New York Jets: 2018 Season is mostly about defense
With all the buzz around New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, we’re missing what 2018 really is about: the team’s defense.
The Sam Darnold contract saga is finally behind us. Now we can talk about things of substance rather than contract language. The truth is, much like the first few years of Brady’s reign as quarterback, New York Jets success in 2018 will be based on an old adage. Defense wins championships.
ESPN NFL analyst Brian Griese was interviewed by Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com, and Allen asked Griese what he thought of the quarterbacks and what he looks forward to most in the Monday Night Football matchup with the Lions (since he’s going to be the calling the game alongside Beth Mowins).
His answer about Darnold missing a few practices wasn’t a surprise. However, when he said he was looking forward to seeing the defense, it caught me a little off guard, but it made a lot of sense.
It won’t be incumbent of the offense to carry the team, regardless of who the quarterback is Week 1. The defense and special teams (mostly the defense) will carry the ultimate burden in 2018.
The entire defensive unit will have to step up. The coverage will have to do their part to help the pass rush get home, and the entire pass rush (not just the edge rushers) will have to get pressure on the quarterback and help force turnovers.
The Jets upgraded all three levels of the defense during the offseason. They drafted Foley Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd, and Parry Nickerson (presumable to be their nickel corner), and they signed Trumaine Johnson, Henry Anderson, and Avery Williamson. They also expect Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins to take the next step in their growth.
The Jets will probably have to send more blitz packages out there in 2018, but that’s okay. They have the talent to hold up in man-to-man coverage.
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The Jets have typically been a defense based team when they were successful. So, 2018 won’t much different than a typical Jets season. The Jets will only go as far as the defense can carry them.