Steve McLendon already making Jets forget about Snacks

No Damon Harrison for the New York Jets? No problem. Steve McLendon already showed that he is better in one area than Harrison ever was.

A big story entering the season was how well the run defense of the New York Jets would perform this season without defensive tackle, Damon Harrison. Well, that question was answered quickly with the cumulative performance of the Jets’ defense.

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As per the Media Relations Department of the Jets, their defense held Cincinnati to 57 total yards rushing, their lowest total since holding JAX to 29 rushing yards (11/08/15). New York recorded nine tackles for a loss, their most since vs. BUF (09/22/13).

Not only was the Jets’ run defense stout in this game, but the Jets also got after the passer. The entire game the Jets’ pass rush pushed the pocket and made quarterback Andy Dalton uncomfortable all game long.

Harrison has always been known as great a run defender, but his pass rush abilities have always been in question. So the Jets decided to go a different route in free agency with a cheaper option.

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Well, that cheaper option on Sunday showed off his versatile talents. Defensive tackle

Defensive tackle Steve McLendon in one game already made us forget about “Snacks”.

McLendon ended the day with two sacks and set a single-game career best. While his five tackles (three for a loss) are the most since he recorded six.

While his five tackles (three for a loss) are the most since he recorded six.

Believe it or not, on Sunday, McLendon didn’t only impress with his two sacks, but he also shattered his predecessor. In Harrison’s entire three-year career with the Jets, he only accumulated 1.5 sacks.

It only took McLendon 47 fewer games to get to that statistical barometer. Now that the Jets have a true nose tackle that can push the pocket, that opens up so many possibilities.

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Now the Jets can really let Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson wreak havoc off the edge. With the McLendon addition, the Jets may have the best front-seven in the league.

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