The Jets’ vaunted defense has been vulnerable so far this season, allowing 112 yards per game on the ground, good for 17th in the NFL.
This week’s opponent, the Steelers, rank in the top 10 in rushing yards per game, and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams said the team’s defensive “playmakers” have too often served as “placeholders” during the team’s 2-4 start.
“They run the ball very well and we haven’t stopped running at a high level lately,” Williams acknowledged after Thursday’s practice. “We have to do what we need to do as a defensive line. In particular, he needs to do what needs to be done: dominate the line of scrimmage, create forward knockback, and be disruptive up front.
“This is the key thing we’ve been talking about this week. But this isn’t just a problem for Pittsburgh, it’s also true for our play in general. Be a playmaker, not a placeholder. I think…we were a placeholder and now we have to take the next step.”
The Steelers’ rushing attack, led by Williams’ former Alabama teammate Najee Harris (376 yards), will have to be stopped by the Jets, who went 149 on the ground in Monday’s 23-20 loss to the Bills.
And it’s not yet clear whether the Steelers will start Justin Fields or Russell Wilson at quarterback Sunday night at Pittsburgh.
“It’s a big challenge to counter the big run threat that Pittsburgh has with dynamic running backs, two quarterbacks who can run, and a great offensive line that’s very efficient,” Williams said. “So doing what you can to help stop running is the main goal.”
Fields ranks fourth among NFL quarterbacks this season with 231 rushing yards, while the 35-year-old Wilson ranks third all-time for QBs with 5,307 yards on the ground.
“I definitely know they both can run, they’re both athletic, they can make great throws,” Williams said. “Justin showed this year that he can be an elite quarterback and one of the best in the league. He can throw, use his feet to extend plays and make explosive plays. … And everyone knows Russell Wilson is an elite quarterback in his own right. So preparing for both is a big challenge.”
