive line actually held up well against the blitz:

The only problem is that Adams is more athletic than the left tackle who had to try and block Adams. Adams simply runs around the left tackle and catches up to Haskins before Haskins can get the throw off.