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New York Jets: Is it time for a defensive philosophy change?

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Defensive Coordinator Kacy Rodgers of the New York Jets stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the game at MetLife Stadium on September 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Defensive Coordinator Kacy Rodgers of the New York Jets stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the game at MetLife Stadium on September 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have long been locked into a 3-4 defense. However, it may be time for a change in philosophy for Gang Green in 2018.

Fans and media alike have been talking about the edge rusher being an issue for the New York Jets in 2018. What if the Jets were to overhaul their defense philosophy and completely switch from a 3-4 base defense to a 4-3 base defense? What would this mean for the Jets now and moving forward?

For starters, it may give the Jets an advantage by truly allowing their players to use their skills. It also may open things up for the linebackers to play the way head coach Todd Bowles wants them to play.

An even front would help prevent many double teams on Leonard Williams, and they can move him around the line more freely. It also would create some matchup problems inside for some of their undersized players that aren’t really suited to play 0-technique (nose tackle).

For third-year linebacker Darron Lee, it may be just the kind of switch he needs to break out. Moving him from 3-4 inside linebacker to 4-3 WILL linebacker would be a perfect move to a more natural position for him.

Jordan Jenkins would play with his hand in the ground at times or play SAM linebacker. However, when he’d play at SAM, he’d be lined up behind a lineman protecting him, and giving him one-on-one opportunities.

When it comes to the 2018 draft picks, a new scheme may be better suited for them too. Foley Fatukasi could play on the nose in a 4-3 or as a 3-technique tackle. Third round pick Nathan Shepherd would fit better in covering the B or C gap.

In his podcast, Buck the Trend, Daniel Essien of Turn on the Jets visited with Chris Nimbley of Jets Insider, and they spoke about mixing in some 4-3 with the 3-4 base.

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking the 50 best pass rushers

Given their personnel, it may be better for them to scrap the idea of running an odd front and switch to an even one. It gives them more options and creates mismatches in their favor rather than in the opposite direction.

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