" D " dept. ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Rich Cimini     ESPN Staff Writer 

Jets coach Adam Gase wouldn't confirm or deny a Pro Football Talk report that said rookie Jachai Polite was fined $100,000 for team violations, including tardiness. "Yeah, I'd rather not get into the details of that stuff," he said. "What comes out sometimes isn't always true. Sometimes it is. It's something we'd like to keep in-house." Gase was evasive when asked if off-the-field issues factored into the decision to release Polite. He said they kept the best 53, suggesting it came down to DL Kyle Phillips (a rookie free agent) vs. Polite. He also hinted that Polite lacked position flexibility.

>    https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Rich Cimini     ESPN Staff Writer 

One of the Jets' perceived weaknesses is edge rusher, but not according to DC Gregg Williams: "I think there's a lot of people here that people are going to be shocked about by the time the season is over...You haven't heard me say one thing about needs in that area. I'm not worried about it." Jordan Jenkins, Harvey Langi, Frankie Luvu, Bronson Kaufusi and Tarell Basham are likely to get the most edge work.

>    https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Gregg Williams is entering his first season as the Jets defensive coordinator, but he’s already singing a familiar tune.

Edge rusher has been a point of weakness for Gang Green for over a decade now. After failing to acquire a coveted name on the pass-rushing market, the Jets find themselves in familiar territory. However, Williams doesn’t see it like that. He believes that a unit that is perceived to be one of the weakest in the NFL will surprise people across the league.

“I think there’s a lot of people here that people are going to be shocked about by the time the season is over,” Williams said Friday. “You haven’t heard me say one thing about needs in that area. I’m not worried about it.”

Williams is not concerned with a pass-rushing group that is going to rely on the likes of Jordan Jenkins, Harvey Langi, Tarell Basham, Frankie Luvu and Bronson Kaufusi to set the edge. The Jets’ prior regime did not address the issue sufficiently enough so that the unit would not have to depend on safety blitzes, interior rushes and schematic help in order to get after the quarterback.This isn’t a much different unit than last season. The Jets drafted Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick and retained Leonard Williams, Henry Anderson and Steve McLendon. The additions at pass-rusher have been previous camp participants.

Last season with Todd Bowles and Kacy Rodgers running the defense, the Jets blitzed opponents 31.4 percent of the time, but they recorded the 10th-fewest sacks in the NFL. Williams plans on changing that trend.Pass rush remains one of the team’s bigger concerns, even if Williams has confidence that his unit will surprise. It’s obviously up to him to right the ship and he’s already proven throughout the preseason that he is going to send his defense after opposing teams.

For the Jets defense to get after quarterbacks this season, Williams and his staff are going to have to get creative. The Jets will only go as far as their defense takes them this season and Williams is certainly up for the challenge.

>     https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/07/gregg-williams-new-york-jets-pass-rush/

[kelly]

Rich Cimini    ESPN Staff Writer 

Jets DC Gregg Williams preached takeaways from Day 1 of OTAs, and his unit has responded in a big way — two takeaways in the first six minutes of the season. C.J. Mosley scored on an interception return and Jordan Jenkins recorded a strip sack. This is the Williams way. In practice, whenever a ball hits the ground, players are required to pick it up and run even if it's blown dead.

>    https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

The New York Jets have officially claimed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Jordan Willis off waivers. Here is what to expect from the team’s newest player.

The New York Jets were dealt a severe blow on Wednesday when it was announced that wide receiver Quincy Enunwa would undergo neck surgery and be placed on the injured reserve thus ending his season. But in his place, the Jets used his roster spot to claim Jordan Willis off waivers.This is devastating for Enunwa as the former sixth-round pick had come back last season and played well after missing all of the 2017 season with a similar neck injury. The Nebraska product battled through injuries last season but looked to be at full health for the 2019 campaign.

Now, not only will he miss essentially an entire season for the second time in three years, but there could even be doubts about his NFL future.But in the face of tragedy, sometimes opportunities arise. And that’s exactly what has happened with the aforementioned Willis.A former third-round pick back in 2017, Willis spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals playing primarily as a reserve edge rusher. Prior to that, Willis excelled at Kansas State emerging as a true breakout candidate during his senior season.

That season, Willis finished with 11.5 sacks and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the year. After a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, Willis saw his draft stock skyrocket with some even projecting him as a first-rounder at the time.Ultimately, the Bengals would snag him in the third round, but his NFL career would see a massive drop-off in production. For starters, the Bengals asked him to add on about 30 pounds from his meager 245-pound frame in college to around 275.This may have hurt his explosiveness in the pros as Willis only managed two sacks over his 32 games played in Cincinnati. While he showed promise as a run defender with his new weight, he was ultimately buried on the depth chart leading up to his ultimate release.But with the Jets, Willis could have the opportunity to unlock some of his untapped potential.

