The 4 Keys in Showcasing a Legit, Tenacious Defense:New York Jets

[Gas2No99]

New York Jets: The 4 Keys in Showcasing a Legit, Tenacious Defense

By Robby Sabo - 06/04/2017

There is, in fact, a way the New York Jets can boast a nasty defense in 2017. Here’s the formula for Todd Bowles and his boys.

By now, you’re sick and tired of it all.

• The 2017 New York Jets currently own the worst personnel in all of the NFL.
• The Jets would be lucky to win three games in 2017.
• This season is all about sucking for Sam, Sam Darnold, that is.

Blah, blah, ladi-freaking dah.

Enough, already.

Jets fans have heard it all. Even during the hottest offseasons, they have to endure disappointing regular seasons. So, at this point, what’s the difference? An offseason is an offseason.

What most so-called experts and NFL insiders fail to fully grasp and bring to the forefront when discussing the 2017 New York Jets is that this is still football.

In football, locker rooms rule the roost. In football, as opposed to other sports, there are only 16 games. This means two early season wins can literally change a team’s fortunes for the long-haul. Players, coaches and everybody involved suddenly believe their club is better than it actually is. Momentum can carry a football team a long way and beliefin one’s self becomes more valuable than actual talent.

Considering this line of thought, this Jets defense can boast a dominant form if a few things broke right.

Here are the four critical keys that’ll allow Todd Bowles to field a legitimate and tenacious defense in 2017:

Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Juston Burris (32) intercepts a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (not pictured) in the third quarter and is tackled by Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

1. Juston Burris Must Come of Age

Morris Claiborne is, at the moment, the Jets No. 1 cornerback. This is not a good thing. Nothing against Claiborne, but he’s simply not No. 1 material.

Corner is the unit’s worst position on paper.

The one true wild card comes in the form of second-year kid Juston Burris.

Burris, a fourth-round selection a year ago, started just one game a season ago and is equipped with every raw ability that a personnel decision-maker wants to see. Should he come of age this August, he’d kick Buster Skrine to the nickel spot, the position he needs to be in order to succeed at the highest level.

Other options for surprises at the position are Bryson Keeton and the two rookies, Jeremy Clark and Derrick Jones. We already know what Marcus Williams is: a No. 4 or 5 guy.

2. Darron Lee Must Take the Headset

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (50) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

David Harris can absolutely still start in the base look and flourish in the run game. Even at 33-years of age, he can thump with the best of them.

When offenses move to three and four wideout looks, however, the man simply needs to get off the field.

Harris is a horrid pass defender and as slow at it comes at the position. Why Todd Bowles continued to throw his nickel look (both ILBs on the field) against three WR with a speedy TE look a year ago, we still don’t know.

What we know now is that Darron Lee needs to assume the headset of the defense, allowing Bowles’ confidence in the kid to soar in all packages. (For those who aren’t aware, one defender is designated as the man who can carry the headset, similarly to the quarterback on offense.)

Rather than Lee coming off and Harris remaining on the field in heavy pass looks, it needs to be Lee who stays on in all situations and the man who becomes the every down captain.

We understand Lee struggled during his rookie season. Pro Football Focus graded him out as one of the worst inside backers in the league. It’s exactly why Lee’s second-year prowess must come to fruition.

If it happens, suddenly Tom Brady won’t be able to feast on his tight ends and running backs every single time he faces the Jets. If it happens, New York grabs that extra key in boasting a nasty unit.

May 5, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Dylan Donahue answers question from media during Jets rookie mini camp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. An Edge Presence Must Show Face

It’s the curse of John Abraham. Not since No. 94 (and No. 56) left the organization, have the Jets showcased an excellent edge rusher. It’s been 12 seasons now (2005).

The candidates in 2017 are many:

• Jordan Jenkins
• Lorenzo Mauldin
• Dylan Donahue
• Freddie Bishop

The question remains, can any of them at least perform at an admirable level?

4. Sheldon Richardson Cannot Be Played Out of Position

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The number three and number four key go hand-in-hand. Why? Well, because Sheldon Richardson has been yo-yo’d back and forth from his regular interior spot to an edge spot far too often.

With Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams manning the two 3-4 DE spots, the Jets have looked to place Sheldon completely out of position at an edge 3-4 OLB.

It’s failed miserably and the early talks have the defensive coaches leaving Richardson at his natural position this summer.

It’s the only way. It doesn’t even matter if one of the three has to remain on the sideline every play. It must be this way.

A 300-plus pound man trying to play a 250-plus position is absolute insanity.

