New York Jets: Historic Chiefs-Rams game should guide future
Pass rush
When fans see this, it will automatically lead them to mean rushers on the edge. However as NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah tweeted, pass rushers are among the most important things to build the foundation of your team with.
Checklist for building a roster in today's NFL
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) November 20, 2018
Role/Number of players
QB (1)
Pass rusher (2)
Off Playmaker (3)
Def Playmaker (3)
Quality OL (3)
That's where I'd start. Once you fill those 12 spots, you'll have an outstanding foundation.
We'll discuss on today's MTS Podcast
We saw both teams establish a pass rush in different ways in that game. The Chiefs used the edge rush, and the Rams used athleticism up the middle. Both can be effective if done right.
In the Jets current scheme, they would need edge rushers. However, if a new coach were to come in and change the philosophy — which may be best — they could develop a 4-3 scheme where they could potentially better utilize the middle of the defensive line rather than almost solely off the edge.
Say what you will about guys like Dante Fowler and DeMarcus Lawrence, there’s a reason Aaron Donald is the leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s the best defensive player in the league, and he plays in the middle of the line, even if it is in a 3-4.
It would take some time to implement that, but it can be done. It’s going to take more than the 2019 offseason to get where they need to go. Maybe it’s time for a remodel. The pass rush needs to be fixed, and it may not just be about getting edge rushers, but the right pass rushers.