Why Jets defense could be among the best in the NFL in 2019

The New York Jets are loaded with defensive talent, and they have all the pieces in place to be one of the NFL’s best units in 2019.

While the Jets’ roster has undergone a complete re-vamp this offseason, the defense very well could be among the leagues best. From adding an all-pro linebacker in C.J. Mosley, to capping off a star studded defensive line, this defense is on the short list of units who could surprise the league this season. With leaders like Jamal Adams already in place, and a new coordinator in Gregg Williams, the New York defense has no excuse to underperform.

First off, the Jets ability to stop the run should not be a question. With Jamal Adams and C.J. Mosley behind Quinnen Williams and Leonard Williams, the Jets will be able to stop the run. Head Coach Adam Gase recently announced that the defense will remain in the same 3-4, so familiarity will not be a concern for returning guys.

With Williams’ defense predicated on attacking first, the Jets defensive line will be relied upon heavily in terms of setting the tempo. Behind them, both C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson will be tasked with cleaning up the run game. There is no shortage of talent in the Jets box, but their success will be determined by whether the front three can get a jump at the snap.

On the outside, the Jets have spent years and millions getting the secondary into a position to be successful. Why haven’t they been stellar these past few years? Injuries. If guys like Trumaine Johnson and Marcus Maye can survive the entirety of an NFL season, the results will be staggering.

Last season, the Jets were playing roulette deciding who would be in the secondaries rotation. This year, literally all the secondary has to do is stay healthy. They are good enough to stop the passing game, if they can keep a consistent rotation of players working together week in and week out. If the Jets can support Adams with consistency in the secondary, the team will be able to stop much of the leagues passing attack.

In the end, New York will have one of the top defenses if they can control two things: getting a jump from the defensive line, and prohibiting injuries. Prioritizing the process and taking care of stopping injuries is on both players and the training staff. I expect Williams intensity will make sure his defense is taking care of itself off the field. His fire and attention to detail is the type of attention the Jets need to stay out of the training room.

On the other hand, if both Williams are as expected on the defensive line, the Jets jump at the snap will be among the NFL’s best. This Jets defense has all of the pieces it needs to be successful, it’s just a matter of time until we see if it is among the leagues top.

What are you expecting from the Gang Green defense this season? Do you think they have what it takes to be one of the NFL’s best? Give us your take in the comment section!