The New York Jets defense did not look like its normal self against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 on Thursday Night Football. They were routinely gashed for big gains by tight end David Njoku, who filled in as Joe Flacco’s No. 1 option in the passing game with wide receiver Amari Cooper sidelined with injury.
Flacco was able to move the Browns’ offense up and down the field with relative ease as the Jets’ defense offered very little resistance. It resulted in an ugly 37-20 thumping, as Cleveland clinched a playoff spot and the Jets lost for the seventh time in nine games.
While it was an ugly night defensively overall, this is a unit that is littered with talent. Whether it is in the trenches along the defensive line, at the second line of defense at linebacker, or in the secondary, this is a group that has stars at every level.
NFL News & Rumors: Sauce Garnder, Quinnen Williams, Bryce Huff, Quincy Williams, Jordan Whitehead, C.J. Mosley, New York Jets Updates
Up front, it is Quinnen Williams and Bryce Huff who drew some praise from Matt Bowen of ESPN. Bowen put together a list of 101 different skills and the fearsome duo of Williams and Huff were recognized by Bowen.
Williams was named the best run-stopper, who has nine tackles for loss this season and 59 total tackles in 16 games. Huff was picked as having the quickest first step in the NFL. “According to NFL Next Gen Stats, his 0.75-second average get-off speed ranks fifth among players with at least 200 pass rushes this season,” wrote Bowen.
Huff has been playing in a rotational role for the Jets this season but has made the most of his opportunities. He leads the team with 8.0 sacks and has set himself up for a major payday this offseason in free agency.
The next player mentioned was linebacker Quincy Williams. He is in a class of his own when it comes to production this season and Bowen picked him as having the fastest closing speed to the ball carrier. He has 131 total tackles this season, leading the Jets with 91 solos. He has also recorded a team-high 15 tackles for loss.
His partner at linebacker, C.J. Mosley, leads the team with 141 total tackles. He is as sure as it gets when taking down a ball carrier, which is why Bowen selected him as the best tackler.
NFL News & Rumors: Sauce Garnder, Quinnen Williams, Bryce Huff, Quincy Williams, Jordan Whitehead, C.J. Mosley, New York Jets Updates
In the secondary, Sauce Gardner was recognized as the best press coverage player in the NFL. He has the size and athleticism to get the job done no matter what is asked of him. From Week 3 through Week 16, there wasn’t a more dominant player at cornerback than Gardner.
Last but not least, safety Jordan Whitehead got some shine. He was selected as the best top-down impact for a defender. “In the Jets’ defined split-safety coverage schemes, Whitehead explodes downhill to fill the alley in run support, and he can make plays on the ball as a top-down defender against the pass game,” Bowen wrote.
While Week 17 against the Browns was a tough outing for the team, this defense is among the best in the NFL. The Jets can put their group up against another team, player for player, and compete with the best the league has to offer.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
