The New York Jets are planning on leaning heavily on their defensive unit this season, something that worked well in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. The front seven for the Jets proved they are an elite unit to go up against and at the forefront of that is defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. The veteran is currently playing out the final year of his contract and making it clear he is not motivated by money.
Wilkerson came into Week 1 after holding out for a portion of the offseason in hopes that the New York Jets would give him a contract extension sooner rather than later. That failed to happen and Wilkerson then went on the field against the Cleveland Browns and recorded five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in the win. The defensive end looked like he had plenty of motivation as he aims for a max deal, but Wilkerson denies that he is focused on the contract this year.
"I'm a competitor, but I'm not going to compete with those people upstairs," Wilkerson said to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. "If they feel I'm worthy or not worthy, whatever the case may be, that's on them. I know what I'm capable of doing. ... I'm not here to make a point about anything. If they think ... I don't know, I really can't say how they feel about me. You have to talk to them. I just do my job and dominate as best I can."
Wilkerson is the leader of the defensive front for the Jets. With Sheldon Richardson sitting out with a suspension, the defensive end is the man in charge. So far that is working to his benefit as he aims to prove he is one of the best in the league. The only thing that could get in the way is rookie Leonard Williams who might be the future of the unit. Williams had a quiet debut for the Jets as he admitted he needs to be in better shape. Head coach Todd Bowles was not overly concerned.
"I thought he got winded, because emotionally, he was too high," Bowles said, via ESPN.com. "You come out and you've got spit on the side of your mouth, and you're slobbering, and you're in warmup in pregame. It's typical to happen to a rookie the first game out. They want to do well, and they come out hyperventilating."
The Jets are hoping their defense can continue working hard and being the x-factor each week. They got good news as Antonio Cromartie reported back to practice. The cornerback suffered what appeared to be a scary knee injury, but was actually a sprain. He is expected to be active in Week 2 alongside Darrelle Revis. The unit held their own against the Browns, but will be tested facing the Indianapolis Colts. Depth is an issue, but with Dee Milliner returning soon, things are looking up.
