Steve Wilks, the New York Jets’ recently hired defensive coordinator, has a zeal. He wants to make the team more competitive and more physical. Transitioning from coaching stints at the San Francisco 49ers and Charlotte 49ers, Wilks brings a wealth of experience to the Jets as they prepare for the upcoming season. Wilks still has four more organized team activities (OTAs) scheduled. With a mandatory three-day minicamp on the horizon, he’s focused on bringing a new level of aggressiveness to the defensive philosophy.
At the core of Wilks’ philosophy is his partnership with Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ new defensive backs coach. Both coaches have a natural tendency to lean toward aggressive defensive styles, specifically the implementation of blitzing schemes. This alignment is key to improving the Jets’ cumulative defensive efficacy. Specifically, they’ve set a goal of improving their run-stopping abilities, the biggest bugaboo in recent years.
Wilks has no shortage of issues as he tries to fit returnees into the lineup. Cornerback Brandon Stephens and safety Andre Cisco will have to make a quick transition. As such, they are foundational in creating a smart, connected defensive team. Quinnen Williams is the lynchpin of the Jets’ defense. Most notably, he is hungry to develop his run defense skills, demonstrating a desire to shed blocks and make big plays from the backside.
The Jets’ offense, especially with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, would become explosive overnight. Just his presence alone gets everyone’s attention and elevates their game. As the team continues to adjust during this transitional period, wide receiver Garrett Wilson admitted that their jobs have changed. He remarked, “These are things that maybe I haven’t been asked to do,” indicating a broader scope of expectations for the receiving corps.
Even with all this good news, the team’s other second rounder, TE Mason Taylor is still unsigned. Perhaps the biggest question coming out of this signing is how and when he will join the squad. Undrafted free agent Jamaal Pritchett out of South Alabama has become one of the most buzzworthy rookies to watch. He’s very dangerous in the punt return game and will challenge incumbent Xavier Gipson for first team reps all summer long.
The Jets have outfitted each of their four quarterbacks, so far, with mini cameras attached directly to their helmets. This innovative approach allows them to capture video and audio during practices, providing valuable insights for both players and coaches to analyze afterward. These techniques are exactly what Wilks is looking for to help him polish their aggressive play style without looking like they’re following a rote, cookie-cutter playbook.
The other key piece of Wilks’ message was the necessity and the importance of communication on this new team. “Sometimes, variety of sitting in that seat can be very isolating. You can’t just pull someone aside and bounce your ideas off of them anymore,” he added. This focus on communication between players and coaches is designed to create a culture and climate where development and learning are prioritized and encouraged.
Chris Banjo, also on the training camp roster, was captivated by Wilson’s playmaking ability and work ethic in practice. Wilson, he said, is “doing a phenomenal job.” This feeling reflects the general sense of optimism that is permeating the fanbase as the talented young team continues to grow and improve.
Wilks’ approach caters to that, and hinges on a return to a tougher run defense this year. He states, “It’s not really about our playbook; it’s about our play style.” This approach reflects an understanding that adaptability and aggression are essential for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
The Jets are looking ahead to next season. All of us at the Council will be tuning in to see how effectively Wilks and Glenn can turn their vision into reality. The mix of veteran expertise, new blood, and cutting-edge techniques has this Jets team poised for a potentially transformative season.
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