Five Reasons to be Excited About the 2013 New York Jets: #2

Dec 9, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (not pictured) in the third quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The New York Jets beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

It’s so close, we can almost taste it. Football is right around the corner!! There was Jets news yesterday, finally. Workouts are just a couple of days away up in Cortland, NY. Let’s all do the happy football dance now….ok done.

Let’s get back to the list we have been working through all week. Our list of five reasons to be excited about the 2013 New York Jets. In case you have missed the list so far, we have covered:

Marty MornhinwegChris IvoryAntonio Cromartie

Now, let’s move along.  We push along to our number 2 reason to be excited about the 2013 New York Jets:

DEEP DEFENSIVE LINE

I am sure that a group of you remember the “New York Sack Exchange”. This is the group from the early eighties, for anyone who doesn’t know, consisting of Marty Lyons, Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, and Abdul Salaam, that set the NFL record for sacks in 1981 with 66.

Well, this current group might just be the best we have had in Gang Green since that team. Mo Wilkerson is leading the group, and ready to have a beast-like season. He came on in the second half of last year and posted a nearly Pro Bowl worthy performance, with 69 tackles, five sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. The league should be worried and ready to game plan against this guy.

Put him together with the improving Kenrick Ellis, Sheldon Richardson(once he signs), and Quinton Coples(who will plan on the line and linebacker), and you have quite the Fearsome Foursome.

Not only is this group talented, it is deep. This unit is well prepared for the unforeseen injury. We have veteran Antonio Garay, second year man Damon Harrison, and new faces heading into camp such as Jake McDonough, Junior Aumavae, Lanier Coleman, and Tevita Finau. No, I am not saying that every one of these guys is going to make the team. What I AM saying is that whomever they bring on from this group, will be a valued member of the team, and be legit replacements for an unforeseen injury.

For all of the rebuilding that the Jets are doing for the 2013 season, the defensive line is a unit that must have Rex drooling. It certainly is a group that should give us all reason to be excited about the upcoming season.