Willis will likely be asked to play in a stand-up outside linebacker role with the team, a role he didn’t play in Cincinnati or while at Kansas State. But such a role switch could see him drop some of the weight he added on in the NFL.Typically significant weight changes like that are done over a gradual process in the offseason but we could see such a change slowly happen over the course of the remainder of the season. And with the team’s lack of depth at edge rusher, they need all the help they could get.Harvey Langi received the start opposite Jordan Jenkins at edge rusher while backups Frankie Luvu and Tarell Basham each saw action on Sunday. But the Jets could certainly use some help while Brandon Copeland is out serving his suspension.

Willis could be just the help they were looking for.And who knows, if he stays at this weight, the team could ask him to play a hybrid edge/interior defender role such as players like Bronson Kaufusi and the newly-claimed John Franklin-Myers.Enunwa’s injury his tragic for the player and team alike. But as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens.

>     https://thejetpress.com/2019/09/11/new-york-jets-new-rusher-jordan-willis/

[kelly]

Rich Cimini  ESPN Staff Writer 

S Jamal Adams has removed the Jets from his social-media bios, fueling speculation on social media that he's disgruntled and wants out. Adams was replaced with 4:22 left in the game after committing offsides and encroachment penalties on back-to-back plays. He didn't return, missing the last five defensive plays. Adams NEVER comes off the field. Maybe that exacerbated his frustration. He spoke to the media after the game, but didn't seem any more than upset than he usually is. Adams is a team captain, arguably the best player on the team. It would be an indictment of the Adam Gase program if he wants out. At this point, though, that's just speculation.

>    https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[Beerfish]

If he is the best player on the team we are in REAL trouble.

[kelly]

Many players on the Jets have underperformed so far in 2019, but fifth-year defensive lineman Leonard Williams might be the biggest disappointment.Despite Williams’ low production after three games, however, Jets defensive line coach Andre Carter said he was “proud” of him because of his ability to disrupt passing plays. Carter told reporters that Williams has “affected the passer 10 times in the first three games.”

That’s all well and good for Carter to think, but the stats don’t back it up.

For all the talk of Williams being a disruptor on the defensive line, he hasn’t done much to impede the quarterback’s ability to throw the football. Williams doesn’t have a single sack or even a quarterback hit through three games. Even if he’s “affecting” plays, the Jets are still an abysmal 26th against the pass (860 yards allowed) and 28th in sacks (five total).

Williams is having a typically-poor start to his season even though he’s seen an uptick in snaps. His 167 defensive snaps through three games are fourth on the team and his highest total over that span in his career, but sadly, his 10 total tackles and lack of sacks are reminiscent of the start to his 2018 season. Williams finished last season strong with five sacks and a team-leading 20 quarterback hits, but so far he looks much more like a player who disappears in games than one that can get to the quarterback. It’s not just Williams, though. No one on the Jets defensive line seems to be able to make a play. Last season, Williams and Henry Anderson combined for 12 sacks and 36 quarterback hits. Through three weeks, they have zero sacks and six total hits. Rookie Quinnen Williams has been a non-factor battling an ankle injury, and veteran defensive tackle Steve McLendon hasn’t done much either. 

The backups have actually been the ones to excel on the line as the starters continue to disappoint. Bronson Kaufusi has half a sack and four hits, Foley Fatukasi has four hits and undrafted free agent Kyle Phillips has another three. It doesn’t matter who’s on the line for the Jets, though. No one can get to the quarterback and “affect” the passer. All sacks but for Kaufusi’s half have come from the linebacker spot, which is a testament to Gregg Williams’ aggressive defense. Inside linebacker Neville Hewitt leads the team with two sacks. If he can find ways to penetrate opposing offensive lines before the $14 million Williams can, the Jets have a problem.

It’s good to be proud of your players like Carter is with Williams – encouragement is key during another disappointing season. But Carter spent 13 seasons in the NFL as a defensive lineman and knows what being a presence on the line actually looks like. Right now, Williams isn’t the player he needs to be, and Carter needs to recognize that. Joe Douglas probably also recognizes that and will surely be deciding if Williams is worth a second contract if he heads to free agency following two consecutive down seasons.

>    https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/jets-coach-shouldnt-be-proud-leonard-williams/

[kelly]

Rich Cimini      ESPN Staff Writer 

Jets DC Gregg Williams noted that MLB C.J. Mosley, despite his injury, has continued to lead the players-only defensive meeting that occurs every Friday at 1:10. It happens in the team's virtual-reality room, where Williams said they "play the game on the big screen" using cut-ups of the opponents' plays. Mosley told me at the start of the season that he never did that in Baltimore, that he welcomes the expanded leadership role.

