Key Injuries Impact Jets Defense
The New York Jets have faced a number of key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, which has significantly impacted their performance this season. Standout edge rusher Carl Lawson went down with a season-ending Achilles injury during the preseason, robbing the Jets of their best pass-rushing threat.
Cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, the team's first-round draft pick, missed time with a concussion, further depleting the secondary. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has had to get creative with his rotations, relying on players like Bryce Huff and Quincy Williams to step up in larger roles.
"This defense needs Carl Johnson," wrote Jets X-Factor. "With the Jets' edge unit becoming a colossal weakness during Johnson's absence, the desperate Jets did not hesitate to thrust him back into a featured role."
Juggling the Depth Chart
The Jets have also struggled to find consistency in their secondary, with the coaching staff trying different combinations at cornerback and nickel. Rookie Sauce Gardner has shown promise, but the team has had to rotate in players like Brandin Echols and Javelin Guidry to fill gaps.
"The Jets have had a ton of returners this year. They had success with each one of them," said Panthers special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. "So they've had eight or nine kickoff returners that have all had success."
This lack of stability has made it difficult for the Jets defense to find a rhythm, as players are constantly shuffling in and out of the lineup.
TL;DR
- Key injuries, especially to edge rusher Carl Lawson, have decimated the Jets' defensive depth
- The coaching staff has had to get creative with rotations, relying on younger, unproven players
- The secondary has also lacked consistency, with the Jets trying multiple combinations at cornerback
- Injuries and depth chart issues have contributed to the Jets' 0-6 start to the season