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New York Jets Midseason Grades By Position

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A New York Jets flag waves in the end zone after a touchdown run by New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) (not shown) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A New York Jets flag waves in the end zone after a touchdown run by New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) (not shown) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets Midseason Grades By Position
Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs through New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) and defensive tackle Lawrence Thomas (97) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Jets 23-22. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Grade: A

This is the most talented unit on the team and it shows. The Jets lost arguably the best run stuffer in Damon Harrison this past offseason in free agency but haven’t lost a step. Steve McLendon has been a huge contributor replacing Harrison, and Leonard Williams has continued to blossom.

Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson round out arguably the most talented defensive front in the NFL. They have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing only 74 yards per game. Part of that is because of how easy it is to pass on the Jets, but the defensive front is getting the job done.

Richardson and Williams have been productive getting to the quarterback as well with eight and seven quarterback hurries each to go with 1.5 and six sacks respectively. Each also has four tackles for loss on the season.

Wilkerson has battled some injuries in recent weeks but when he is on the field he is productive as well. He has 2.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and five hurries. As long as this unit continues doing their thing, the defense should be a respectable unit and keep the Jets in games.

*Hurry stats provided by SportingCharts.com

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