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New York Jets: 3-4 Or 4-3, Either Muhammad Wilkerson Or Sheldon Richardson Has To Go

Bill Kostroun, AP
Bill Kostroun, AP

Whether New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles runs a 3-4 or a 4-3, it doesn’t matter. One of the beasts up front has to go.

By Robby Sabo

Do they love him? They sure do.

Does that love translate into an assurance that he’ll wear the colors green and white for the rest of his professional football career?

Unfortunately, no.

This is the National Football League. The league in which they play for pay. The league that filters out the sensitive and weak-minded.

The league that pays based on performance, and where loyalty is as good as the trusting word of a front office capologist.

Thanks to the ways of the hard salary cap, the New York Jets and Muhammad Wilkerson are now in the last year of uncertainty.

It started late in 2014, when Wilkerson realized he was severely outperforming his rookie contract. During offseason OTAs and all the way through training camp, the story surrounding Big Mo’s long-term future with the franchise dragged on.

He wanted a long-term deal, yet Mike Maccagnan and the new Jets brass was reluctant to provide one.

Now, suddenly, some are bringing up the idea of Todd Bowles officially switching to a 4-3 defense.

It makes sense. After all, we did see many four-man lines out of Todd Bowles last season, especially in sub packages. So the idea of Bowles running more four-man fronts in 2016 is very conceivable.

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Bowles likes the versatility, and loves to be known as a “hybrid” front-type defensive mind.

As it relates to the personnel itself, however, 3-4 or 4-3 won’t make one iota of a difference.

Either Big Mo or Sheldon Richardson must go. It’s that simple.

Here are the reasons:

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com