On paper, they were incompatibilities, two likely playoff teams with elite attacks facing the Jets’ terrible defense.
To make matters worse, Gang Green was still working on a new defensive coordinator after Gregg Williams was fired. In their first game without the impetuous defensive guru, the Jets awarded the Seahawks 40 points in an ugly defeat. At the time, the improvised group had allowed at least 30 points in five of the previous six games.
“Obviously, the Seahawks game was the first game after all the changes and everything,” said safety Marcus Maye on Monday. “Everything was in the air.”
Apparently, the defense just needed some time to adjust. Nobody knew, however, that it would make such a difference. Led by Williams substitute Frank Bush, the Jets defense caused twists and turns for the Rams and Browns, keeping the two teams combined with 36 points while forcing four turns. The victory over the Browns came without defensive line star Quinnen Williams. They replaced linebacker Avery Williamson and lost cornerback Brian Poole to injury.
“I think the guys are just playing a lot more freely, not necessarily thinking and worrying about [certain things]”Said Maye.
Both Maye and coach Adam Gase credited everyone on the side of the ball, from the players to the coaches, who were on the same page. Maye specifically highlighted Bush, who was previously the team’s assistant coach and linebacker coach, saying he is doing a “great job” in organizing and bringing everyone together. It may seem simple, but communication is something that escaped the Jets defense for much of the season. Remember how much Gregg Williams’ decision to call a total blitz in the final seconds of a painful defeat for the Raiders surprised his players?
So, even with just four holders of the opening game against Bills, the defense is playing its best. Inexperienced players were placed in more prominent roles. Bush, 57, is calling the pieces for the first time in more than a decade. This is new for everyone.
“I feel like the whole side of the ball has done a good job together,” said Gase.
Part of the unit’s success can be attributed to the offense. The attack did not turn on any of the victories, ensuring that the defense was not placed in difficult positions.
Still, it was facing two high-caliber offenses, even though the Browns were losing their top four receivers due to the COVID-19 protocols. The Rams were in full swing.
The Jets contained both attacks. They had seven sacks in both games. They were particularly effective in the first halves, allowing for a six-point combination. There were different stars each week. On Sunday, it was external linebacker Tarell Basham – the team’s “Energizer Bunny,” according to Gase – forcing fumbles into the Browns’ last two possessions. The previous week, defensive line attackers Quinnen Williams and Nathan Shepherd created confusion. The group limited the Browns’ quick attack in fourth place to 45 yards on 18 loads. The previous week, the Rams’ dynamic passing game was played 189 yards in the air.
“It has been a great effort for everyone to be together, doing their jobs, fulfilling their duties, just giving all the effort, no matter what the situation we are in,” said Maye. “Everyone is on the same page, between the players and the coaching staff.
“It was a great two weeks.”