NY Jets: Defense comes up big in the clutch

The NY Jets needed a few turnovers and a few sacks to get their 5th win of the season on Sunday.

Head coach Todd Bowles said it best a couple of weeks ago, when the sacks come, the will come in bunches and boy did they for the NY Jets on Sunday. The Jets came into Sunday’s match-up tied for 29th in the league in sacks on the season, but the defense had a coming out party.

Calvin Pace, who was at the first Thanksgiving, with the huge fourth quarter strip sack #Jets pic.twitter.com/jkxI7A7Cvm

— Joe Caporoso (@TurnOnTheJets) November 8, 2015

One of the biggest plays of the day came late in the 4th quarter with the Jacksonville Jaguars driving down the field looking to take the lead. That’s when the ageless wonder Calvin Pace made the play the Jets desperately needed. The Jets would go on to march down the field and increase their lead. The Jets finished the day with a season high 6 sacks and a floral arrangement of turnovers that truly made the difference in this ball-game.

Jets have 6 sacks today. Had 11 entering this game. Pace got credit for the sack & the recovery. — Eric Allen (@eallenjets) November 8, 2015

A rookie that I also have to give a tip of the cap to is Lorenzo Mauldin notching 2 sacks and consistently getting pressure on Blake Bortles. He is seeing a rotational pass rushing role switching in and out with Pace on third downs. The Jets have been high on him since the off-season and he finally seems to be turning the corner.

The Jets won 28-23 and nearly lost the game on several occasions, it wasn’t all peaches and cream for the defense as they allowed a few big plays and it seemed to be a familiar victim, Antonio Cromartie. He continues to get burned by opposing receivers and after he got injured during the game it was almost bittersweet.

That’s because his replacement Marcus Williams ended up with 2 big interceptions on the day including the game sealing pick in the 4th quarter. Another injury to report again is at the safety position for the Jets, Dion Bailey. The Jets can’t afford anymore injuries to an already thin unit.

Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Rontez Miles (45) runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Falcons 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

A next man up mentality was the case for Rontez Miles who was signed up from the practice squad getting his first action on the defensive side of the ball this season. He didn’t make any plays on the stat-sheet, but he was able to hold down the fort.

Next: No thumb, no problem for Ryan Fitzpatrick

If Bailey’s injury ends up being serious we could see Miles get a bigger role on defense on Thursday night when the Jets welcome Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills into town. This is a huge match-up for both teams who will be looking to make some separation in the AFC Wild Card race as we get closer to the end of the regular season.