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I agree with him. I think they are going to take a positive step this year. They didn’t live up to the hype last year. This year, less hype, more production.
I agree with Buster Skrine. I think the Jets’ secondary is going to be better this year than last.
“Just building off of last year,” Skrine said. “Second time in the system. I think we’re gonna have a great secondary this year. I thought we were good last year, but we can be even better.”
He used the word “great.” That might be a little strong, but it’s a word people probably throw around too much in sports. Very few in sports are “great,” whether it’s individuals or units.
But I think his point is they are going to better. I agree.
I’ve been over the lack of idea speed at starting cornerback plenty, so that will improve due to Antonio Cromartie’s departure, and the fact that a younger, quicker player will man that spot.
Marcus Williams is the leading candidate to grab the starting job.
Buster Skrine has been mentioned as a possibility, but honestly, he’s best suited staying in the slot. And you get the sense he feels that way also. He also thinks that Williams is the best candidate to replace Cromartie.
“[Williams] can handle it,” Skrine said. “He can play outside, inside. I definitely think he deserves more playing time, because he brings the production.”
Williams has terrific instincts and balls kills, and had six picks last year in limited action. And this was with only three starts, and with him missing three games due to a hamstring injury.
Another reason the secondary will be better is the comfort level in Todd Bowles defense. One thing that doesn’t get enough attention from last year’s average secondary play were all the blown coverages. A perfect example was Odell Beckham’s 72-yard touchdown in the Giants’ game. This was a blown coverage, and it was early December. You would think by then they would have been comfortable, but there were still issues.
This year the group will be higher up on the growth curve. Not just because of a season under their belt, but an off-season of teaching and learning from their 2015 mistakes.
I think the safety tandem will be much more comfortable together this year. Calvin Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist had no history together, and were both new to the system. Not a great combination of factors. I think they will be rock solid together in Year Two.
And something else that will help is the bar being lowered for Revis, and this is a good thing for the player and the Jets. The island is closed. He will get more help. And the media isn’t expecting him to walk on water anymore. They are now writing and saying he should be given more help, almost making him a victim, That is good for him. He doesn’t have to out there and be the savior. The contract is a bad contract, but nothing can be done about it right now, so make the best of it.
Also, there are some other defensive backs I think are ready to help the Jets’ secondary take the next step this year. I think reserve safety Dion Bailey is going to have a breakout year. Remember, he was a linebacker at USC. Now after a couple of years of safety training in Seattle and with the Jets, he’s now comfortable in his safety skin, and ready to emerge. He’s tough, smart and instinctive.
I also think either Dexter McDougle or Dee Milliner will be the wildcard this year. I’m not saying both, that would be gravy, I’m saying one. They both have talent, but have had injury issues. If one comes through as a dime back, that will help the Jets in passing situation. My gut says one of them will be a factor.
So for many reasons, I agree with Skrine; the Jets’ secondary will be better than last year.
May 18, 2016
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