 >      https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Bronson Kaufusi’s brother has found his way to the Big Apple.The Jets announced on Tuesday that they signed defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi to their practice squad, filling the open spot left by the departure of Bennett Jackson, who was signed by the Ravens.

Kaufusi went undrafted out of BYU this past year and caught on with the Saints as an undrafted free agent. He spent training camp and the preseason with the Saints before being shown the door during final roster cuts. In three years at BYU, Kaufusi had 153 total tackles, 16 sacks, four pass defenses and two forced fumbles.As for Jackson, he was originally a sixth-round pick by the Giants in 2014 out of Notre Dame. He was with the Giants for two seasons before being released in 2016. Jackson spent 2018 on the Ravens’ practice squad and was waived this past August. The Jets signed him onto their practice squad in September.

>      https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/16/jets-sign-dl-corbin-kaufusi-to-practice-squad/

[kelly]

New York Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has maximized the team’s talent on defense despite being dealt a difficult hand.

New York Jets fans haven’t had much to remain optimistic about this year. From off-field drama to on-field struggles, the Jets have secured their place as one of the most inept franchises in the NFL.But if there is one glimmer of hope in a season ripe with pessimism, it’s been the performance of the team’s defense.Despite an abundance of injuries, an incompetent offense, and an overall lack of talent, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has managed to maximize the talent of his players on defense and solidify a true strength for the team.

Williams is in his first year with the Jets as he was brought in to be Adam Gase’s defensive coordinator upon the firing of former head coach Todd Bowles. Under Bowles, the Jets typically had pretty solid defenses too, but generally with significantly more talent.The former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator has been dealt a pretty poor hand, but he’s made the absolute most of it in every possible way.Williams was handed arguably the worst cornerback group in the NFL, he’s been starting practice squad players and edge rushers at inside linebacker, and has seen a defensive line rotation dominated by undrafted rookies and late-round projects.

All the while, the Jets defense remains one of the better units in the league. This is particularly true against the run.

The Jets currently rank first in the NFL in yards allowed per rush surrendering a measly 3.0 yards per attempt — significantly better than the next-best team. And their 81.9 rushing yards allowed per game is second in the league only to Bowles’ Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Again, this isn’t being done with C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson at inside linebacker. Instead, the Jets have seen special teams ace Neville Hewitt and fifth-round rookie Blake Cashman start the majority of the season before James Burgess and Brandon Copeland took over.

Burgess wasn’t even a member of the active roster until a few weeks ago while Copeland has spent his entire career as a pass rusher either playing defensive end or outside linebacker in the Jets’ scheme.

Yet, a defense led by Copeland — a career edge rusher — calling signals, has somehow managed to remain tops against the run. This included a dominant performance this past week against the New York Giants in which the team held Saquon Barkley to just one yard on 13 carries.But while plenty of credit should be given to the team’s linebackers, the defensive line up front has managed to exceed any and all expectations.They’ve been led by breakout star Folorunso Fatukasi who has developed into a stout run defender and dominant interior player. Since Week 6, only two defensive linemen have graded out higher than Fakutasi, per Pro Football Focus.

Those two players are Aaron Donald and Calais Campbell.

Alongside Fatukasi has been undrafted rookie Kyle Phillips who continues to impress in a rotational role. Veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon might also be having his best season with the Jets and he’s already earned a contract extension through next season.Williams has even managed to unlock some of the potential from 2018 third-round pick Nathan Shepherd that we didn’t see much of at all last season. Shepherd flashed against the Giants tallying three tackles and his first career sack.Of course, there’s always the dominant force that is Jamal Adams lurking around the line of scrimmage. But aside from Adams, there is no household name on this defense — especially in the front-seven.

Williams has managed to take a front-seven consisting of Fatukasi, McLendon, Phillips, Burgess, and Copeland and transform it into the NFL’s best run defense. Sure, Adams is also a key part of this as is Jordan Jenkins, but the core remains wholly unknown.While the offense continues to sputter under Gase’s guidance, the defense has flourished with Williams leading the charge.

In a difficult season with player regression running rampant, it’s at least encouraging to see young players on defense developing as they are.And Gregg Williams absolutely deserves a ton of the credit for how this defense has performed and matured as a unit.

>     https://thejetpress.com/2019/11/17/new-york-jets-gregg-williams-maximized-talent-defense/

[kelly]

Who Are the Top 5 EDGE Rushers in the 2020 NFL Draft ?

