Turning It Over
Last season, the Jets finished 31st in the NFL with 14 takeaways and they tied for 30th with 7 INTs. Those numbers will change, and they could change dramatically with a defensive line that intends to wreak havoc with a healthy Carl Lawson and a number of additions, including first-round pass rusher Jermaine Johnson. The back end has had a facelift with the drafting of Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner plus the free-agent additions of CB D.J. Reed and S Jordan Whitehead.
“We have a bunch of playmakers,” Mosley said. “So far, we’ve had two- or three-more-times interceptions and forced fumbles and batted balls than we had last year around this time. That’s very exciting to see. When the ball goes up, you see the green jerseys come down with it. So, I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
During the Jets’ first 11-on-11 period on Thursday, Zach Wilson delivered a perfect strike to rookie Garrett Wilson in front of the sideline. But Whitehead made an aggressive play on the ball, forcing an incompletion as the Ohio State product was unable to hold on. Whitehead, 25, is a big hitter who has a championship ring and has appeared in six postseason games.
DC Jeff Ublrich said of Whitehead: “He was stamped by everybody as far as the character. He has absolutely lived up to that. He increases, obviously, what we do on the grass, but he improves the locker room as well.”
Wilson’s third targeted pass went in the direction of wideout Tarik Black. But nickel corner Michael Carter, who had 5 PDs his rookie campaign, stepped in front and recorded the defense’s first takeaway. Toward the end of the workout, during a 7-on-7 drill inside the 10, S Jason Pinnock picked off an errant Wilson toss.
“He’s got all the stuff that you can’t coach,” Ulbrich said of Pinnock. “He’s long, he’s fast, athletic, he’s tough. Just the position is new, and he’s got limited experience at it. So, he will be another guy that’s thrown in the mix. The cream will rise, just more competition for the group.”