Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons could not believe his organization traded nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets in March.
“It was a surprise to me,” Simmons told CBS Sports recently. “Just trying to get a feel for why.”
Because new Titans coach Robert Saleh didn’t feel like Sweat fit his defense, Tennessee traded the player to the Jets for defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
“I hate it, but it’s a business,” Simmons said about the Sweat trade.
Sweat is right out of Central Casting for what the Jets need: a massive, athletic run-stuffer to help fix their run defense issues up the middle.
The Jets repeatedly got gashed up the middle by runs last season. Too often, their defensive tackles could not get off blocks, and the last time we saw the Jets play was a perfect example.
With the Buffalo Bills playing four backup offensive linemen and starting a reserve running back, Ray Davis, the Jets’ defense was dominated on the ground.
Davis rushed 21 times for 151 yards in Buffalo’s 35-8 win.
Something had to change, and Jets GM Darren Mougey went out and attempted to upgrade the Jets’ defensive tackle position, trading for Sweat and signing free agent DT David Onyemata, who will both likely start.
Sweat is so perfect for what the Jets need: a nose tackle who is a force against the run, who will also command double-teams.
This trade could be a major steal for Gang Green
Simmons’ confusion is certainly understandable.
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