From worst to first? That is what Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins has in mind. Rankins said Wednesday the goal is for the Jets to have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season. The unit was dead last in 2021, in points and yards allowed in the league. “I think the expectations, to a man, have to be to be the best defense in the league,” Rankins said. “If we look at anything else or we put any other goal out there, we’re selling ourselves short. What’s the point of showing up to the race if you’re going to say, ‘Oh, third is cool?’ ” Rankins is in his second season with the Jets after playing on some good defenses in New Orleans early in his career. The Jets have improved the roster on defense with additions like cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, safety Jordan Whitehead, defensive ends Jermaine Johnson and Jacob Martin, and the return from injury of pass rusher Carl Lawson. Even if the Jets are greatly improved, being the No. 1 defense seems like an unachievable goal. Not to Rankins. LINK: https://nypost.com/2022/08/03/sheldon-rankins-jets-goal-is-to-be-best-defense-in-nfl/ My take: Even if they are to eventually be the #1 ranked defense in the league, Rankins may not be around to see it. Might not...
