NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

New York Jets: Grading each unit for the 2018 season

By Stephen Smith

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws a pass in the fourth quarter during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws a pass in the fourth quarter during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 23: Equanimeous St. Brown #19 of the Green Bay Packers stiff arms Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 23: Equanimeous St. Brown #19 of the Green Bay Packers stiff arms Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Defense

So much more was expected of this unit in 2018 and they greatly disappointed. The Jets allowed 27.6 points per game, which ranked 29th in the NFL. They ranked 25th in yards allowed from scrimmage (380.4 per game). Gang Green gave up 30 or more points in five games. Aside from a couple of players (Jamal Adams, Avery Williamson) this group underachieved immensely. So what else is new?

Adams made his second straight Pro Bowl  with another excellent campaign at strong safety. The vocal and emotional leader of the defense finished second in tackles (115), including nine for loss, and added eight quarterback hits, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and an interception.

He’ll be a Pro Bowler for many years to come. Williamson, signed as a free agent from Tennessee, paced the squad in tackles (120) and added three sacks, a 36-yard interception return and a pair of forced fumbles as their middle linebacker. Darron Lee (74 tackles, three interceptions in 12 games) was enjoying his finest season before he was suspended the final four games of the year for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

What has become of Leonard Williams? The former first-round draft pick had another disappointing season with just five sacks and 42 tackles. His future as a Jet is in doubt. Free agent cornerback Trumaine Johnson (four interceptions) was still a bust because he got burned early and often.

Free safety Marcus Maye was bothered by a shoulder injury all year-long and was limited to just six games but he did have a 104-yard interception return. The rest of the secondary, led by Morris Claiborne (two interceptions, 14 passes defensed) was mediocre at best. Overall, this unit never made the big stop when they had to. They never do.

Grade: D-

Home/New York Jets