Everybody in the NFL world knows how much hype is surrounding the New York Jets following their acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. However, that hype is carrying over to the defense. And some of their starters are setting unbelievably high expectations for themselves.
Cornerback D.J. Reed just said that he thinks that the Jets defense can be a historic unit. He said, “I’m very confident. I think we have the potential to be the best defense in the NFL. Honestly, I think we can be historical. Not just the best defense in the league, but I think we can be a historical defense like the ‘85 Bears and the Legion of Boom in 2013.” For those that might not know, the Chicago Bears in 1985 and the Legion of Boom in 2013 are two of the greatest defenses in league history and both for different reasons.
It’s incredibly hard to imagine that even if everything works out, that the Jets will actually be this historic of a unit. Mostly because those other defenses that Reed mentioned were incredibly physical during their reign in the league. With the rules that are in place today, it’s hard to imagine this Jets defense being able to put their foot on the throat of the NFL like those other groups did.
New York Jets Remain Confident
It’s not just D.J. Reed that’s got high hopes for this defense. Defensive end John Franklin-Myers said, “Sh*t, why not speak your goals? We’re not afraid to sit here and go out on a limb and say we want to win the Super Bowl. Or we want to be the best defense in the NFL.” This same Jets defense was the fourth best in the league a season ago. When it comes to points and yards allowed. If they are able to limit the run game and create more turnovers, they can in fact be the best statistical defense in the league.
There’s no question that the Jets defense will be tested by the best of them early on in 2023. Three of their first four opponents in the regular season this year feature top-four scoring offenses in the NFL from a season ago. Those teams are the Buffalo Bills, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Kansas City Chiefs. New York is talking a big game. But they get the early season schedule to make some waves if they’re able to come away with a few of these wins.
Then finally, veteran linebacker CJ Mosley backed his teammates comments when they asked him about it. He said, “When our brothers do say that, now we have to go out there and put on a show.” Again, this is going to be one interesting, yet exciting year for fans of the New York Jets. From struggling to find a quarterback, to becoming a Super Bowl contender overnight. Thanks to the addition of Aaron Rodgers. This Jets team has crazy expectations for themselves. And it’ll be a wonder to see them try and reach those goals and go even further.