Jets' defense suffering communication lapses
New York Jets' Avery Williamson (54) tackles New England Patriots' Josh Gordon (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Credit: AP/Seth Wenig
Avery Williamson believes the reason the Jets’ defense is struggling is because it lacks communication and unity.
The unit hasn’t had a takeaway during its five-game losing streak, matching an NFL record, and has allowed more than 400 yards in back-to-back games: 498 to the Patriots Sunday and 451 to the Bills before that. What was supposed to be a strength has turned into a liability, ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed. There’s also a sense that players are focused on their individual games rather than the whole. “We can’t be individuals and do our own thing,” Williamson said. “I would just say that everybody was not on the same page, myself included. [We’re] just not playing with the techniques that we should. It’s really technique and fundamentals.”
The linebacker went on to say that he believed some of his teammates couldn’t hear him making calls, leading to easily avoided missteps.
“I know I had a couple times I set the front wrong,” he said. “[I just have to] make sure I’m communicating as loud as possible. Some guys didn’t hear some calls . . . We just weren’t communicating well — or well enough.”
Long good at guard
Spencer Long, who moved from center to left guard Sunday because of a dislocated finger on his snapping hand, said he felt good at his new position and sees himself there for the foreseeable future. Todd Bowles was pleased with his performance, but both agreed there are some things he needs to tweak. “I think I played pretty solid, but there are obviously some things that I need to clean up, consistency-wise, but that’s going to come with time and working on it,” Long said. “Only having three days practice in the last two and a half, three years at guard, I was expecting it wasn’t going to be perfect.”
Myers makes history
Jason Myers’ 55-yard field goal made him the first kicker in NFL history to convert at least five field goals of 55 yards or longer in a season. "He's been great,'' Bowles said. “He obviously has a strong leg, but coming from warm weather to kick in cold weather has been pretty good . . . I know it’s because of the record, but he’s been a pleasant surprise. I’m glad we have him.”
Laura Albanese is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. She's been covering MLB since 2014 after starting at Newsday as an intern seven years earlier.
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