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Is this the case?
As I mentioned yesterday, the Jets had the following post on social media this week:
“The pieces are in place. Now we’re ready to go to work.”
We looked at whether this was the case with their offense yesterday. Today, let’s look at their defense.
It’s easier to make the case that the “pieces are in place” with their offense compared to their defense.
They’re in good shape at defensive coordinator with Gregg Williams now holding that position. Like him or not, he’s one of the best in the business. Not only will he improve their X’s and O’s, but their defensive culture.
But on the field, this defense has some question marks.
Before we get to the question marks, let’s talk about the positives.
Their defensive line should be outstanding with Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams and Henry Anderson.
The run defense at their inside linebacker spots should be rock solid with the combination of C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson. They were leaky up the middle the last few years and this contributed to losses. It’s hard to win in the NFL if you can’t stop the run.
Speaking of up the middle, Jamal Adams is one of the best safeties in football.
Now to the question marks.
They desperately need a game-wrecking edge-rusher who can take the corner with great first step quickness and bend and command double-teams. They’re keeping their fingers crossed that Jachai Polite can be that guy. Another guy to keep an eye on is Frankie Luvu, who could take a big step in Year Two if given the playing time. Some of the other players in the room are try-hard guys, but don’t have the quickness or flexibility to be game-wrecking edge-rushers. They will get you occasional sacks, but don’t need to game-planned for by opponents.
At cornerback, they are in good shape at nickel back with Brian Poole, but need better play on the outside than last year. Trumaine Johnson, who makes $14.5 million-a-year, had a very inconsistent season last year, and was benched in the Week 17 for lateness. He is pushing the narrative that his on-field issues last year injury related. We will see if that was truly the case in Year Two (if he stays healthy). Who will start on the other side? That is unclear. Darryl Roberts is current the starter, but he might be better served in a reserve role.
At the free safety, Marcus Maye certainly has a lot of talent, but he’s had issues staying healthy. He might be a safety in a cornerback’s body.
Another question is at inside linebacker, and has nothing to do with Mosley, a big ticket free agent addition. He should be fine, but the question is about Avery Williamson in an extended pass coverage role. Honestly, his skill set probably fits the MIKE linebacker role better because he’s terrific against the run and is a good blitzer, and can handle occasional coverage responsibilities. But his new role seems to require a lot more coverage than last year, and it remains to be seen if he can handle it with his 4.66 speed and some hip stiffness.
I do think this defense will be better than the last couple of years, but not sure as we sit here right now that all the “pieces are in place.”
July 18, 2019
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