Actually it does make it less effective. Just look at the number of TD passes we've already given up this year compared to all of last year. Take a look at our inability to get off the field on 3rd and long. Take a look at where we rank defensively against the pass compared to last year. We are absolutely less effective. I think we'll improve in these areas if Revis really is 100% ... and I know we've survived a couple of late game scares this year ... but there's a fine line between "clutch" and "fortunate". If you don't want to point the finger at the D-line that's fine ... then point it at the entire front 7. It's not all about sacks but we need to generate more pressure without constantly blitzing our safeties and corners ... especially late in the game, when we need to stop the other team on 4 consecutive downs. VERY difficult to do without a conventional pass rush.
Tell me what is conventional about this defense? When did the Jets have a conventional pass rush last year? What 3-4 team has a conventional pass rush? What 3-4 team is successful at that conventional pass rush? All the good 3-4 teams have successful unconventional DC's. They blitz alot, use different looks, overload fronts. There is almost nothing conventional about them. This team doesn't have a stud OLB that can create matchup problems, so what. It's best Pass rusher missed 4 games to injury and arguably came back to soon. The difference between "fortunate and clutch" still comes down to the fact the Jets do bring blitzes and make QB's rush throws. Vis a ve the games the Jets closed out. So no the fact you don't see sacks doesn't mean the pass rush is less effective. The other team still has to max protect and the QB still has to get the ball out in a hurry. You think Rogers was that comfortable back there, then explain away his worst accuracy rating he ever had. I guess he was so comfortable he just had no idea where to put the ball. The fact that the Jets have given up more than 8 TD's already in the air and 3rd down woes has to do with Revis and Pace injuries, the fact the Jets had to start a rookie opposite Cromartie, and penalties. It does not have anything to do with a lack of conventional pass rush. In the last 2 games the Jets have taken on 2 of the best throwing offenses in the league. Denver averaged over 300 yds in the air per game, they ended up with 201 (7-18 on 3rd downs) and Green Bay averaged 250 yds per game and ended up with 156 (2-14 on 3rd down). So to summarize the Jets have given up 357 yds in the air, 1 TD and were 9 for 32 on 3rd down conversions to 2 of the better passing offenses in the entire NFL. Seems like this defense is going to eventually be better than last year if it keeps producing games like that. Welcome to the world of a healthy Revis and a pass rush that is more than adequate.
