New York Jets: Three things to expect in the upcoming season

Improved Run Defense

Ever since the arrival of Rex Ryan back in 2009 the Jets have been best known for their defense. Opponents couldn’t run against these guys. That took a significant turn for the worst in 2017.

Last year, the Jets were ranked 24th in the NFL in run defense. It has been a long time since they were that bad. Granted, Muhammad Wilkerson was out there doing very little to help. But, overall the front seven was over-matched in 2017.

That will improve in 2018. The dead weight is gone in Muhammad Wilkerson. Sheldon Richardson is not here, though he was talented the Jets couldn’t keep his locker room presence around.

In their place remains Steve McLendon to go along with Leonard Williams. The rest of the room is filled with young players that have a shot to make an impact.

We have seen the work of Mike Pennel. The acquisition of Henry Anderson is an underrated one. Both Nathan Shepherd and Folorunso Fatukasi have the chance to stick around. Shepherd in particular tore it up at Fort Hays St. Last year over half of his tacklers were TFLs. Fatukasi posted 21 TFLs in his college career.

Talented run defenders have joined Darron Lee at linebacker like Avery Williamson and Kevin Minter. This front seven has turned around and they will be far better against the run in 2018.