When the three are on the field together, there isn’t enough speed along the edge. Defensive integrity breaks down and other players look to make up for it, hurting their own development along the way.

Final Thoughts

Admittedly, of these four keys, two or three of them are far-fetched. This is just part of the reason many believe New York’s personnel is the weakest in the land.

But no mistake about it, this is football. Crazier things than these Jets coming out of nowhere to win 8-10 games have happened. Just reference the 2006 season, for one example.

[Freemanm]

Here's one main key to the Jets D: get a legitimate QB who doesn't completely demoralize the offense by throwing like three redzone pics per game and one that doesn't let the defense be on the field for 90% of the game. I don't care how good Jamal Adams is, he won't be effective when his legs are jelly by the third quarter.

[adb280z]

After reading that article, there's not much reason to be all that optimistic about the defense this year.

[HessStation]

Time for Mo to make the Kris Jenkins add 15-20 and move to NT. Sounded like he was on his way?

[hokiejetfan92]

Todd Bowles is a former DB, so he has to improve the secondary. If he shows he can coach up his new DB's. I'd bet the defense surprises many

[JetPotato]

Hey, you know what? All that has to happen is Bryce Petty has to be the NFL MVP, and the Jets will be pretty good.

[T0mShane]

Zero of these things are attainable, but nice effort. Burris is about as athletic as a sturdy defensive end, Lee sucks and is a wackbag, the edge rushers on the roster are all D-III level athletes, and Sheldon already has his bags packed. 

[ASH1962]

1 minute ago, T0mShane said:

Zero of these things are attainable, but nice effort. Burris is about as athletic as a sturdy defensive end, Lee sucks and is a wackbag, the edge rushers on the roster are all D-III level athletes, and Sheldon already has his bags packed. 

you forgot the single biggest detriment to this defense and team:

 

 

[T0mShane]

2 minutes ago, ASH1962 said:

you forgot the single biggest detriment to this defense and team:

 

 

That too.

[T0mShane]

Belichick quits, Al Groh, the hardass, drives team into ground and gets fired:

 

Woody: "Gross. Get me the opposite of that."

League: "You're taking Herm."

Woody: "Is he the opp..."

League: "You take Herm or we call Dolan back."

 

Herm sucks, flees to Kansas City:

 

Woody: "Gross, give me the opposite of that."

 

Mangini has moderate success, Revis bitches about Mangini being mean. Woody, trying to sell PSL's to hideous, prison-like new stadium, fires him.

 

Woody: "Gross. Get me the opposite of that."

 

Rex drives team straight into ground, but Woody counters Giants winning Super Bowl by keeping headline-grabbing moron on payroll until The Martyr John Idzik clings onto Ryan, dragging him into the fires of Mordor.

 

Woody: "Gross. Get me the opposite of that."

 

Enter stoic, stern Todd Bowles...

[Bugg]

In the NFL of 2017, defense doesn't  matter as  much when they will be on the field all day because the offense is a 3 and out machine. That is when it isn't turning the ball over. This franchise has inexplicably decided offense isn't all that important; it has no QB, the OL is duct tape, bubble gum and free agents; the backs are average, there is not TE (a s safety blanket for a weak QB looking to dump it off when things get hairy, don't have it); and some nice WRs who won't much matter when the QB is running for his life. Really, think of it: how far downfield can anyone get in the jailbreak that will be the pass rush against this OL?We also have a scared pussified coaching staff that thinks 2 runs up the middle and an an awful desperation 3rd and 8 passing play are professional football worthy.    That could have been helped with those 2 top picks; it was not. This offense is going to be about as good as Kentucky or South Carolina on their best day. All of these idiots who celebrated picking 2 safeties at the top of the draft are going to have to grasp the level of talent on this offense is probably no better than a low level SEC team when everything goes it's way.If the other defense makes some mistakes or blows coverage may be they can get 2 TDs. Otherwise this team will be lucky to get 2 digit points most weeks. 

[C Mart]

Corey Lemonier should be mentioned as a possible edge rusher. 

[The Crusher]

9 hours ago, Freemanm said:

Here's one main key to the Jets D: get a legitimate QB who doesn't completely demoralize the offense by throwing like three redzone pics per game and one that doesn't let the defense be on the field for 90% of the game. I don't care how good Jamal Adams is, he won't be effective when his legs are jelly by the third quarter.

Well damn that was certainly a quick 180. Solid plant foot. 

[SickJetFan]

This D is gonna be Sick!

