On Sunday the New York Jets shocked most of the NFL world with an inspiring defensive performance in a 20-6 win over the Miami Dolphins.
After watching their run defense and, for that matter, their defense overall be publically mocked the first two weeks of the season, the New York Jets finally took all the insults being thrown at them personally.
Vegas had the Miami Dolphins as six-point favorites on the road against a division rival. In a series that usually always produces the unexpected, the current Jets squad had to be a bit humiliated.
However, in the end, it was a series of rookies, castoffs and returnees that helped the Jets dominate the Dolphins.
The Rookies
On Jamal Adams score sheet, you won’t see many stats that jump out at you.
Overall, he only had two tackles, both of which were for a loss. He collected his first NFL sack and was targeted twice in pass coverage without allowing a reception.
What amazes me about Adams is that he always seems to be in the right place, which makes his teammates ability to make plays much easier.
Next is ArDarius Stewart. His incredible diving catch on third and 13 helped extend the Jets’ first scoring drive. Coming from Alabama, Stewart has winning in his blood. He needs to be on the field more.
Third is Elijah McGuire. Yes, he fumbled in the fourth quarter that could have led to some problems, but fortunately, they didn’t. Overall, he ran for 34 yards on seven carries and gives the Jets an excellent option out of the backfield to spell both Matt Forte and Bilal Powell.
The Castoffs
The signing of David Bass went largely unnoticed in the middle of last week, as the Jets picked him up after the Seahawks released him.
Bass immediately announced his presence as he stopped Damien Williams for a three-yard loss on third down on Miami’s second drive of the game. Overall, Bass finished with three tackles (two for a loss) and registered a sack in the fourth quarter.
The Jets acquired Terrence Brooks from the Eagles in a trade in August for Dexter McDougle, who was drafted a pick after Brooks in the 2014 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Brooks ended his rookie season on IR, which limited his ability in his second season with Baltimore. He was released and signed by the Eagles last season.
On Sunday, Brooks made the first of his two interceptions when he didn’t bite on a Dolphins fake punt, racing back to prevent a reception. His second interception came at another key moment of the game.
Jamal Adams got called for an unsportsmanlike penalty for taunting when the Dolphins were facing a fourth and long. Adams’ penalty gave them a first down and extended their drive. A few plays later, Brooks ended their last chance to get back in the game.
The Returnee
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Jets, Demario Davis signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in March of 2016.
When the Jets drafted Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in 2017, former first-round pick and starting safety Calvin Pryor became available. In June, the Jets traded Pryor to the Browns and received back Davis to help replace released veteran David Harris.
After a brutal first two weeks — where Pro Football Focus graded him as one of the worst rated linebackers — Davis responded with a spectacular game against the Dolphins.
Davis led the team with 12 tackles, 11 of them being solo and three being behind the line of scrimmage. He also was active in the passing game, collecting one pass defended. Pro Football Focus gave him a 92.3 rating, which was the highest of any player in the NFL in week three.
