• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Jets' 2018 Needs to be the Year of the Big Cat

Jets’ 2018 Needs to be the Year of the Big Cat

January 12, 2018
2021 Raiders Prospect: DT Daviyon Nixon

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: DT Daviyon Nixon

January 20, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays Land George Springer, Kirby Yates

Toronto Blue Jays Land George Springer, Kirby Yates

January 19, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Zach Thomas: Another Tough Road to Make Hall of Fame in 2021

Zach Thomas: Another Tough Road to Make Hall of Fame in 2021

January 19, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders HC Jon Gruden

Raiders and 2021 Expectations

January 19, 2021
Defensive Disappointment: Rams Fall to Packers

Defensive Disappointment: Rams Fall to Packers

January 19, 2021
Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E

Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E

January 19, 2021
WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021

WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021

January 19, 2021
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers rolled through divisional week. Can they capture the NFC title next?

NFL Power Rankings, Championship Week

January 19, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Terrace Marshall Jr.

January 19, 2021
Deshaun Watson NY Jets Jersey

New York Jets: The Case For Deshaun

January 19, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Allen Robinson

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Allen Robinson

January 18, 2021

Depth, Coaching Keep Chiefs’ Hopes Alive

January 18, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Jets’ 2018 Needs to be the Year of the Big Cat

Kyle Hirshkind by Kyle Hirshkind
January 12, 2018
in AFC, AFC East, New York Jets, Opinion
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Jets' 2018 Needs to be the Year of the Big Cat

Al Bello/Getty Images

1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A brief look back at the Jets’ 2017 regular season proves that expectations matched reality. The team played with heart and competitiveness, but ultimately finished in the middle of the pack. There were also new signs of life on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. In the end, however, none of which was extraordinary enough to take the Jets to the promised land.

So as Gang Green trudges toward an important 2018, some things will need to change. This will come in hefty shifts on both sides of the ball as the team will look to rediscover it’s identity. Many expect a new quarterback to be thrust into the spotlight as well as some arrangements on both of the offensive and defensive fronts.

More FromFPC

2021 Raiders Prospect: DT Daviyon Nixon

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: DT Daviyon Nixon

January 20, 2021

Zach Thomas: Another Tough Road to Make Hall of Fame in 2021

January 19, 2021

Raiders and 2021 Expectations

January 19, 2021

NFL Power Rankings, Championship Week

January 19, 2021

That being said, the Jets’ plans for their defensive scheme will be an interesting watch. While the unit had a decent 2017, many expect some rearranging. The once dominant Muhammad Wilkerson isn’t expected to be on the roster, and a few others are currently swindling in free agency.

A closer look at the performance of the Jets’ defensive line in 2017 uncovers some wounds. Not many names stick out other than Demario Davis, who had himself a career year. Kony Ealy played decently in his first year in the Green & White as well, but his mediocre stats shouldn’t overshadow the lackluster performances of his counterparts. Players such as Leonard Williams, Mike Pennel, David Bass, and a few others had somewhat forgettable seasons. And if the Jets wish to revive their once threatening front seven, and possibly recoup the nickname of the “New York Sack Exchange,” a switch needs to be flicked.

Being Disruptive vs Being Threatening

The Jets will enter 2018 once again with the 6th overall pick in the NFL Draft. It will be the third time in the past four seasons that New York selects in that spot. For the most part, they’ve had much success doing so. In 2015, it was Leonard Williams, and in 2017 it was Jamal Adams, both of whom hope to be franchise players in the Green and White. However, for Williams, that philosophy was staggered a bit this past season.

In training camp, Williams openly announced his season expectations and goals. He told one reporter that he planned to earn a sack in each regular season game. Now, at the end of the year, it’s an understatement to say that Williams missed his goal by a wide margin.

The third-year defensive tackle arguably had his worst season to date. He finished his 2017 campaign with only two sacks, and a career low in tackles and assists.

However, despite his underwhelming statistics, Williams was content with how things played out. He noted that sacks aren’t what make or break a defensive end, lineman or tackle. He claimed it was more about being disruptive and throwing off opposing quarterbacks.

And he isn’t wrong. According to the NY Daily News, Williams’ QB hit-to-sack ratio has been quite mind-boggling. Since 2006, there have only been three individual seasons, including 2017, in which a player recorded 19 or more QB hits and finished with three of fewer sacks. Williams is reportedly responsible for two of those seasons. He fell just shy of his rookie year performance in 2017.

"We're on the right path and we're working toward something."@leonardwilliams sits down with @eallenjets heading into the offseason 🎥 pic.twitter.com/GGjJx5atKd

— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 10, 2018

The Return of the Big Cat

While Williams has validity in his argument against his sluggish sack totals, the Jets shouldn’t ignore the fact that improvement is necessary. With the removal of Wilkerson and uncertainty surrounding the plans to fill his void, Williams will need to revamp his defensive presence.

It won’t necessarily need to come in the form of sacks, but Williams shouldn’t let that facet slip by him. Next season will be his ultimate chance at solidifying himself as a go-to leader. In a way, he should be adopting a J.J. Watt mentality. He’ll need to become the focal point of the Jets’ front seven, while also making those around him better.