Draft Analyst Dane Brugler and Team Reporter Ethan Greenberg Take a Closer Look at the Best EDGE Rush Prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft

video..

> https://www.newyorkjets.com/video/who-are-the-top-5-edge-rushers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft

[kelly]

Rich Cimini    ESPN Staff Writer 

Noteworthy in-game adjustment last week by DC Gregg Williams: Played more man-to-man in the second half vs the Chargers because he felt rookie CBs Bryce Hall and Lamar Jackson got more comfortable as the game progressed. He also may have adjusted out of necessity, as Justin Herbert passed for 277 yards in the first half. He said man-to-man allows them to be "more stingy" on defense. Played man-to-man 56% in first half, 75% in second, per ESPN Stats.

>  https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Seth Walder   ESPN Analytics 

Quinnen Williams ranks as a defensive tackle: Run stop win rate: 1st Pass rush win rate: 5th >>ESPN metrics using NFL Next Gen Stats.

>     https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.

Joe Douglas made it clear that Quinnen Williams was not for sale at the trade deadline, despite numerous inquiries and rumors. Now, the general manager’s decision to keep Williams and let his development play out is starting to pay off.Williams has looked like a Pro Bowler through 11 games this season. His performance in Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the Dolphins was just the latest example of his ascending play. Williams recorded seven total tackles, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble in a stout defensive performance.Williams had the NFL’s fourth-highest win rate for an interior defensive lineman in Week 12 at 30.8%, per ESPN’s Stats & Info. That trailed only Chris Jones, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Williams’ stellar performance in Week 12 earned him a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.6. Williams has a PFF grade of 80.7 on the season. In addition to his five sacks, PFF credits Williams with 16 quarterback hurries and seven quarterback hits thus far.After getting a chance to watch film of Sunday’s game, Adam Gase gave the second-year defensive lineman a ringing endorsement for his play.

“He’s playing his [expletive] off right now, New York’s head coach said of Williams, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Williams has exhibited sheer dominance on the defensive line this year. Among defensive tackles, Wiliams ranks first in the league in run-stop win rate and fifth in the league in pass rush win rate, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats.Williams’ development has come along rather well following a rookie season that was plagued by inconsistent play and ankle and neck injuries. Expectations were high for the former No. 3 overall pick, but he seems to be exceeding them in Year 2 with his ability to win his matchups in the trenches and harass opposing quarterbacks.Williams has been able to make the most of an otherwise lost season for the Jets. While his team is winless, he sure isn’t playing like it. The defense, specifically Williams, helped the Jets stay in their 17-point defeat Sunday, a game that should have been closer than the final score indicated.

Regardless, Williams’ monster play has assured he will be a building block moving forward.

> https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/01/quinnen-williams-new-york-jets-dominant-2020-season/

[kelly]

Rich Cimini    ESPN Staff Writer 

Rookie CB Lamar Jackson, burned on the all-out blitz/game-deciding TD last week, is going to the bench. Bless Austin is returning from a three-game neck injury and will start alongside rookie Bryce Hall, per Adam Gase. This comes two days after Gase lauded Jackson for his mental toughness, saying, "I'm confident Lamar will bounce back." Doesn't look like he will get much of a chance on Sunday.

>     https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Rich Cimini    ESPN Staff Writer 

Interim DC Frank Bush called this a "whirlwind" and "exciting" week. He declined to revisit the ill-fated blitz call, saying he didn't want to be a Monday-morning QB. It's a small-world week for Bush; he played for Seattle coach Pete Carroll at NC State. He said Carroll "has a lasting effect on you." Bush said he learned a lot from Carroll, especially the importance of attitude.

>    https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Rich Cimini  ESPN Staff Writer 

Interim DC Frank Bush didn't call any all-out blitzes in his first game. He was relatively conservative compared to previous DC Gregg Williams. He rushed only four on 23 of 32 drop backs, per NFL Next Gen Stats. There were nine five-man rushes and one six-man rush. Said S Marcus Maye: "Same calls, same scheme. There wasn't anything new. It comes down to executing."

>     https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

On 9/17/2019 at 1:00 PM, Beerfish said:

If he is the best player on the team we are in REAL trouble.

we're still Lookin' for..

.. 's  replacement   ?

[kelly]

Rich Cimini   ESPN Staff Writer 

Quinnen Williams, one of the few bright spots, feels he had "a great season ... I feel I haven't even scratched the surface yet." He said he needs to improve his strength to be on the level of Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, etc. He told team brass today he wants to be more of a vocal leader in 2021. Williams said the defense needs to establish "a mentality, a standard, a culture" — the theme of the day.

> https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets