The Jets’ defense had six sacks and allowed 70 points over their first three games, so it’s not much of a stretch to say they had the game of the season on Sunday against Tennessee.
But, let’s be fair: this might’ve been the game of any season, as Gang Green’s D had seven sacks to more than double their season total, including two by Quinnen Williams, and stopped the Titans in the red zone three times in five trips – holding them to field goals on their first three drives, and then stopping them on a fourth down at the 20 in the fourth quarter.
Not a surprise to head coach Robert Saleh, who has been singing his defense’s praises all year despite the optics.
“The defense has been spectacular all season; stats don't do justice to what they've been able to accomplish at all three levels,” Saleh said. “The D-line was outstanding, the linebackers were outstanding. The young DBs, play after play after play, through all the adversity, call them what you will. We had the game over several times in regulation. But credit to them. We were fantastic."
CJ Mosley had his best game as a Jet, notching a team-high 13 tackles (10 solo) and one of the seven sacks – and like his head coach said about Zach Wilson, Mosley knows that in an all gas, no brake world, now, they can’t let off the gas.
“We knew what we were doing and what we were capable of, but one way or another, it didn’t show up on Sunday,” Mosley said. “Today we put it on film for the world to see. Now we have to keep it rolling. We can’t let off and be happy with one win; we have to lock down even more, keep that same mentality. We’re still hungry man.”
“Everything goes back to execution,” added Quinnen Williams, who had seven tackles and the two sacks on the day brother Quincy had 12 stops and a sack as well. “The big thing was going back to the drawing board and making sure all 11 of us were all on the same page; it can’t be just nine or 10 if us. That’s what helped us generate pressure.”
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And, the defense was happy to do it all, and get the first win of the Saleh era, at MetLife Stadium in front of their home fans, who saw a rough performance in a 25-6 loss to New England in the home opener two weeks ago.
“The fans were electric on third down; every one of them it was loud, and the stadium was rocking,” Williams said.
Added Mosley: “It was a fun game, and when I saw the last kick go wide left, it was a relief, and I hope the players and coaches really felt the energy from the crowd, and one another. When you play complementary football, then when you have close games, that brings your bond so much closer, and the way we celebrated after that miss felt great.”
A little time to reflect, but tomorrow morning, it’s on to the Falcons and London.
“I know that come Monday, we’ll correct our mistakes, do the same things we’ve been doing to get ready for the next game,” Mosley said, “and get ready to go across the pond and get another win.”
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