David Harris Thinks the Defense Will Be as Good as 2009

Dec 24, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker David Harris (52) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (not pictured) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Jets 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

This offseason, Jets coach Rex Ryan has talked about how with the new additions on defense, the squad has the chance to be as good as they were in 2009.

As we all know, LB David Harris is a big part of that defense. He agrees with the coach, on the team potential. Take a look at what he had to say on the subject during his summer Q and A with Jenny Vrentas:

I agree. Right now, we’re just flying around, having a good time. We have some new pieces. Especially Yeremiah Bell, who’s coming from the Miami Dolphins, who is a great vet and a great leader back in the secondary for us. The rookies — Quinton Coples is going to play a huge role for us up front. He’s a big athletic guy, who has plenty of upside and potential. He’s going to spend time with (defensive line) coach (Karl) Dunbar to get him up to speed and get him ready for a long season in the NFL. Then we have Demario (Davis), who provides us with tremendous athletic ability. He can run like a deer, so he’s going to play a huge role in our defense, especially in our sub and nickel packages, and special teams. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I just can’t wait to get started.

Thanks to Jenny for doing this summer series as it has proven to be very interesting.

It’s easy to get excited when you hear David Harris talk this way. It’s different with guys like Bart Scott, with all due respect to him. Sometimes, because he is a Rex guy, the bravado coming from his is almost like bravado from Rex. It’s what makes Bart great, and a perfect fit for the team. But, like Rex, as much as we love the both of them, the noise they make is sometimes just noise.

David, on the other hand, being here prior to Rex, and being the most consistent performer for a long time other than Revis, gives him a lot of credibility in this regard. Harris is excited about the defense, and that is great to hear.

He went on to talk about how the defense in 2011, assumed that guys understood things, and may not always have. It’s a good thing that they have a full offseason this year, so they can work to avoid the problem.

It all sounds great, and I can’t wait to see them take the field.