New York Jets: Marcus Maye can prove his worth without Jamal Adams

New York Jets safety Marcus Maye can prove on Sunday that he doesn’t need Jamal Adams. Here are all the details and what it all means.

When you’re in the midst of a 4-8 season, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that are actually going right.

One of the least talked about storylines during the 2019 New York Jets season is the outstanding play of safety Marcus Maye.

Throughout his young football career, he’s been overshadowed by his running mate Jamal Adams. They were taken in the same draft, Adams was selected higher and he’s a louder more in your face player.

Because of that Jamal has become the face of the franchise and the fearless leader of not only the defense but the team as a whole.

Maye has slipped under the radar due to his quiet nature and his injury history. That injury history has been exactly that this season, history.

After missing 10 games in 2018 and carrying a lingering nerve issue into this season, expectations were low. Maye has not only remained fully healthy but he’s balled out at a career level.

While Maye doesn’t have the interceptions he’s had in years past (he’s dropped a few this year) he’s done well in other areas:

• Career-high in pass deflections (five) with four more games to pad his stats.
• Tackles: 43 combined, 31 solo, and 12 assisted.

The Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25 feat @Txmedic5, @PhinPhanatic:– Preview #MIAvsNYJ.– #NFLDraft talk.– How Brian Flores is in the COTY discussion.– DeVante Parker shedding 'bust' label + how he bet on himself & won.#FinsUp #TakeFlight #Jets #Dolphins https://t.co/ZSSr2ldwTJ

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) December 5, 2019

On Sunday he’ll finally be out of the shadow of Jamal Adams. Jamal is battling an ankle sprain that’ll keep him out for the rematch vs the Miami Dolphins and quite possibly the rest of the season.

Adam Gase spoke at his Wednesday press conference and explained what Marcus Maye brings to the table for the green and white:

“Marcus Maye knows all the ins and outs of this defense. Maye and Jamal are interchangeable in our defense, but it’s hard to take Jamal out of his role because he’s had so much success, but I think Marcus does a great job with what we ask him to do. Maye is one of the sharpest guys I’ve ever been around.”

Now he has a chance to not only prove Adam Gase right, but prove to himself and to Jets fans everywhere that he can be more than just “the Robin to Jamal’s Batman”. Just because Marcus isn’t as loud as Jamal, doesn’t mean he isn’t as good. On Sunday he can prove it.