A lot of pundits (me included) expected the defense to struggle in 2021, especially after the season-ending injury to pass-rusher Carl Lawson. Well, it's not struggling, in part, because of a bunch of kids and castoffs. Let's take a closer look.
Other than linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and Maye, the Jets don't have any "name" players on defense.
"Every guy that's on that football field feels like they have something to prove," Mosley said. "They have something that's driving them to make a name for themselves. Nobody is selfish. Nobody is making it about them."
It's only four games, and they have yet to face a top-10 offense, but it's a start.
- Kids: First- and second-year players have played a league-high 1,029 defensive snaps, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That group consists mainly of six players, none of whom were drafted before the fifth round. The best of the group is second-year cornerback Bryce Hall. Rookie slot Michael Carter II has the most coverage snaps played among all corners in the league without allowing a catch of 15 or more yards, per Pro Football Focus.
- Overlooked kids: Defensive end Bryce Huff and cornerback Javelin Guidry, both undrafted in 2020, have emerged as key contributors. Huff is ranked fourth in the NFL among edge players in ESPN's pass rush win rate, a metric powered by NFL Next Gen Stats. Guidry, showing his versatility, played cornerback, nickel and dime last week. "An absolute stud," Saleh said.
- Castoffs: The waiver wire has been good to the Jets. Defensive end John Franklin-Myers, cut by the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, has three sacks and leads the defensive linemen in snaps played. On Thursday, he signed a four-year, $55 million extension. Linebacker Quincy Williams, cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars at the end of the preseason, is fourth on the team in tackles.
Other than linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and Maye, the Jets don't have any "name" players on defense.
"Every guy that's on that football field feels like they have something to prove," Mosley said. "They have something that's driving them to make a name for themselves. Nobody is selfish. Nobody is making it about them."
It's only four games, and they have yet to face a top-10 offense, but it's a start.
