New York Jets: Edge rusher key to success of Muhammad Wilkerson

The lack of an edge rusher is hurting the performance of one of the key players on the defense of the New York Jets, Muhammad Wilkerson.

Football is the ultimate team game, and the defense of the New York Jets is highlighting that this season. In 2015, Muhammad Wilkerson had finally arrived. He hasn’t looked the same since, and it’s partially due to injuries. Another reason, however, is the Jets lack of a formidable edge rusher.

In 2015, when Wilkerson had a career high in sacks, the Jets had Lorenzo Mauldin. He seemed to burst on to the scene. However, when his play precipitously declined in 2016, that then led to a decline in the play of Wilkerson.

The answer to why is very simple. Without a quality edge rusher, the offensive line can focus their efforts on stopping Wilkerson on the front of the defense. Subsequently, he sees a lot more double teams, because the Jets play a 3-4 defense.

Jordan Jenkins was supposed to be that guy. He’s turned out not to be, so far. According to Pro Football Focus Edge, of the 108 qualified edge rushers, the grade of 48.0 as a pass rusher ranks Jenkins 96th. So, he’s not doing his job, and it’s affecting the performance of Wilkerson.

Some fans are saying Wilkerson doesn’t deserve the money he is scheduled to get in 2018. However, if the Jets provided him with some help, maybe he will live up to his potential. It’s no coincidence that his decline from 2015 to 2016 and his lack of production this year coincides with a decline in the performance of the edge rushers.

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A lack of a consistent edge rusher leads to a decline in performance of the linemen, especially when the defensive ends play the three-technique. The Jets need to improve their edge rushing before rushing to the judgement that Wilkerson is done. He’s not done; he just need more help.