They have all the tools to do so, IMO. A 34 defense with: -A pass rushing Defensive End (Shaun Ellis) -A run stuffing Defensive End (Kenyon Coleman) -A true 360lb NT (Kris Jenkins) -Run stuffing LB (David Harris) -Pressuring OLB's (Calvin Pace, Vernon Gholston, Bryan Thomas) -Strong secondary (Darrelle Revis & Kerry Rhodes lead it) The key is how quick they will mesh. There is no doubt about the talent. Lets see them get it done now.
No doubt that the defense will be improved, but a top 5 is a reach in my opinion. If the moves all work out well then I could see it happening next season.
I agree Jets 81, you guys had no rush last year, Pace has only had 1 decent season as a pass rusher, Thomas has done nothing and Gohlston could be great or nothing. You guys have a good secondary, but the front 7 is suspect.
Bryan Thomas played very well in 2006 and admitted to slacking off before and during the 2007 season, trying to get by on his laurels / 2006 performance. He now knows, as he was quoted in a few papers around here as "having to play even better than I did in 2006 or my *** is out of here". I believe Thomas will bounce back with an 6-10 sack season. As for Pace, he's all hope, but lets see before we judge. Gholston? I don't think there is a question mark with the kid as he not only played well in college but put up monster numbers at the workouts, as the article so stated. The front seven to some may be suspect, but to most its not. The pass rush is here with Pace or Gholston. We only need one of them to work out to be successful with Thomas on the other side determined to revert to his 2006 form, if not better. NJ, you'll just have to sit back and enjoy!
Not only that, but if the offense blows again then the D will be on the field a ton. I don't think the Jets depth at DL or CB is all that great. What I'm expecting too see is more pressure on the QB and more opportunities to get to him. The only team that got thrown on less then the Jets last season was the Phins. I expect that to change next season. More 3rd and longs means more passing plays means more chances to harass QB's. Thats what I'm looking for this season. I don't really care whether or not they're in the top 5, just show some improvement and build on it as you go.
If they are in the top 10 I will be very pleased, I expect about a top 12 or so. The tools are there but is everyone going to get it and work it before and AFTER the bye. The good news is, we have an early bye. BZ
One reason why the Jets won't have a top 5 pass rush: 1. They're simply the Jets aka the "other New York team". Nah all jokes aside. They can be a good defense, I don't know about top 5 but anything is possible. I'm lookin at top 12 like BZ said. I believe there was question marks about him giving 100 effort on every play. Also, there was an analysis done here by one of our members and he stated that after watching tape, Gholston tends to over pursue plays. One thing for sure is that I'm a huge fan of Rhodes. Dude can play.
How is Kris Jenkins not going to help the problem? Dewayne Robertson was not even close to a fit as a 34 Nose Tackle and Kris Jenkins is the PERFECT fit. In the 34, the Nose Tackle will make or break the defense. His play alone in the running game will decide if the team is a solid run stuffing unit or a revolving door, like it has been with Robertson. The run defense almost improved significantly last year when Vilma was injuried and David Harris replaced him. Harris teamed with Jenkins will make it a pretty good run stuffing front seven. Oh, and I'd hardly call a guy coming off a major knee injury a lock to gain 100 yards in his first game back, especially with Ricky Williams back to take 10-15 carries a game.
