Pettine

In explaining why Maybin has been getting somewhat limited snaps, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said Maybin isn't big enough to play every down, that he would be vulnerable against the run.

The Jets' Maybin: a Bust No More Chris Herring 2011

But Pettine praised his ability to get to the quarterback, and went as far as to say that Maybin was the "one thing that we were missing" defensively.

The Jets' Maybin: a Bust No More Chris Herring 2011

"Typically, we find if you're the corner away from Revis and you play off, you're going to get dehydrated," Pettine said.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said Jackson, 30, is having the best year of his career.

A Bills Game That Actually Matters Chris Herring 2011

"There was a better football player out there," defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said, "so we pursued Nnamdi."

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

In fact, after last season, Pettine compiled a tape of instances in which Cromartie played press coverage against opposing wideouts.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

Too often, Pettine said, Cromartie settled into a softer stance at the line of scrimmage and allowed an opposing receiver a free release at the snap, just as he had done during his four seasons with the San Diego Chargers.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

He doesn't know if Dennis Thurman and Jim O'Neil, the Jets' secondary coaches, have shown it to Cromartie yet, "but it's waiting for him," Pettine said.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

If Cromartie wants to improve, Pettine appeared to have a suggestion.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011

But Cromartie, who at 6-foot-2 is one of the NFL's taller cornerbacks and whom Ryan called "a top-5 corner," can enhance his coverage skills by playing more aggressively, Pettine said.

Nnamdi Out, Jets Complete Plan B Mike Sielski 2011