New York Jets: Defensive unit cause for concern
The New York Jets have some concerns on the defensive side of the ball as they wind down the 2019 preseason.
With the 2019 preseason winding down, starters for the New York Jets have seen their last action until the season opener on Sept. 8 against the Buffalo Bills. While there is general optimism in the air regarding this year’s contingent, there are some red flags regarding the state of Gang Green’s overall defensive unit.
Case in point: New York’s 28-13 setback to New Orleans last Saturday at MetLife Stadium was exhibition game No. 3, the annual dress rehearsal game where the starters play for more than one series.
Against Drew Brees and the Saints’ first-team unit, the Jets were basically shredded. New Orleans went up 10-0 after two possessions. We all realize that the Saints have a high-powered offense but this has to concern defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
The biggest issue for Gang Green heading into the 2019 campaign is their cornerback scenario. It’s the weakest part of their defensive corps. Veteran Trumaine Johnson was a bust last year and is currently dealing with a hamstring issue. He should be ready for the start of the season but will his performance as a press corner really improve in 2019? Doubtful.
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Darryl Roberts is slated to be the other starting corner. The 28-year old split time between corner and safety last year and took a career-high 725 snaps. Roberts finished with an interception, 41 tackles and seven passes defensed but he is more of a backup defensive back than anything else. Cornerback is an issue. A serious one heading into the upcoming season.
The loss of linebacker Avery Williamson to a torn ACL is a big blow. Williamson paced Gang Green with 121 tackles last year and was the defensive signal-caller. Not only that but outside linebacker Brandon Copeland is suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s PED policy.
Signing Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, formerly of the Ravens, was an excellent move in March but the Jets are hurting at linebacker right now.
Leonard Williams needs to bounce back from a down 2018 and the Jets need first-round pick (third overall) Quinnen Williams to be a force on the defensive line. They also must get some production from third-round selection Jachai Polite at outside linebacker. He’s injury-prone but has a high ceiling as an edge rusher. He has to prove he can get to the quarterback on the pro level. This isn’t college anymore.
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All in all, there is cause for concern heading into the 2019 campaign. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will have to incorporate a variety of blitz packages and schemes to make it all work. There is talent on this unit though. Now the Jets defensive corps just has to show it when it all counts beginning on Sept. 8.