New York Jets Week One Review: Defense and Special Teams

New York Jets' head coach Rex Ryan certainly did a lot of talking going into the 2010 season and week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.  And while the final result, a 10-9 loss to the Ravens, was very disappointing, the defense did show that it has the capability of being an elite unit.

Let's look at the specifics...

Who Played Well? Defensive Lineman Mike Devito

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Defensive end Mike Devito #70 of the New York Jets looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in In

This guy had a monster game.  Largely replacing Kris Jenkins, who for the second straight year has suffered a season ending injury, Devito looked awesome along the line for the Jets.

He racked up an impressive seven tackles including four solo tackles on Monday Night.  With Jenkins out, Devito once again will have to play a lot more than expected.  Hopefully for the Jets he can maintain this level of play.

Who Played Well? DE/LB Bryan Thomas

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 16: Bryan Thomas #58 and Jim Leonhard #36 of the New York Jets celebrate a tackle against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Lah

The man once considered an epic bust along the lines of Vernon Gholston showed why he has the potential to be considered among the best defensive players in the league. 

Thomas racked up seven tackles including a sack of Joe Flacco.  He also defended a pass on Monday night.  He was all over the field.  

Who Played Well? Safety Jim Leonhard.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Jim Leonhard #36 of the New York Jets runs against the Baltimore Ravens during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Image

He was all over the field.  Six tackles and routinely matched up man to man with Todd Heap.  Though he was burned on a big play deep middle, Leonhard again showed the grit and toughness for which he was signed.  He also filled in fielding punts which we will look at later in special teams. 

Who Played Well? Shaun Ellis, DE

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Imag

Once again the veteran delivered a game effort and a big play.  Teamed up with Bryan Thomas on a sack that jarred the ball loose from Flacco that turned into an early turnover for the Jets. 

Who Played Well? LB, Bart Scott

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

Played his usual top-flight game.  Six tackles and a forced fumble.  Very nice job by the Jet linebacker against his old team. 

Question Marks: Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Gett

The two corners that were  brought in to add depth to the position were exposed when left in single coverage. 

Ryan's intense blitzing packages forces corners to man up and these two were not up to the challenge.  Each committed key pass-interference and holding penalties that set up the Raven' game-changing touchdown.  Although the penalty called on Wilson was questionable, he was put in a bad position and beaten on the play by a step.

Who Needs To Step Up?

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Jason Taylor #99 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im

Obviously, Cromartie and Wilson need to have better games next week and throughout the season.  With Jenkins on the shelf for 2010, Devito will be asked to fill in along the line.  Besides Devito, Pouha will be once again thrust into the starting lineup.  He will need to bring his A -game again.

Also along the line, Jason Taylor needs to step up his game.  He played a decent game Monday night, but the Jets will need more than decent until Pace returns. 

Special Teams: A Mixed Bag

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Steve Weatherford #9 of the New York Jetsin action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty

Nick Folk was awesome.  3-3 on field goals, although one was barely good.  He routinely kicked the ball deep on kickoffs, something the Jets have lacked since John Hall left the Jets.

Steve Weatherford probably played his best game as a Jets.  He helped the Jets to dominate the battle of field position which set the offense up on multiple occasions with a short field.  Unfortunately, the offense could not manifest field position into points.

Kick coverage and punt coverage was fantastic as James Ihedibo was all over the field.  He made a fantastic play along the goal line that almost ended up as a safety on Zbikowski.

A key penalty on Braylon Edward on an attempt to block a field goal kept the Ravens touchdown drive alive; it was the only black mark on a great night of special teams.  The call was questionable at best as Billy Cundiff seemed to trip over Edwards who had sprawled out on a dive.

Up Next...

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots hurdles with the offense during the NFL season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Roga

The defense will have its hand full with Tom Brady, and the Pats.