We're too inconsistent, wayyy too many penalties, lack of a solid pass rush & we are not, as of this moment, intimidating, NO one fears us... Until we clean up those issues we're still very far away from being considered elite, IMO.
I didn't think the defense was too penalized in the first game. I remember a couple offsides, a PI, and a roughing the passer. I really think a consistent pass rusher would make this defense the third best in the league -- only behind Seattle and San Fran. Not sure if that would make them "elite", but it would be the best in the conference.
I know you are exaggerating for effect, but it bugs me that this sort of nonsense gets regurgitated so often. Over the past five seasons the Jets defense has been on the field for less than 30 minutes per game on average. The Jets have enjoyed an advantage in terms of TOP every year - 30:13 in 2013, 30:26 in 2012, 30:49 in 2011, 32:37 in 2010 and 32:07 in 2009.
To be a truly elite defense we need an elite ILB or OLB. Think Patrick Willis. Also we need Pryor and Dee to instantly become great at their position and 1 other CB who is also atleast a good not great player. Then I think we are a truly elite defense. We are good now but there are still lots of areas that could improve.
With a "CAP" there is no way all/most teams can fill all slots with "elite" players for an elite defense. Match-ups; Scheme; Coaching all play a much larger role then anyone realizes
Lately the talk about the Jet D has been "strong front seven!", but the reality is a bit more complex. Pace had a very good season last year, but I think we will likely see, any day now, him to begin showing his age more. On hte other side I do hope and even somewhat expect continuing improvement from Davis and Coples, and perhaps an effective incorporation of Babin into the pass rush as well. But until that all comes together, that fantastic front seven is something less than truly fantastic. And that's not even talking about the secondary.
The defensive rankings , 1,3,5,8,11 on successive years is not an indication of a consistantly elite defense, it is an indication of a down trend. We will see what happens this year.
This. We'll be an elite defense when we consistently stop the third and long plays, and consistently stop teams from late game drives. This may come when our personnel improves enough so that the 3rd down and late game player insertions don't trap us in obvious mismatches. I agree with your front seven assessment. Let's see where it get us this year.
The toughest part will be keeping our core 7 intact or replacing core people with good talent. In the age of FA, we can build, but to maintain, we must pay the price and that means opening up the checkbook. When we get that consistent Edge rushing DE/OLB, we will be elite. The real challenge will be to pay him what he's worth.
What do I think? I totally disagree with you. Rex IS the problem here. The Jets will never be an elite team or have an elite defense as long as he's here. He talks tough, but when the game gets tough, he crumbles like a house of cards. There's no way an elite D isn't disciplined. You wouldn't see their best player lose his cool and get ejected. You don't see elite D's blow 18 point leads. Revis my ass, that's ridiculous. It's getting to the point where more often than not, Rex's defense fails. He's a one-trick pony. When his patented blitzes aren't working, he's got nothing to pressure opposing QBs or stop their passing attacks. Rex runs his mouth, pumps up his players and makes them think they're better than they are, and then they don't keep fighting and working as hard as they should. The sooner Rex goes, the better.
