FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets weren't concerned about Muhammad Wilkerson's surgically repaired lower leg or else they wouldn't have rewarded him with a five-year, $86 million contract in July. At the time, they downplayed the injury, insisting he'd be fine.
On Wednesday, coach Todd Bowles admitted the injury probably hampered the Pro Bowl defensive end at the beginning of the season. Bowles said he expects a strong finish from Wilkerson, who finally is healthy -- or so the coach believes.
"Early in the year, I saw a little bit of it," he said, referring to Wilkerson's lack of explosiveness off the ball. "He was still getting the kinks out. He's feeling a lot better now, so I expect to see a lot better Mo."
Actually, Wilkerson got off to a fast start, recording 1.5 sacks in the opener. The Jets feasted that day on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, as they sacked him seven times. Clearly, it was an aberration -- for Wilkerson and the entire defense, which has managed only 12 sacks in the last 10 games.
Since Week 1, Wilkerson has virtually disappeared, managing only a single sack. Think about that:
One.
Sack.
Quick math: In 575 defensive snaps, he has amassed only 2.5 sacks for the season.
Numbers aside, Wilkerson simply hasn't been as disruptive as previous years, one of the reasons why the Jets have underachieved on defense. He underwent surgery last January to repair a fractured right fibula, which cost him the offseason and part of training camp.
"He worked hard to get back," Bowles said. "He was nicked up a little early on. He's trying to get in a groove. Balls aren’t coming his way. Some balls are coming out quicker. They’re paying more attention to him. (It's) a lot of things. He’s playing, he’s commanding the attention. Other guys have to start making plays."
Bowles doesn't think Wilkerson's leg (specifically, the ankle area) is a factor, adding that he has been practicing fully for more than a week. He said he asked Wilkerson if his ankle is bothering him, and the answer was no.
"He'll never admit if it's hurt or not," Bowles said.
Wilkerson has five games to alter the perception of his season.
On Wednesday, coach Todd Bowles admitted the injury probably hampered the Pro Bowl defensive end at the beginning of the season. Bowles said he expects a strong finish from Wilkerson, who finally is healthy -- or so the coach believes.
"Early in the year, I saw a little bit of it," he said, referring to Wilkerson's lack of explosiveness off the ball. "He was still getting the kinks out. He's feeling a lot better now, so I expect to see a lot better Mo."
Actually, Wilkerson got off to a fast start, recording 1.5 sacks in the opener. The Jets feasted that day on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, as they sacked him seven times. Clearly, it was an aberration -- for Wilkerson and the entire defense, which has managed only 12 sacks in the last 10 games.
Since Week 1, Wilkerson has virtually disappeared, managing only a single sack. Think about that:
One.
Sack.
Quick math: In 575 defensive snaps, he has amassed only 2.5 sacks for the season.
Numbers aside, Wilkerson simply hasn't been as disruptive as previous years, one of the reasons why the Jets have underachieved on defense. He underwent surgery last January to repair a fractured right fibula, which cost him the offseason and part of training camp.
"He worked hard to get back," Bowles said. "He was nicked up a little early on. He's trying to get in a groove. Balls aren’t coming his way. Some balls are coming out quicker. They’re paying more attention to him. (It's) a lot of things. He’s playing, he’s commanding the attention. Other guys have to start making plays."
Bowles doesn't think Wilkerson's leg (specifically, the ankle area) is a factor, adding that he has been practicing fully for more than a week. He said he asked Wilkerson if his ankle is bothering him, and the answer was no.
"He'll never admit if it's hurt or not," Bowles said.
Wilkerson has five games to alter the perception of his season.
