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New York Jets’ defensive addition too little, too late | Sporting News

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3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

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New York Jets’ defensive addition too little, too late | Sporting News

The New York Jets‘ season is teetering on the brink, and it’s unknown if anyone can realistically save it.

First, they swapped out head coaches, firing Robert Saleh and elevating defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The Jets have not won a game since.

Next, team brass pulled off a trade for All-Pro wide receiver, and friend of Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams. In two losses since his arrival, Adams has secured 7 of 15 targets for 84 yards and no touchdowns.

In Week 8, the Jets finally added edge rusher Haason Reddick to the mix. After ending his contract holdout, Reddick made his Gang Green debut in the October 27 loss to the New England Patriots.

“I have nothing to say as far as the holdout. The only thing I’m worried about right now is what can I do to be better, what can I do to get myself fully up to speed,” said Reddick after the 25-22 road defeat. “We got a Thursday night game and that’s the only thing I’m focused on right now.”

Reddick played 26 snaps in New England, accounting for 39 percent of the team’s defensive reps.

“He was dialed in. He was focused. I felt his energy and I felt all of that, so it’ll be interesting to see the tape,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Although dialed in, it’s unclear how much difference Reddick can make for the 2-6 Jets going forward. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, the 30-year-old pass rusher recorded only two pressure and no tackles in his debut for Gang Green. Furthermore, he does little to improve the team’s suspect run defense, which ranks 17th on the circuit and has been exploited at key moments.

“A little rusty. “It was good to be back out there on the field. Wish I was talking to you under better circumstances as far as a W, but i was good to be out there flying around,” said Reddick.

All in all, it seems too little, too late for the floundering Jets.