Can the 2014 New York Jets defense become the 2007 New York Giants defense?

Do you remember last week how I said that our New York Jets defense as they go into the 2014 season could morph into New York Giants defense of 2007?

If you need a refresher course, let me refer you to exhibit A: Part 1.

Today’s the first of position comparisons between the 2007 New York Giants starters and the PROJECTED starting lineup for the Jets (as seen on NFL.com) starting with the backfield. Keep in mind, since we don’t know for sure who’s going to make the roster for the Jets this year; I’m going to keep the comparisons to starters only.

Let’s start with the corner back position:

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Aaron Ross was the starting left corner for the Giants in 2007 and in that year he had 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery (all courtesy of pro-football reference). Dee Milliner started on one side for the Jets in 2013. He had three interceptions. and 45 tackles (NFL.com)

Sam Madison was the starting right corner for the Giants in 2007. That year, Madison had one sack, four interceptions and one fumble recovery (all from pro-football reference). The projected starter for the Jets on one side this year is former Miami Dolphin Dimitri Patterson. Last year for the fish he had one sack, four interceptions, and six pass deflected.

At the safety position:

Gibril Wilson started at free safety for the Giants in 2007. He had four interceptions and a fumble recovery (from pro-football reference). It’s projected by NFL.com that the Jets top draft choice Calvin Pryor of Louisville. From what he did in 2013 at Louisville in 12 games, he had 5.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.

James Butler started at strong safety for the Giants in 2007. He had an interception and a fumble recovery (from pro-football reference). It’s projected by NFL.com Dawan Landry will start at strong safety. He had 100 tackles, a sack and an interception.

So to review, both squads in their respective backfields aren’t strong at all. Between the two corners of the Giants, there were 2.5 sacks, seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Then the safeties had five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Not really good at all. If you look at the Jets projections, the corners will have one sack and seven interceptions. From the safety position, they will be good but not looked at as the strength of the defense.

Next week, will take a look at the linebacking cores from both the 2007 Giants squad and the projected 2014 Jets squad.