[Beerfish]

23 hours ago, Freemanm said:

Here's one main key to the Jets D: get a legitimate QB who doesn't completely demoralize the offense by throwing like three redzone pics per game and one that doesn't let the defense be on the field for 90% of the game. I don't care how good Jamal Adams is, he won't be effective when his legs are jelly by the third quarter.

This is sheer and utter excuse laden nonsense.

[peebag]

19 hours ago, adb280z said:

After reading that article, there's not much reason to be all that optimistic about the defense this year.

But, but....Justin Burris.....

[JiFtheOracle]

No mention of the potential best safety duo in the NFL?

[sciond]

if the other teams can go with an all female offense Lee has a chance to dominate..

[Beerfish]

#1 factor for the Jets defense will be fore the Dline to get constant pressure akin to the 1st game last year vs cincy.  We have no outside pass rushers, we have no quality blitzers.

#2 The defense has to generate turnovers.

#3 The defense has to at least limit safety valve plays like short passes to backs and TEs.

Our secondary is either talented and green or just not that good, our LBs are either hold your own or non play makers.

After last year I'm sure we will have more effort on D but potentially just as much confusion in the secondary.

After last year i have not much faith in bowles at all.

[JohnnyLV]

On 6/4/2017 at 1:27 PM, adb280z said:

After reading that article, there's not much reason to be all that optimistic about the defense this year.

True. I seem almost none of those things actually happening. Reality is that I will be rooting and hoping an praying we win every game, but on paper we are possibly the worst team in the NFL without a standout player at ANY of the true impact positions: QB, OT, WR, TE (we have some great 2nd/3rd receivers that can bloom with a real #1), pass rusher, CB, Not one. We have 2 solid defensive lineman, and some hope that we may be good at safety, but seriously we have no elite talent where it matters.

[j4jets]

1. Macc hand picked 3 starting CBs. That is our worst unit on the team and now we expect Burris to be the #1 CB. Great.

2. Lee can't even punch a lady without being picked up like a puppy. But someone once told me he was the real deal so lets hope. 

3. With numerous high draft picks and a gazillion dollars in cap space, we don't have a true edge rusher. 

4. Way to destroy a guy who was a DROY only a couple years before Macc.

But please tell me how its not Macs fault why we have a sh*t D and a sh*t O. Our OL is a makeshift OL that is probably the worst I've ever seen here. Three years into his garbage "competitive rebuild", we have the worst roster in the league. And we still see Mac supporters. You can't make this up. 

[rangerous]

On 6/4/2017 at 11:59 AM, Freemanm said:

Here's one main key to the Jets D: get a legitimate QB who doesn't completely demoralize the offense by throwing like three redzone pics per game and one that doesn't let the defense be on the field for 90% of the game. I don't care how good Jamal Adams is, he won't be effective when his legs are jelly by the third quarter.

true enough that they need to stay off the field but they help their own cause by not allowing conversions on third and long and getting a positive turnover ratio. and they can help the offense best by helping them to play on a short field.  it seemed that last season they were always starting at or around their 20 yard line.

[dbatesman]

On 6/4/2017 at 3:59 PM, T0mShane said:

Zero of these things are attainable, but nice effort. Burris is about as athletic as a sturdy defensive end, Lee sucks and is a wackbag, the edge rushers on the roster are all D-III level athletes, and Sheldon already has his bags packed. 

tfw your defense is legit even tho it has no players who can cover or rush the passer

[Freemanm]

11 hours ago, rangerous said:

true enough that they need to stay off the field but they help their own cause by not allowing conversions on third and long and getting a positive turnover ratio. and they can help the offense best by helping them to play on a short field.  it seemed that last season they were always starting at or around their 20 yard line.

There's that too. Agreed.

[OH THE PAIN]

On 6/4/2017 at 11:36 AM, Gas2No99 said:

New York Jets: The 4 Keys in Showcasing a Legit, Tenacious Defense

By Robby Sabo - 06/04/2017

There is, in fact, a way the New York Jets can boast a nasty defense in 2017. Here’s the formula for Todd Bowles and his boys.

By now, you’re sick and tired of it all.

• The 2017 New York Jets currently own the worst personnel in all of the NFL.
• The Jets would be lucky to win three games in 2017.
• This season is all about sucking for Sam, Sam Darnold, that is.

Blah, blah, ladi-freaking dah.

Enough, already.

Jets fans have heard it all. Even during the hottest offseasons, they have to endure disappointing regular seasons. So, at this point, what’s the difference? An offseason is an offseason.

