New York Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is bringing an atmosphere to the defense that includes zero sensitivity.
Last season, the New York Jets‘ defensive struggles were a big reason they finished in last place in the AFC East. They ranked 25th in total yards allowed-per-game with 380.4, 24th in passing yards allowed-per-game with 254.1, and 26th in rushing yards allowed-per-game with 126.3.
However, in January, they signed on Gregg Williams to be their new defensive coordinator. Heading into his first regular season with Gang Green, Williams is already establishing a non-sensitive atmosphere.
“I think it’s great, the fact that sensitivity is out the window,” said head coach Adam Gase, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “He’s not afraid to say anything to anyone. I think guys are hardened to it, and that’s a good thing. We all get criticized in this business, we all get picked apart, and you have to have thick skin. And by doing that at least it’s holding guys accountable. There are no sacred cows.”
Williams has ample experience, having previously worked as the defensive coordinator for numerous organizations since the late 1990s. As far as the attitude he brings, Williams claims he’s had it for a long, long time.
“It’s been that way for my whole life — I say what I mean, and I mean what I say,” Williams said. “You can’t BS players. You can’t BS that. It has to be an everyday thing. And the thing that is easily convinced when you go to a new place is find the best guy there and make him do it. Then everybody else says, ‘Uh oh.’
“Yep. ‘Uh oh.’ Mom and Dad didn’t make you do that stuff. Mom and Dad couldn’t play either.”
The Jets wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. They open the season on Sunday at home against the Buffalo Bills.
