New York Jets

Changes are needed on lackluster Jets' defense

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets need to make a change, and it’s not where you think. While they do probably need to make a quarterback change also, linebacker Darron Lee needs to be moved to the outside.

Such a move like this would mean the New York Jets would need to move one of their outside linebackers to the inside. That’s an easy decision. Move linebacker Jordan Jenkins inside. Lee is getting beat up inside. At his size, he’s too small to play against guards in the NFL. His biggest assets are speed and quickness, which he can’t use from the inside.

Lee’s quickness would be an asset against NFL tackles. Additionally, it would give the Jets a much need boost in the pass rush. On the other hand, Jenkins is bigger but has quickness. At 6’3″ and 257 lbs., he has the size to matchup against NFL guards, and he can use his quickness to make plays on the inside.

The combination of his physicality and football IQ allows him to diagnose plays quickly. He also has much-needed zone skills in the middle.

The move can accomplish a few things. It can help the run defense above everything else. First, by moving Jenkins inside, it would give the Jets some beef in the middle of the second level. In addition to that, with Lee’s speed, runs to the outside will be much more difficult.

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Second, moving Lee to the outside will help the Jets be able to get to the quarterbacks faster.

Lee won’t be tangled up by guards who are clearly stronger than him, and tackles will have to pay attention to Lee which will free up the line.

Finally, getting to the quarterback faster will help the secondary. In this situation, the team wouldn’t be asked to cover for as long. It would bring a much-needed boost to the overall pass rush of the Jets to hopefully make some pass breaks or turnovers.

Therefore, they stay with coverage for what appears to be longer. Hence, they’d be able to make more plays defensively and get off the field quicker.

Consequently, this move would make the defense better at all three levels, not just at linebacker. As a result, they would make more plays and not look as weak.

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