On paper, these were mismatches, two likely playoff teams with elite fouls facing the Jets’ mournful defense.
To make matters worse, Gang Green was still working in a new defensive coordinator in the wake of Gregg Williams’ resignation. In their first game without the brash defensive guru, the Jets conceded a whopping 40 points to the Seahawks in an ugly defeat. At the time, the makeshift 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 the like,” security Marcus Maye said Monday. “Everything was in the air.”
Apparently the defense needed some time to adjust. However, no one knew it would create such a difference. Led by Williams ‘replacement Frank Bush, the Jets’ defense caused disruptions to the Rams and Browns, holding the two teams together at 36 points while generating four sales. Victory over the Browns came without star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. They traded from linebacker Avery Williamson and lost starting cornerback Brian Poole to an injury.
“I think the guys just play a lot more for free, don’t necessarily think about it and worry about it [certain things], ‘Said Maye.
Both Maye and coach Adam Gase gave everyone on that side of the ball, from players to coaches, the credit of getting on the same page. Maye specifically mentioned Bush, who was previously the team’s assistant head coach and linebackers coach, and said he does a “great job” of getting everyone organized and together. That may seem simple, but communication is something the Jets defense had eluded for much of the season. Remember how much Gregg Williams’ decision to call a total blitz in the closing seconds of a heartbreaking loss to the Raiders surprised his players?
So even with only four starters left from the opener against the Bills, the defense is playing at its best. Inexperienced players have been pushed into more prominent roles. 57-year-old Bush is conjuring up the plays for the first time in more than a decade. This is new to everyone.
“I feel like that whole side of the ball has come together well,” said Gase.
Part of the unit’s success can be traced back to the offense. The attack did not generate any turnover in either win, preventing the defense from putting it in difficult positions.
Still, it faced two high caliber offenses, even if the Browns had their top four receivers due to COVID-19 protocols. The rams were in full force.
The Jets contain both attacks. They had seven sacks in the two games. They were especially effective in the opening halves, allowing for a combined six runs. There were different stars every week. On Sunday, it was outside linebacker Tarell Basham – the team’s “ Energizer Bunny, ” according to Gase – who forced awkwardness on the Browns’ last two assets. The week before, defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Nathan Shepherd wreaked havoc. The group limited the Browns’ fourth-placed attack to 45 yards on 18 carriers. Last week, the Rams’ dynamic passing game was held at 189 meters in the air.
“It’s just been a great effort from everyone who just came together, did their job, did their assignments, just went out of their way, no matter what situation we’re in,” said Maye. “Everyone is on the same page, between the players and the technical staff.
“It’s just been a great two weeks.”