The past shows that he has that capability. In 2016, Williams led the charge as he accumulated seven sacks (nearly double what any other player on the team had) while also forcing two fumbles (led team) and racking up 36 tackles. In turn, he opened the doors for those in development, such as Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins, and allowed them the space and time to work on their craft, as seen in 2017.

But now with 2018 on the horizon and a possible change-up in terms of who will be starting Week 1, Williams will need to regain that mentality. In a way, he’s the heart and soul of the defensive line. The Jets would prefer to see him pan out vastly different than that of Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, who were selected to abide to the same role in year’s past.

So while the Jets may alter their mindset in 2018 by focusing more on offense, Williams will need to adhere to being the rock of the defense. He certainly has what it takes. With the Jets lurking towards an intriguing cultural reversal, Williams may be put under pressure. He was caged up in 2017, but 2018 screams for the release of the Big Cat.

– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets

Tags: AFCAFC EastJetsLeonard WilliamsNew York JetsNYJNYJets
Share598Tweet374
Previous Post

Saints @ Vikings: Who Has The Advantage?

Next Post

Patriots Injury Report: Running Backs Limited, Maybe Mitchell?

Kyle Hirshkind

Kyle Hirshkind

Kyle Hirshkind is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage's New York Jets channel, host of the Livin' The Jet Life Podcast and co-host of the No Penalty Podcast. Originally from Long Island, New York, Kyle has been an avid Jets supporter for 20+ years. His work has been featured on sites such as Yahoo Sports, The Jets Press, and Cover32, as well as appearances on podcast/radio shows Sports Radio America, The Jets Factor, and Bleeding Green.

Next Post
Patriots Injury Report:  Running Backs Limited, Maybe Mitchell?

Patriots Injury Report: Running Backs Limited, Maybe Mitchell?

Battle of the Birds: Keys to an Eagles Victory

Battle of the Birds: Keys to an Eagles Victory

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 7 Matchup Vs. Los Angeles Rams

October 21, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Toronto Blue Jays Land George Springer, Kirby Yates

Toronto Blue Jays Land George Springer, Kirby Yates

January 19, 2021
Zach Thomas: Another Tough Road to Make Hall of Fame in 2021

Zach Thomas: Another Tough Road to Make Hall of Fame in 2021

January 19, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders HC Jon Gruden

Raiders and 2021 Expectations

January 19, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.57: Gillette Steps Up
    by Full Press Coverage on January 20, 2021 at 3:08 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3437730019.mp3
  • Full Press Saints EP 3: Divisional Recap/ Drew Brees
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 11:18 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43017207/full_press_saints_e_mon_1358edit.mp3
  • 1/19 - Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers w/ John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5917748551.mp3
  • 1/18 - NFL Divisional Round Recap
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 10:33 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8810494767.mp3
  • 1/19 - Patriots Free Agency and Draft Talk w/ Phil Perry
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 10:12 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9672665089.mp3
  • Must Win Hockey Already? - Jan. 19, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5140575988.mp3
  • Ep #85: Chiefs/Browns Recap, Mahomes Injury
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 6:24 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4865664297.mp3
  • Ep. 172: Hours Away, Years Gone By
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8771412457.mp3
  • Sean Selby (Eagles Talk), NFC and AFC Championship games, Harden Durant Duo, Kevin Na
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 3:49 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43010223/ep_12_fpr.mp3
  • Ep. 171: The Katie Porter Problem
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1656906706.mp3

  • Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    It is time for Big E to get his own Wrestlemania moment. After striking out on his own brand away […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 4:50 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend […]

  • WWE: 3 Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match
    by Evan Gomes on January 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Who should be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble? One of the most fun questions heading into […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 46: Santino Marella
    by Evan Gomes on January 16, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Recap, Grades, and Opinion: January 13th, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 4:14 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where It’s New Year’s Smash Night Two […]

More Wrestling News

  • Senators Couldn’t Close Out the Jets – Lose in OT
    by Murray Pam on January 20, 2021 at 5:49 am

    The Ottawa Senators squandered a pair of two-goal leads in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg […]

  • Holzer and Peter Holland Amongst KHL’s Best For Week 18
    by Aivis Kalnins on January 19, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    18 weeks of KHL hockey have been played and the league is now slowly sailing towards the playoff […]

  • Florida Panthers Could Face Big Changes Following This NHL Season
    by Lyle Richardson on January 19, 2021 at 6:08 pm

    Is Bill Zito up to the task of turning around the Florida Panthers? The post Florida Panthers Could […]

  • Destinations For Dubois The Hot Topic In The NHL Rumor Mill
    by Lyle Richardson on January 19, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Will the Dubois saga end? This and more in the latest NHL rumor mill. The post Destinations For […]

  • Pens Outlast Capitals in Shootout; Set For Rematch Tonight
    by Luke Talotta on January 19, 2021 at 4:16 pm

    After back-to-back losses to the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center, the Penguins finally got in the […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
  • Ep 40: Former Bruin Jay Miller Joins the Show
    by Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Former Bruin, Jay Miller, joins Ian and Chris to talk Bruins, UNH, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/19652154/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F78efb8b40427b178fea3e054267f01b4.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage