Storyline: There’s no doubt that the Jets have taken large strides this year. Have they taken such a leap that they’re now better the the world-renowned Seattle D? Written by Joe Rodriguez, North New Jersey
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If a Psychologist asked you “What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say dominant defense?” Mostly all of you would reply: The Steel Curtain, ’85 Bears, Parcells’ Giants, or even the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. In recent years many would agree that the 2013 Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks led by their incredible “Legion of Boom” would be more than welcomed to join such a superior class of NFL teams.
I mean after all, the ’13 Seahawks led the NFL in Points Allowed (231), Yard Allowed (4,378), and Takeaways (39). They were the first team to lead in all three defensive categories since the highly coveted ’85 Chicago Bears, whom many believe are arguably the greatest team in NFL history (15-1).
Let’s now quickly fast-forward two years into the year 2015 and lets also head across the nation to New York City, or rather Northern New Jersey where the New York Jets rest their heads. Yes I know what everyone will say after they read this, “It’s far too early to crown them a great defense.” Well my friend’s watch me do it. Because if networks can already ask “Who’s this years MVP” than I most certainly can play the numbers game to prove my case that not only are the 2015 Jets defense the NFL’s cream of the crop, but that they are also on pace on becoming a more superior defense than the 2013 Seahawks who finished the year as Super Bowl champs.
When you break down the 2013 Seattle team and this year Jets team, you find a lot of similarities. All-Pro cornerback’s – Check, terrifying secondary – Check, underrated linebackers – Check, and a plethora of defensive linemen who love nothing more than to pin their ears back and maul opposing quarterbacks – Check and Mate! But that’s not all. Through the first 5 games, both teams found themselves at a comfortable 4-1 record and both allowing 4.3 yards per play.
In an era of explosive offensives, we have given enormous flexibility to defenses (especially in the passing game). So to my surprise, it wasn’t the fact that New York’s defense was first in the league that made me do a double take (because let’s be honest, any team coached by Todd Bowles will undoubtedly be a top-10 defense). No – what in fact surprised me was how the 2015 Jets defense stacked against the 2013 Super Bowl winning Seahawks defense: AKA “The Greatest Defense In the Passing Era”, if I can quote the great Joe Buck.
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Through 5 games in regular season play, the New York Jets allowed an astounding 75 points (and 7 of which came on a punt return by Darren Sproles) while the Seahawks gave up an exceptional 81 point. The Jets now lead the NFL in categories such as: Points Per Game (15) and Yards Allowed Per Game (269.2). Jets are also currently 2nd in the NFL in Passing Yards Allowed (186.6) and Rushing Yards Allowed (82.6).
During the 2013 season, The Legion was able to dominate opposing offensives week in and week out. Through the first 5 games Seattle allowed 16.2 Points Per Game (+1.2 than Jets) 303.6 in Total Yards Allowed (+34.4 than Jets), 194.6 Passing Yards Allowed (+8 than Jets) and 109 Rushing Yards Allowed (+26.4 than Jets). Now it’s obvious to see that the New York Jets outplay Seattle’s defense in every significant defensive category there is. But what about takeaways – you might ask.
Seattle has to have had more than a Jets team who has always had trouble generating turnovers right? Well, interestingly enough, while the Jets defense couldn’t catch a cold in the snow while barefoot in years past, this year’s opportunistic defense has tied the ‘13 Seattle team, as both amassing 15 Takeaways through 5 games.
But there HAS to be some defensive category that Seattle exceeds the Jets. I mean they won a Super Bowl behind that defense, right? What about Rushing Touchdowns allowed through 5 games? Well no, sorry. The Jets yet again get the better of Seattle, allowing only 1 rushing touchdown in the first 5 games against Seattle’s 3.
The fact of the matter is the New York Jets have a very special defense. They have a luxury of five All-Pro caliber players (Revis, Harris, Wilkerson, Cromartie, Richardson) on the defensive side of the ball alone, all viewed as modern prototypes in each of their respectable positions. Combine that with a Top-10 offense and the New York Jets are truly flying high (no pun intended).
Courtesy: nj.com
All the credit goes to Jets owner Woody Johnson. Learning from his past mistakes like the dreadful hiring of John Idzik (I still get cold sweats thinking about him), Mr. Johnson was able to put his ego aside and let highly intelligent football minds, like Ex-GM Charley Casserly, influence the decision in hiring General Manager Mike Maccagnan.
This in turn led Maccagnan to hire New Jersey-native and Parcells disciple, Todd Bowles to become the 16th Head Coach in New York Jet history.
It almost feels like the dawn of a new day in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It almost feels as if the Jets are no longer their own worst enemy. Shooting themselves in the foot whenever fervent Jet fans cautiously murmured of high expectations. Gone are the days of GM Mike Tannenbaum and Head Coach Rex Ryan, putting the team in the back pages to prop up, only to see the team fold year after year.
And gone are the days of hiring egotistical Head Coaches, whether it be the quiet “My way or no way” Eric Mangini or the brash yet still loveable Rex Ryan (Two coaches I definitely don’t miss). For once a real grown up is standing at the helm which Jets fans haven’t seen the likes of since Bill Parcells (Sorry Herm).
Momentum is the name of the game now, and with the high-powered Patriots being the next pin up that the Jets must knock down, the Jets must come as one cohesive unit ready to dominate yet another opposing offense. And while the Jets get the better of the 2013 Seahawks in virtually all defensive categories, the Jets defense must do what that great 2013 Seattle team did better than any other team including the New York Jets …
Play big in big games.
Great article!!!