Content available exclusively for subscribers
This is just what the doctor ordered for Gang Green . . .
And I’m not talking about Dr. Ken Montgomery, the team internist. I’m talking about what Gregg Williams brings to the table for the Jets’ defense.
Accountability, accountability and more accountability.
Williams was yelling up a storm on the practice field in the Jets’ spring practices.
And it wasn’t just words of encouragement, but pointed barbs at players who messed up.
Like when he yelled at linebacker Avery Williamson when he was late getting over to a running back in coverage.
Like when he yelled at cornerback Trumaine Johnson for getting his hands on a pass, but not hauling it in. The ball was tipped and ended up in the hands of the intended receiver.
Like when he yelled at another cornerback (not clear who this was directed at) for blowing a coverage that Williams said was so easy kids at the local elementary school know it.
In an era rife with political correctness and sensitivity, Williams is a throwback coach willing to get after individual players who mess up. He doesn’t give a rat’s behind if it bothers people.
This is a pretty good incentive for a players to study harder and get things right, to avoid getting reamed on the practice field by Williams.
Under the previous two head coaches/defensive coordinators it was a rarity for players to get called out on the practice field. And when it did happen, it was usually directed at low-hanging fruit, second tier players, easy targets, not big money players like Williamson and Johnson.
Both Williamson and Johnson have referred to Williams as “crazy.” Williamson did it on SiriusXM NFL Radio, and Johnson did after getting yelled out for the missed pick.
They both said it in a joking manner, but it seems to be a common buzz word coming from Jets defensive players that Williams is “crazy.”
Williams is fine with that. There is a method to his madness. He said recently that he yells at guys a lot in the spring and summer, but is very calm on game day. He’s laying a groundwork for his program and making sure guys get their acts together now, so once the games start, they are in a good place to perform their jobs on a high level.
But it’s not just accountability that Williams bring to the table, but a top-shelf defensive mind. Like him or not, he’s one of the top defensive coaches in all of football.
He’s not just a wind-bag yelling without much to back it up. He knows of what he speaks. He’s forgotten more about coaching defense than most people know.
Players respect knowledge. Nick Saban said something along these lines recently while talking about former Alabama QB Freddie Kitchens, now the Cleveland Browns head coach.
“[Freddie Kitchens] knows how important it is to be knowledgeable because that knowledge is what helps you create good relationships and trust with your players,” Saban said.
Williams has great defensive knowledge and concepts. The Jets players know he can make them all better.
And also make this unit more accountable.
July 3, 2019
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Friday.