After years of dominance, the 3-5 New York Jets defense is now a liability. But fear not. With the talent they have, things can change.
The New York Jets have been interested in defense in recent years about as much as the internet is constantly clamoring for more monotonous, repetitive Kardashian news.In fact, this notion is such the case that nine out of the last 10 drafts, Gang Green has selected a defensive player in the first round, along with hiring two ex-defensive coordinators in the boisterous Rex Ryan and low-key Todd Bowles as head coaches.
So with six first round picks currently starting on defense this season, why do the Jets reside in the basement of the NFL with 26 points allowed/game, ranking 23rd in the league?
By looking at last season, when the Jets ranked fourth in total defense, allowing just under 320 yards/game, some roster differences are noticeable that are no doubt affecting this year’s team.
Today, we take an in-depth glance into the Jets’ defensive issues:
The Defensive Line
The front seven took a major blow this past offseason with the loss of run-stuffing nose tackle Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison. The undrafted steal dug up by Ryan during his tenure as head coach left for the crosstown New York Giants via free agency. Although general manager Mike Maccagnan signed longtime Steelers defensive tackle Steve McClendon to help fill that hole, he hasn’t been the same.
Last season, “Snacks” enabled Bowles to have defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams – three of those nine starting first round picks – focus more on rushing the passer, with Harrison keeping the trenches blocked up.
Because McClendon doesn’t have the same skill set as Harrison did, the aforementioned trio has much more to worry about. This has led to a huge drop in sack numbers this season, as Wilkerson, the new $86 million man, has only 2.5 sacks this season, paired with just 1.5 from Richardson.
Bowles has also used a very different and slightly confusing D-line rotation this season, essentially keeping Wilkerson and Williams in most plays, while leaving Richardson to bounce with McClendon, and bringing journeymen Mike Catapano and Jarvis Jenkins in and out often. Richardson has expressed his recent frustrations with this situation, saying he’s the “odd-man out” on the defensive line.
The lone exception to all these troubles has been Williams, who has played spectacularly this season, posting six sacks and two forced fumbles so far. Wilkerson has essentially been placed in a DT role, resulting in Williams taking on more pass-rushing responsibilities, and he has clearly responded well.
The Linebackers
Besides the major loss of Harrison due to financial reasons, the Jets released speedy coverage middle linebacker Demario Davis during last season due to declining play. Maccagnan drafted Darron Lee in the first round of last year’s draft to replace him as the partner to longtime stalwart David Harris.
But middle linebacker has been a bit of a revolving door through eight games, as Harris ended his consecutive playing streak at 121 after missing a game due to a hamstring issue.
The latter half of last year’s starter in Erin Henderson played in the beginning of the season, but was ousted in favor of more playing time for Lee, third-round rookie Jordan Jenkins and backups Julian Stanford and Bruce Carter.
Lee has played very well so far this season, contributing 30 tackles, half a sack and three tackles for loss. He has been injured though for the last two games, with Jenkins, Stanford and Carter helping fill in.
Those three have played admirably in Lee’s absence, but the lack of consistency and overall athleticism next to an already aging Harris has hurt the ability of Bowles to be more aggressive in his play-calling, as he can’t totally trust his linebackers to cover reliably.
A roster weakness of Bowles’ teams has been a lack of edge rushers – an issue carried over from Ryan’s defenses before him.
Although he was not who he used to be, the Jets lost outside-linebacker Calvin Pace this past offseason, as well as former first-round pick Quinton Coples during the 2015 season. This prompted Bowles to give Davis a chance at outside-backer, but it only sped up his release from the team. The man who stepped up the most on the outside was then rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, who amassed four sacks last season.
As the only true outside-rusher on the Jets this year, Mauldin’s numbers so far have been a bit less than impressive, as he has only 1.5 sacks to his name. That one full sack though was in total thanks to good coverage, making it less based on his pure ability to beat the offensive lineman.
Bowles has given some time to both Lee and Jenkins outside as well, but due to the previously mentioned weakness in the middle of the defense, they’ve been forced out of the outside into a more traditional linebacker role.
The Cornerbacks
Although much of the secondary has remained the same from last year, they’ve dropped from 13th to dead last in the league in pass yards allowed/game from last season to this season.
The declining play of once-superstar cornerback Darelle Revis has been one of the biggest storylines of 2016. Revis has given up a few deep touchdown catches this season to the Bengals AJ Green and Bills Marquise Goodwin – among others – while also allowing over 100 yards to ex-quarterback turned Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, something a prime-age Revis almost assuredly would’ve never let happen.
Although his play also dropped off last year, the Jets did lose corner Antonio Cromartie last offseason. Cromartie was still a solid corner because of his 6-foot-2 height and ability to still keep up with the quickest receivers in the game, making him a good complement to Revis. It also gave Bowles loads of defensive backfield depth with Buster Skrine in the slot and the six-interception Marcus Williams able to play anywhere.
