Why the Jets defense can not continue to follow its current plan



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Last week, the Jets defense broke the net with four points to remember and one win. But on Sunday, in a 37-17 loss to the Vikings at MetLife Stadium, the Jets had none of those things.

The Jets defense is not playing well enough to beat the top NFL teams for the moment.

In the last four games, the Jets have allowed 400 yards or more three times. They gave 30 points or more three times.

Vikings vs Jets instant analysis

They allocated an average of 420.8 yards. They allocated an average of 29.5 points.

Good luck winning a victory against the Patriots, Packers or even the Bears, the opponent of the 8th week of the Jets, to do this.

"(We have to play) a lot better," said Henry Anderson as defender. "Chicago has an incredible defense and it will be difficult to win if we go and we lose so many points, we have to play better as a unit, that's for sure."

Yes, the Jets have won two of those last four games, thanks to offensive explosions and takeaways. But they simply can not count on a rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold, to separate all his opponents and score 42 points, as he did against the modest Colts. And they can not rely solely on takeaways because, as coach Todd Bowles likes to say, turnovers arrive in batches.

Given this belief, is it possible that the Jets are as well dependent on takeaway?

Consider this: The Jets are second in the NFL with 15 points to remember. But they are also ranked 19th in the league with 371.7 yards per game.

Essentially, Jets have a hard time stopping unless they force their opponent to turn around. And that turns out to be a big problem on days like Sunday, when the ball bounces in the direction of the Jets.

Linebacker Darron Lee said very clearly after the defeat on Sunday that the Jets were not panicking. And it's fair enough.

But it is also clear that something has to change from a defensive point of view if the Jets want to be competitive every week, instead of just forcing Lions 'Matthew Stafford or Colts' Andrew Luck to a series of goals. interceptions.

"I think it's more just to be consistent," said linebacker Brandon Copeland. "You know, we did a good job stopping the race in the first half (against the Vikings) and in the second half, so we did not need any turnovers if we stopped the race. "

Consistency: It sounds simple, but it's something the Jets are currently struggling with. And until they find it, it will be hard to say that this team really needs to take a step forward.

Matt Stypulkoski can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

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