Jets Defense on Verge of Season: ‘Now It’s Time to Take the Next Step’

‘Time to Take the Next Step’
The spotlight often shines, rightly so, on future Hall of Famer Rodgers, WR Garrett Wilson, RB Breece Hall & Co., but it is the lunch-pail defense that has grown together in recent seasons.

“This is our third year under the same staff, the same guys,” said third-year S Tony Adams, an undrafted free agent. “You grow up with these guys. You grow up and you see these players transform into these unbelievable players. … We took some amazing steps, but now it’s time to take the next step. It’s time to be a dominant defense. We have been before, but we all know what’s at stake. We all know what time it is.”

Front to back, the defense is imposing. It is unquestionably led by veteran “Mike” linebacker C.J. Mosley, who put together his third straight season of more than 100 tackles (152 in 17 games), working in tandem with AP first-team All-Pro Quincy Williams. Jamien Sherwood, in his fourth season, Zaire Barnes, in his second, and Chazz Surratt, in his third, are the young understudies at LB.

Up front, Williams’ younger brother Quinnen has been a rock in the middle of the defensive line, joined by the veteran Solomon Thomas. And this season that four-man front will have a different look. Bryce Huff (10 sacks) and Quinton Jefferson (6) left in free agency while John Franklin-Myers (3.5) was traded to Denver. Combined, they contributed 19.5 of the team’s 48 sacks. General manager Joe Douglas traded for edge Haason Reddick, who is seeking a new contract and has yet to join the team.

That puts the spotlight on All-Pro Jermaine Johnson (7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, INT-return TD) and opens up opportunities for Will McDonald, the top draft pick last year, and Micheal Clemons. Douglas also nabbed Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu in free agency and signed Takk McKinley, who made the 53-player roster along with undrafted rookies Braiden McGregor, Leonard Taylor and Eric Watts.