Jenkins should transform Jets defense
Adding another writer to the crew pgatti29 is taking his first try at writing on the Jets new acquisition, Kris Jenkins.
The Jets have had some pretty decent defensive units over the years; and some not so decent ones. For the better part of the new millenium Jets’ defenses have been hovering around mediocre. The last unit that I can remember that was a true force was the 1998 defense, a product of then coach Bill Parcells and defensive coordinator Bill Belichick. They ran a 3-4, like our current Jets, however the key was having a guy to play the “zero technique” right over opposing center. But it wasn’t just having a guy to plug in there, it was having someone who was effective enough to take up multiple blockers and command double teams.
They may have finally found that guy in Kris Jenkins. The 6’4″, 335 lb (they hope) defensive tackle from Maryland is entering his 8th season and just may be just what the Jets defense needs to finally take this 3-4 to the next level. After injury plagued seasons in 2004 and 2005, Jenkins has bounced back nicely the past two seasons playing every game and recording a total of 79 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks. Although the Carolina run defense has dropped off in recent years (down from 11th in ’06 to 18th last year) it can be attributed to many factors including dessimating injuries along the defense.
If Jenkins can be the guy the Jets hope he can be and master the nose tackle position then the defense has a chance to make a dramatic improvement because if there’s one position that can make all other ones better, it’s defensive tackle, especially in a 3-4. Commanding double teams and getting constant penetration will free up linebackers David Harris and Calvin Pace to run to the ball and make plays (I’m sure Vilma’s asking himself why the Jets couldn’t get Jenkins last season!?). In turn Jenkins will allow for a better pass rush and force opposing QBs to throw the ball before they want to which we all know makes secondaries that much better.
I’m not saying Jenkins is going to the Pro Bowl or the Jets will have the top-ranked defense in the league, I’m just saying that he instantly makes our defense better and gives us a chance to take the 3-4 to greater heights in 2008.
8 Responses to Jenkins should transform Jets defense
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ramble914 says:
I agree that Jenkins should make our defense better providing he stays healthy and is motivated, which I don’t see being a problem since he was able to play the last 2 seasons injury free, and the move to NY should improve his attitude. The one thing we have to do not just with Jenkins but also with guys like Faneca and Woody is plan for their replacements. I don’t see us getting any more than 2 -3 years out of any one of them, so drafting competant replacements is essential or we’ll be back to where we were.
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Harvlis says:
As long as you are throwing stats around – D-Rob had 119 tackles and 6.5 sacks, in that same period. I hope Jenkins is a mauler but, this is an experiment. Same with Woody. Gave both these players lots of money after years of injury & mediocrity. Good luck, Tangini.
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vbsiena24 says:
Harvlis, gotta take risks to be rewarded. Hopefully Tangini has done this hw and these guys will pay dividends.
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freekwhc says:
I agree with Harvlis that stats are not what we need to look at from this position. If there was a stat for ‘double-teams neutralized’ than that would be the only one I’d care about.
With the emergence of a solid NT in Pouha last season, Mangini will have the luxury of using Pouha to keep Jenkins fresh, and keep him happy by not being overworked.
And as for the article….335 pounds? Maybe at the rookie combine in 2001. He ballooned to close to 400 pounds, which isn’t terrible considering his body frame is immense as it is. A realistic weight where he can eat space while still being explosive is around 360. As long as I don’t see Jenkins being pushed backwards into Harris on 2 out of 3 plays than I consider this experiment a success.
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Vinny says:
335 pounds Get real. I read the JEts were hoping hed egt to 360. Hell 335 is to light. Big TEd is way over 350. Ill take 350 , 360in a heartbeat, Block up the middle , male the RB go outside, string him out to the sideline
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RK says:
And will Gholston be the man to wrestle down the back as he’s strung along the sideline?
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droseatwork says:
man, I wish i could be 360 lbs. Imagine how much I could eat at one sitting. They should pair him and Brick together. I could see him gaining some weight.
The effect of Jenkins manning the nose should make the ends Ellis & Coleman more productive especially in their pass defense. Robertson was playing out of position and many times was neutralized by a single linemen particularly in the red zone and short yardage formations. I’d like to keep him though in the rotation providing he’d take a cut in pay, possibly move him around on the line.
Jenkins should also help keep guard of Harris. Although, Harris excelled without a big man in the middle, the second year should make him a beast(this is a compliment)while he is mastering the system. I’m still waiting for added depth on the OLB, and CB position, this is definitely a few steps in the right direction. For the record, I also like the addition of Pace.