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New York Jets: 5 Players integral to success in 2018

By Michael Pallas

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Wide receiver Cody Latimer #14 of the Denver Broncos is hit by outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets after a catch in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Wide receiver Cody Latimer #14 of the Denver Broncos is hit by outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets after a catch in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Edge Rushers, Jordan Jenkins and Lorenzo Mauldin

Setting the edge is very important in the running game, and the Jets had a good run defense in 2017. However, their pass rush left a lot on the table. Some of that had to do with an inconsistent push in the front three. Some of that had to do with the edge players just not getting home when the front three did their jobs, and some of it had to do with lackluster coverage.

The Jets took steps to improve two of those problem areas. First, the Jets improved the front line of their defense by both removing the unwilling participant (Muhammad Wilkerson) and adding two players who are willing and able to handle the work.

This team also improved their secondary. They drafted Parry Nickerson to handle slot duties, and they signed Trumaine Johnson to get another cover corner on the outside. They have all the help around them to provide them with time to get to the quarterback.

With all the improvements the Jets made to their defense. There should be enough time to get to the quarterback. Now, Jenkins and Mauldin just have to do their jobs. It’s not just about sacks, though. Getting to the quarterback means all types of pressure — hurries, quarterback hits, and sacks.

Next: NFL 2018: Top Rookie of the Year candidate for each team

CB, Trumaine Johnson

Football is the ultimate team game in sports. Everyone has a job to do, and if one person fails (for whatever reason), generally speaking things won’t work out. By adding Johnson, the Jets drastically improved their coverage. His presence will change the complexion of this defense immediately and should help the Jets be more aggressive and creative with the pressure they can dial up. He was their biggest acquisition of the offseason.

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