I dont' remember him making one impact play last year...if he did and I missed it, kudos to him, boo to me. Is there a video of it so I can refresh my memory? Last year being what it is...the past, really doesn't matter. I hope he gets it turned around, fixes his problems, whatever they are and becomes a great player for us. Heaven knows we need all the good players we can get.
There were two issues on the play. 1) Tannehill made a great play but actually needed to lead Clay further in the opposite direction. He threw it to the wrong shoulder...errr leg. 2) Clay needs to secure the ball more quickly.
There isn't any arguing that Jordan has been a big disappointment, you don't get picked where he did to get spot play and special teams reps. I don't think the coaching staff is to blame either, if he stood out that much in practice he'd be playing full time and they'd live with his growing pains. Part of it is that we have a good defense and there are players ahead of him that are better - right now- but if he was showing serious skills they'd be finding a way to get him in there. I think he is a rare talent and he has shown flashes but its on him, he has to want it. Jason Taylor wanted it, Zach Thomas wanted it, Cameron Wake wants it, does Jordan?
Until seeing another replay today I Was of the opinion it was just a great play by the coverage man, knocking it out. Seeing it again today from another angle, Clay didn't do enough to cover it up. looked like he kinda caught it with his hands and got ready to celebrate (or relax at least). The winning TD was the opposite- the RB turned his body to keep Jones off the ball. So I changed my mind - that's on Clay. Still a good play by the Lions player though.
Jordan is never going to be a stat guy I don't think. Last year most of his nrtter plays were in coverage. For example on the walk off sack by Wake against the Bengals. On that play Dion dropped into middle coverage and completely erased the TE Dalton was looking to connect with. That is what allowed Wake the sack. I believe he also erased Gronk against NE last year. The play against Calvin Johnson yesterday was huge. Unfortunately we let up the TD next play.
In those situations , more urgency and determination is needed , sure the pass could have been better but considering the lead up to the throw , it was more than "ok" .... CC needed to secure and attack the ball , make it his , he didn't . Huge moment that let the team down imo . Point to lots of things to be better at , improve , but that one play is the most telling imo . Going forward , CC is a nice player , but not worth fretting over if he doesn't step up and be more consistent . If he accepts a fair contract , fine , if not , fine as well. We need better production from him/that position .
I'm not ready to write Dion Jordan off as a pass rusher. I am ready to write him off as a 6-technique base/3-technique Nickel type guy. I don't think it was a bad experiment to bulk him up and see if he could do it, but I think it's time to drop him back into the 240-250 pound range, and let him speed rush wide techniques and blitz. He's still worth the pick in my eyes if you end up with an excellent cover player who is more of a blitzer than an edge rusher. Yesterday I think really showed off that Dion Jordan has Brian Urlacher kind of upside in coverage. The guy was getting down the field and making an impact at 275lbs.