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There were some interesting comments on the current Jets, but a prominent former Jets player. Let’s take a look at some of what he had to say . . . .
Joe Klecko was honored by the Veterans Affairs Civilian Commendation Medal in Plainfield, New Jersey
Let’s look at some of what he said and break it down.
“I ain’t predicting nothing, but I predict the defense could be No. 1 in the league,” Klecko told the Star-Ledger.
Could be. It all starts up front, and the Jets are so loaded on the defensive line, the potential for this defense is off-the-charts.
Mo Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, that is crazy talent for one team to have. Damon Harrison is talented, but needs to play better than he did last year. I think he was playing hurt. And let’s not forget Quinton Coples. He’s kind of flying under the radar right now, but he’s a talented guy. Jets are loaded up front, no doubt.
“They’ve got two of the best linebackers in the league,” Klecko said. “They’ve got five defensive linemen that are just beasts, and you’ve got three cornerbacks. So they have real potential to be No. 1—I really do; I think they’ll be No. 1 in the league.”
The quote about “two of the best linebackers” is somewhat debatable. Who is referring to? We assume he’s taking about David Harris and DeMario Davis.
I know many might not concur with this, but I agree with him on Harris. I think Harris is underrated, and I think part of that is his taciturn nature. He’s a man of few words. He’s smart, tough, durable, great at reading his keys and a very sure tackler. With guys like Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis out of the league, I’m comfortable saying he’s one of the better inside linebackers in football.
Davis. Y’all know how I feel. He’s a good player in the box, but his coverage skills are too inconsistent. Remember, he was added to upgrade the Jets coverage at ILB because of the perception that Bart Scott had slipped in that department. Honestly, it hasn’t been much of an upgrade. One issue I see are too many false steps, which leads to him, too often, playing catch-up in coverage. Also, his hips are a little stiff, so it hurts his ability to change direction in space. He’s got some legit competition for his spot this summer in Erin Henderson and Jabari Lattimore. These guys aren’t camp fodder – they have the skills to challenge for a starting spot. So no, not yet, on Davis being one of the “best linebackers.”
“And once you start covering the slot [against] New England, you’re doing real good,” Klecko said.
Great, great point.
Kyle Wilson is a great person, and tried his best, but he was too inconsistent. The rollercoaster play in the slot was problematic for the Jets in recent year, especially against the Pats, a team that has had some great slot receivers, and like throwing to their slot receivers a lot.
This is why Buster Skrine is a signing of enormous import for Gang Green. Of course he needs to cut down on the penalties, but his skill-set should help the Jets a great deal – he has world class speed, is quick as cat, is very tough and has good instincts. The Cleveland Browns really didn’t want to lose him. The Jets gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse that was too pricey for the Browns. If Skrine can cover the slot the way the Jets think he can, this signing will help them a great deal. Klecko makes a terrific point.
July 1, 2015
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