But with Cromartie gone, the 5-foot-9 Skrine has been moved outside by Bowles, a decision that has left him open to getting beat by the much taller receivers that typically reside near the sideline. He was most successful last season, however, when covering in the slot and the middle of the field due to his extreme lateral quickness.
But Skrine was hurt in Week 8 against the Browns, pushing Williams into a much more prominent role on the outside. In turn, the weak Browns offense, led by journeyman backup quarterback Josh McCown, gained nearly 340 yards through the air on a secondary that at the beginning of the season was projected to be near the top of the league.
Williams has followed up his six pick campaign last season with two more so far this year, but his overall coverage has been weaker. Whether it’s the coaches’ decision or his, he’s playing farther off the line, making him vulnerable to slants, outs and hitches – some of which have developed into chunk yard plays. So while the turnovers are great, more consistent coverage would be much more beneficial towards improving the defense’s league worst ranking.
In a somewhat surprising move earlier this year, the Jets released former 2013 first round corner Dee Milliner, after the ex-starter had some injury issues during the ’14-’15 seasons. Milliner showed exceptional talent during his rookie season, posting three interceptions and 17 passes defensed in just 13 games. Although the Jets still had talent with Williams and Skrine on the roster, Milliner may have given the team some help on the outside due to his 6-foot size and good ball skills, but Maccagnan and Bowles wanted to start the secondary fresh, apparently.
Jets fourth rounder Juston Burris and second-year corner Darryl Roberts have received increased playing time due to the weakened corner depth. Especially with Skrine out last week, that duo was out there all game, and, while they did get beat a few times, both showed good ball skills and athleticism on the smaller, but quick Cleveland receiving corps.
The Safeties
As compared to the cornerbacks, the safety play so far this year has been pretty solid. Calvin Pryor has continued to earn his given title as the ‘Louisville Slugger’, showing an instinctive ability to time his pile-driving hits on receivers. His weakness has been this season what it has always been in his two-plus years in New York – over the top coverage. Pryor has been giving late help to outside corners on deep routes, helping to explain some of the bombs that Revis has allowed.
The best plays Jets fans have seen from Pryor always come from when he drives to the ball – whether that be on an interception, sack or forced fumble. But as the defense has been more prone to the deep ball and play-calling has become more cautious, Pryor has sat back more, resulting in him being taken out of his comfort zone. Recently, though, Bowles has allowed Pryor to blitz and reside in the box, and his play has resumed to the near Pro-Bowl level of last season.
Marcus Gilchrist has possibly been the most unsung hero of, not only the secondary, but the defense in general. He has provided great overhead coverage, allowing Bowles to try to return to his blitz-heavy scheme of last season in recent weeks. Gilchrist has a pick in each of the last two games, building on his three interceptions of last season. If his consistency can continue, things will gradually get much easier for the defense overall.
Pryor and Gilchrist continue to complement each other very well as each has a very different skill set. Impressive backup Rontez Miles hasn’t seen the field much this year, as both starters have remained healthy. Look for him to possibly make an impact as the season goes on, though, especially if another corner gets hurt.
How can inconsistency become consistency?
As is usual in recent years, the Jets are tops in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 74 yards/game. With the strength and talent of their D-line, there is no necessity to gear up against the run very much. Between Richardson, Williams, Wilkerson and McClendon, the Jets have four good or great pass rushing linemen. A key to good downfield coverage in professional football has always been to not make the secondary have to cover for long. So why not have your pass rushers in every play?
If Bowles can possibly switch to a 4-3 – or at the very least a play-by-play hybrid front – from his current 3-4 scheme, this would better fit his personnel. The Jets would have a better shot at getting to the quarterback this way, especially on plays when they aren’t blitzing. If that’s the most talented group of players on the entire roster, get them on the field.
Because Gang Green also has more coverage linebackers than edge rushers, it wouldn’t hurt to put them in a better position to do what they do best – cover. Mauldin could be made a pass rushing specialist on passing downs as his 6-foot-4, 260 pound frame can handle the rigors of playing in the defensive trenches.
Also, if the Jets aren’t going to trade Richardson, then they need to use him and get Catapano and Jenkins in only when others need a rest. They just flat out aren’t as good.
Pryor also needs to be utilized more in the box – like the Seahawks use Kam Chancellor – only dropping into coverage on passing downs, while tossing in a blitz every now and again. Gilchrist can handle things over the top and its time to totally use Pryor for what he is – a booming box safety.
If Revis’ outside corner play and athleticism continue to decline, Bowles will need to consider a sooner than planned move of him to safety. His football mind is still sharp, but corners need to stay with their man, and if they can’t do that, then they shouldn’t be corners.
Lee also needs to be on the field with Harris every play. Every situation he gets in – especially with Harris there to teach him – will only help his development. And once his mental game is there, watch out, because Lee is about as athletic a linebacker as there is.