Just as with the offense, Full Press Jets has also created a 2010-2019 All-Decade defense.
During the decade, the New York Jets boasted some elite players on the defensive side of the ball. The deep playoff runs the Jets made were anchored by the defenses, and even as the decade turned the team maintained some star players for quite some time after.
Defensive Line
Steve McLendon
McLendon is one of two current players on the Jets to be selected to this list. After coming to New York from Pittsburgh in 2016, he’s started 54 of 59 games for the green and white. Across his current 4 year career, he’s amassed 7.5 sacks. But it’s not the numbers of accolades (of which he has none) that put him on the list. McLendon is a locker room leader. He was voted a captain in 2019 by the players and has anchored a struggling defensive line since his arrival.
Damon Harrison
During a four-year stint with the Jets, “Snacks” as he was affectionally known struggled in his initial season. He started zero of the five games played during the 2012 season. Afterward, the UDFA started in every game for the Jets for the next three seasons.
Sheldon Richardson
The 13th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft started his Jets career off with a bang. After 3.5 sacks and a ridiculously high 78 combined tackles, Richardson was voted 2013 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. He followed that season up with a Pro Bowl selection.
Mo Wilkerson
Another first-round pick spent seven years with the New York Jets (2011-2017). During this time, Mo Wilkerson was voted to one Pro Bowl in 2015 after a 12 sack season. Missing only seven games in seven years, Wilkerson was another consistent starter for the Jets’ dominant defensive line during his time.
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Linebackers
Calvin Pace
The apprentice to the last true pass rusher John Abraham, Pace was highlighted by a 10-sack season in 2013. He only missed two games between 2010-2015. A consistent starter, and a quality player year after year, Pace was one of the last long-term players who’ve succeeded with Gang Green.
Bart Scott
“CAN’T WAIT.” should be the first thing you think of when you hear the name, Bart Scott. A force during the Jets deep playoff runs, Scott retired after the 2012 season. While never earning accolades from a league-wide basis, he still notched 3 60+ tackle seasons on a loaded defense.
David Harris
“The Hitman” as he was affectionately known spent 2007-2016 with the New York Jets. During his time this previous decade spent with the Jets, David Harris was THE anchoring interior linebacker for the decade. Combining for almost 500 tackles and 50 TFLs during this time period, The Hitman started in every game he played during this time period. In fact, during the decade he only missed one game in 2016.
Cornerbacks
Darrelle Revis
You can’t make a list of all-time Jets and not include Revis Island. Despite escapades of contract disputes, and leaving twice, Revis is still the best defensive player Gang Green has ever had. During the decade, the future Hall-of-Famer tallied three Pro Bowl and one All-Pro selection. While the debate against Darrelle Revis leans into his lack of tackles and interceptions, Jets fans know that the league’s top receiver disappeared from the game when 24 was on them.
Antonio Cromartie
For five years with the Jets, Antonio Cromartie started in every game he played. The tall, physically imposing corner was a 3 time back-to-back Pro Bowl selection (’12, ’13, ’14). Opposite the field of Revis Island, the duo proved to be one of the best cornerback duos during their time. Cromartie and Revis have been the gold standard Jets fans have held new cornerbacks to ever since their departure and respective retirements.
Safeties
Jamal Adams
The Prez. Despite only three years with the Jets so far (considering he was drafted for the 2017 season), Jamal Adams has emerged as a dominant player and fan favorite. #33 has started in every game he has played for the Jets. So far, he has earned two Pro-Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro selection. He has gotten better every year and has drawn comparisons to Rodney Harrison and Brian Dawkins. An apparent perennial Pro Bowler, with whispers of Defensive Player of the Year selections, the best of the Prez is yet to come; baring the solving of contract disputes.
Marcus Gilchrist
Marcus Gilchrist beats out current safety Marcus Maye for the final spot on the Jets All-Decade defense. A tight call between him and Jim Leonard, Gilchrist simply played more games and had better stats than another viable option for this position. His 5 interceptions, 99 tackles, and 10 pass breakups make him the best choice available.
