Why Demario Davis Is the New York Jets' Most Pleasant Surprise After 3 Weeks

The New York Jets sit at just 1-2 on the young season, with back-to-back heartbreaking losses courtesy of the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. 

Inconsistency from second-year quarterback Geno Smith and weak secondary play are the main reasons for New York's subpar start. But despite their flaws, the team has gotten some terrific production from various players, including Muhammad Wilkerson, Chris Ivory and David Harris. 

However, third-year linebacker Demario Davis has been Gang Green's best player through three weeks—and it's not really even close. 

Davis has been outstanding in each game thus far and is a huge reason why the Jets have been able to perform competently on the defensive side of the ball, even with an awful back end. 

The Arkansas State product has racked up 21 tackles, four quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection. He would also have himself a defensive touchdown if not for some poor officiating in Monday night's contest against the Bears. 

Year	Tackles	Sacks	Turnovers Forced
2012	36	0	0
2013	107	1	1
2014 (16-Game Pace)	112	13.3	16

Davis' play goes beyond the stat sheet, though. 

He's a big reason why the team currently possesses the No. 1 run defense in football, having given up just 55 rushing yards a contest through three weeks. He's also used his blazing speed to shoot through gaps and cause mayhem in the backfield, and opposing defenses always have to keep an eye on him. 

Davis was a popular breakout pick this offseason due to his athleticism and ability to contribute in all areas of the defense. However, no one could have predicted this start. 

A year ago, in his first season in the starting role, Davis was solid, racking up 107 tackles, a sack and an interception. Nevertheless, his play was somewhat inconsistent, and he often appeared lost in coverage and blitz schemes. 

With a full offseason to get a handle on the starting job, Davis has come out with guns blazing and has exceeded the lofty expectations put upon him. 

The 25-year-old told Brian Lewis of the New York Post last week that he now understands the "concepts of the defense," which allows him to not just react but attack. He credits his new understanding to the extra work he put in both in the film room and the field in the offseason. 

The hard work has certainly paid off for Davis, and he's now one half of one of the most disruptive and productive inside linebacker duos in the league (the other half being veteran David Harris). 

If Davis can continue to play at such a high level, New York's front seven might just emerge as the most dominant in all of football and may end up preventing the secondary from being exposed on a weekly basis. 

Demario Davis may be the key to New York's defense both this season and beyond.