New York Jets: Quality depth will save team

The New York Jets opened the regular season with a thrilling 31-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. The win wasn’t perfect by any means and the Jets relatively healthy off season streak ended in the first game.

#ESPN Jets CB Cromartie to have MRI on injured knee http://t.co/BtREUiRrJT http://t.co/ZcwiXt6ai8

— SF – Browns (@SF_Browns) September 14, 2015

Former @UofLFootball Lorenzo Mauldin suffers potentially serious injury with @nyjets. #L1C4 http://t.co/zShNi6a6NV pic.twitter.com/p0Ul5VzLTc — Sam Upshaw Jr. (@CJ_Upshot) September 13, 2015

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) fumbles the ball after getting sacked by New York Jets linebacker Trevor Reilly (57) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Allowing guys like Trevor Reilly to get more playing time on defense, he immediately capitalized on the opportunity by notching his first strip-sack of his NFL career. And replacing Cromartie in the lineup on defense was a hidden gem from last year’s abysmal roster, Marcus Williams. Williams got invaluable starting experience due to the lack of talent on last years’ Jets squad.

And it showed, Williams got his hands on the ball early and often snagging an interception and having several pass deflections. He showed he was more then capable for filling in during Cromartie’s absence and beyond. But after the game and all the medical examinations the Jets received some great news on both injuries.

ICYMI: No ACL tear for @CRO31. + @LozoIV is out of the hospital. MORE- http://t.co/Ne6x7t7T8c pic.twitter.com/EqsTR0voDJ

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2015

What appeared to be a serious injury on a non-contact play for Cromartie ending up being simply a sprain. Cromartie’s on a week-to-week basis which means he hasn’t been ruled out for next Monday’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Mauldin thankfully escaped Sunday’s contest with a concussion and no other injuries were sustained to his neck or spinal cord. Luckily for the Jets, both players avoided serious injuries and will return to game action soon.

The Jets can take a cautious approach with both players recovery, especially when considering the depth at both cornerback and outside linebacker. The smart and strategic moves the Jets made in the offseason made the headlines but what will truly define the season is the rest of the roster. This is one of the deepest teams in recent memory and will be vital throughout the season as the Jets like any other team hit the inevitable injury bug.

At least the Jets can feel comfortable that they can rely on their depth for the long haul this season.

Next: New York Jets: Top 3 questions answered in Week 1

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