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Cortland – What have we seen from the Jets’ defense in the first two weeks of camp? Can it be the best? Let’s take a closer look . . .
After a couple of weeks, this is what I’m seeing so far, from the 2014 New York Jets . . .
The defensive line could be even more dominating than last year.
The defensive line of Mo Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Damon Harrison looks like it’s going to be even better than in 2014.
You can throw in Quinton Coples, kind of a hybrid DE/OLB, who is quicker and faster with a 20-pound weight loss.
This “fearsome foursome” has been excellent this summer.
This is the strength of the 2014 New York Jets.
A positive development for the linebacker corps is that inside linebacker DeMario Davis has been terrific in coverage this summer. He was a little disappointing in the area last year, but has been much better in Cortland.
It remains to be seen if Jason Babin can play 3-4 OLB, a position foreign to him. He is a 4-3 end by trade. Babin is a cerebral pass rusher, but watching him in practice, he doesn’t seem to have the same burst that he used to, which is understandable at 34. Let’s see what he does in preseason games.
Speaking of OLB, to me one of the pleasant surprises for the Jets in camp has been sixth round pick IK Enemkpali.
I wasn’t high on the pick when the Jets made it, but this guy has grown on me.
He has been one of the best pass rushers in Jets training camp.
While he doesn’t have great speed, he’s got an outstanding motor, a good bull rush, terrific short-area quickness, and consistently gets under tall tackles with his low center of gravity.
He also has an impressive work ethic, often one of the first-on, and one of the last-off, the practice field.
Turning to the secondary, I think the Jets will be fine at safety, with Antonio Allen, Dawan Landry and Calvin Pryor rotating. Allen has had a very good camp.
Cornerback has to be a little bit of concern for the Jets.
Dimitri Patterson has been rock solid, but the other starter, Dee Milliner, has been inconsistent, and clearly isn’t a #1 corner. Also the Jets are still playing Kyle Wilson at nickel back. Rex is a very loyal man.
Based on what I’ve seen, I think pass-happy teams like Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, Denver and so forth, will go after Milliner and Wilson, and this could impact those games.
Perhaps Dexter McDougle will challenge for the nickel job eventually.
Jeremy Reeves has looked like the best nickel back in camp.
I think Ras-I Dowling could help the Jets, but so far he’s received very few reps.
The cornerback situation is something to keep an eye on. All I can say is that Patterson is their best cornerback.
I think Milliner can be okay, but everyone needs to lower the bar with him (which won’t happen, especially after his quote, which was taken a little of context). I think since he was picked right after the Revis trade, he’s often compared to Darrelle, and this should stop. Milliner isn’t a shutdown corner. He can be a steady corner, but don’t expect him to walk on water.
One thing that could help the corners as we move forward is the play of the Front Seven. A good Front Seven can be a cornerback’s best friend.
May 6, 2014
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