New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson has recently made the statement that his defense can be the best in the NFL this season.
By Robby Sabo
Some fans of the New York Jets have to be struggling with the idea that their once abundantly rich defensive line is now that that much of a lock.
Sheldon Richardson is gone, dealing with his four-game (and possibly more) suspension. Leonard Williams is a rookie and gave us all a scare with a leg injury during the preseason. And, of course, Muhammad Wilkerson has been battling a bum hammy and is still without a long-term contract, something he desperately so desires.
Through all of the issues, the defense as a whole still looks relatively healthy. So much so that Wilkerson himself believes they could be something special in 2015.
Via Rich Cimini of ESPN New York:
“I believe we can be as good as we want to be, Wilkerson said on Thursday. We can be great. We can have the No. 1 defense in the league. We’ve just got to come in each and every week improving and do our jobs every Sunday.”
With Darrelle Revis back in tow is makes complete sense. The average fan just doesn’t understand what Revis actually does for a defense on a play in, play out basis.
The defensive coordinator is afforded the opportunity to put Revis on the offense’s best weapon and not worry about over the top help in the least. This allows the safeties to target so much of their energy and responsibilities to other areas.
Where their status as one of the best in the league will most likely hinge on is at the edge rush spot. While Wilkerson, Williams and Damon “Snacks” Harrison will stuff the run and create an inside pass rush, Quinton Coples and Lorenzo Mauldin both need to be studs outside.
The Jets defense will have their first chance to impress this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
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