Inside the Film Room: CB Dimitri Patterson

Oct 20, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back

(28) runs the ball past Miami Dolphins cornerback

(24) in the first quarter of a game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Time for a special trip inside the film room. This afternoon, we are going to take a look at our newest cornerback, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, Dimitri Patterson.

The Jets need playmakers, as we all know. They need them on offense, but the fact is they need them on defense as well. When we needed one, what couldn’t the Jets’ defense give us? A turnover. When we needed a turnover, they had the toughest time producing one.

The Jets need playmakers on defense. If healthy, Dimitri Patterson might just be that guy.

We have talked about his ball-hawking ability. Although he played in only six games last season, he picked off four passes. That is about as often as you will ever see a guy getting his hands on the football.

Now, let’s take a look at how he does it. I have chosen one interception to look at, one where he picks off our favorite quarterback to hate, the one and only Tom Brady. Let’s have a look:

The circled Patriot receiver is another one of our “favorites”, Rob Gronkowski. He has come in motion from left to right, following the arrow down the line. He is going to run the indicated “curl” route, floating to what he thinks is the soft spot in the defense. He doesn’t expect Dimitri Patterson, the circled defender.

The play is on as Tom Brady runs a play fake. Here we go…

Tom Brady, again circled, has cocked the ball back and is ready to make the throw to his big tight end. Gronk is coming out of his break toward the outside. However, look at Dimitri Patterson’s eyes, locked right in on Tom Brady. He knows when that ball is coming and is ready to make a break on it.

The ball is on its way, and Patterson has made his break on it.

Dimitri Patterson makes the pick, setting up the Dolphins first and ten in Patriots’ territory.

Do you see the ball instincts? People don’t often take chances on Tom Brady like that. Patterson did, and it paid off. No wonder when he was active, QB’s passer rating was just over 50 when throwing it his way.

If he is healthy, and we get a guy making plays like that, all of a sudden the Jets defense will look a lot different.