New York Jets Secondary: A Closer Look

Johnny Patrick

(22) and

(27) laugh as they walk out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports” width=”590″ height=”405″ /> Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Johnny Patrick (22) and Dee Milliner (27) laugh as they walk out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

A lot has been written about the state of the Jets’ secondary since last season when Rex Ryan’s defense ended the season ranked #22 against the pass. Dee Milliner was a rookie starting opposite Antonio Cromartie with Kyle Wilson playing the inside. Antonio Allen and Dawan Landry started at safety for a good part of the season, until the Jets brought Ed Reed in to try to shore up the safety position. As the ranking indicates they struggled and stumbled through the season. Milliner was thrust into a starting position and had a roller coaster of a season, being benched several times due his slow start as a NFL cornerback. Antonio Cromartie struggled mightily due to a nagging hip injury, and Kyle Wilson had his hands full on the inside.  Antonio Allen played well at times, as his coverage skills were tested by opposing quarterbacks. Dawan Landry was a leader on this unit, his play however at times left a lot to be desired. This wasn’t a typical Rex Ryan Defense on the back end.  Ranking 22nd against the pass had to draw his attention.

That was 2013, and the Jets made some moves this off season to correct the problem. Gone is Antonio Cromartie, whom the Jets chose not to resign. They grabbed Johnny Patrick off waivers from San Diego in February.  They also signed Dimitri Patterson during the free agency period. Dexter McDougle was drafted in the third round of the NFL draft along with Brandon Dixon in the sixth round.  Returning to compete are  Ras I Dowling, and Darrin Walls. John Idzik’s motto of competition at all positions  is clearly displayed at corner this season.

At Safety the Jets drafted Calvin Pryor in the first round, surprising many “draft experts”. They chose not to resign Ed Reed.   Dawan Landry and Antonio Allen returned this season to compete at safety along with Josh Bush, Rontez Miles and Jaiquawn Jarrett. Again there is plenty of competition at the safety position this year.

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The presumed starters at corner back this season are Dee Milliner as the #1 corner, paired with Dimitri Patterson as the #2 corner, Kyle Wilson presumably will once again man the inside. At Safety the presumed starters are Antonio Allen, Dawan Landry and rookie Calvin Pryor.

The reports out of Cortland has been a mixed bag so far. Dee Millner has struggled a bit, showing signs of the inconsistency that troubled him in his rookie season. Dimitri Patterson has struggled as well, posting two poor practices last week alone. Kyle Wilson has been rather quiet at camp. Dexter McDougle has gained a lot of notice playing with the back ups. The remainder of the group hasn’t done much to impress.

At Safety things look good. With Dawan Landry and Antonio Allen having good camps. Calvin Pryor suffered a concussion and has missed practice time, while Rontez Miles has turned some heads in his absence.

That is the current state of the Jets secondary. It’s been a highly discussed group, drawing a lot of attention. So I ask. Has John Idzik and the Jets done enough to fix the 22nd ranked pass defense? Let me know what you think.