What most so-called experts and NFL insiders fail to fully grasp and bring to the forefront when discussing the 2017 New York Jets is that this is still football.

In football, locker rooms rule the roost. In football, as opposed to other sports, there are only 16 games. This means two early season wins can literally change a team’s fortunes for the long-haul. Players, coaches and everybody involved suddenly believe their club is better than it actually is. Momentum can carry a football team a long way and beliefin one’s self becomes more valuable than actual talent.

Considering this line of thought, this Jets defense can boast a dominant form if a few things broke right.

Here are the four critical keys that’ll allow Todd Bowles to field a legitimate and tenacious defense in 2017:

Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Juston Burris (32) intercepts a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (not pictured) in the third quarter and is tackled by Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

1. Juston Burris Must Come of Age

Morris Claiborne is, at the moment, the Jets No. 1 cornerback. This is not a good thing. Nothing against Claiborne, but he’s simply not No. 1 material.

Corner is the unit’s worst position on paper.

The one true wild card comes in the form of second-year kid Juston Burris.

Burris, a fourth-round selection a year ago, started just one game a season ago and is equipped with every raw ability that a personnel decision-maker wants to see. Should he come of age this August, he’d kick Buster Skrine to the nickel spot, the position he needs to be in order to succeed at the highest level.

Other options for surprises at the position are Bryson Keeton and the two rookies, Jeremy Clark and Derrick Jones. We already know what Marcus Williams is: a No. 4 or 5 guy.

2. Darron Lee Must Take the Headset

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (50) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

David Harris can absolutely still start in the base look and flourish in the run game. Even at 33-years of age, he can thump with the best of them.

When offenses move to three and four wideout looks, however, the man simply needs to get off the field.

Harris is a horrid pass defender and as slow at it comes at the position. Why Todd Bowles continued to throw his nickel look (both ILBs on the field) against three WR with a speedy TE look a year ago, we still don’t know.

What we know now is that Darron Lee needs to assume the headset of the defense, allowing Bowles’ confidence in the kid to soar in all packages. (For those who aren’t aware, one defender is designated as the man who can carry the headset, similarly to the quarterback on offense.)

Rather than Lee coming off and Harris remaining on the field in heavy pass looks, it needs to be Lee who stays on in all situations and the man who becomes the every down captain.

We understand Lee struggled during his rookie season. Pro Football Focus graded him out as one of the worst inside backers in the league. It’s exactly why Lee’s second-year prowess must come to fruition.

If it happens, suddenly Tom Brady won’t be able to feast on his tight ends and running backs every single time he faces the Jets. If it happens, New York grabs that extra key in boasting a nasty unit.

May 5, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Dylan Donahue answers question from media during Jets rookie mini camp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. An Edge Presence Must Show Face

It’s the curse of John Abraham. Not since No. 94 (and No. 56) left the organization, have the Jets showcased an excellent edge rusher. It’s been 12 seasons now (2005).

The candidates in 2017 are many:

• Jordan Jenkins
• Lorenzo Mauldin
• Dylan Donahue
• Freddie Bishop

The question remains, can any of them at least perform at an admirable level?

4. Sheldon Richardson Cannot Be Played Out of Position

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The number three and number four key go hand-in-hand. Why? Well, because Sheldon Richardson has been yo-yo’d back and forth from his regular interior spot to an edge spot far too often.

With Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams manning the two 3-4 DE spots, the Jets have looked to place Sheldon completely out of position at an edge 3-4 OLB.

It’s failed miserably and the early talks have the defensive coaches leaving Richardson at his natural position this summer.

It’s the only way. It doesn’t even matter if one of the three has to remain on the sideline every play. It must be this way.

A 300-plus pound man trying to play a 250-plus position is absolute insanity.

When the three are on the field together, there isn’t enough speed along the edge. Defensive integrity breaks down and other players look to make up for it, hurting their own development along the way.

Final Thoughts

Admittedly, of these four keys, two or three of them are far-fetched. This is just part of the reason many believe New York’s personnel is the weakest in the land.

But no mistake about it, this is football. Crazier things than these Jets coming out of nowhere to win 8-10 games have happened. Just reference the 2006 season, for one example.

[Powpow]

On 6/4/2017 at 4:49 PM, hokiejetfan92 said:

Todd Bowles is a former DB, so he has to improve the secondary. If he shows he can coach up his new DB's. I'd bet the defense surprises many

If Bowles doesn't improve the performance of the defensive backfield he'll be coaching shrimp ? catchin at Bunna Gump University in Alabamie.