The Jets defense hasn't quite lived up to the high outside expectations this season. They've allowed 23.3 points per game (16th in the NFL) and 375.3 yards per game (19th in the NFL), and they have another tough task ahead on Sunday, as the Eagles enter the game averaging 27.5 points per game, the seventh most in the NFL.
But coming off of a loss to the Patriots and the bye week, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has liked what he's seen from his group from this week.
"Good week," Williams said during his Friday press conference. "Good to get back out there after the Bye Week. … Our guys have really been focused, came back fresh and have really worked hard. We had to push them out of here at nights because they've been working so hard."
This week's opponent, the 2-2 Eagles, are coming off somewhat of a break as well. The Eagles last played last Thursday night, leaving Lambeau Field with an impressive 34-27 win.
In the victory, Eagles QB Carson Wentz threw for just 160 yards, but he also threw three touchdown passes. Throughout his career, Wentz has shown the ability to create with his legs and extend the play, and Williams knows how much of a challenge Wentz and the rest of the Eagles offense will be to defend.
"They are awesome," Williams said. "I think Doug (Pederson) has done a great job on identifying things that Carson (Wentz) is comfortable with. Then, the places I've had the luxury of being with those really, really good situations like that, the quarterback is taking charge too. I see Carson having the opportunity to change plays that he sees and anytime as a quarterback, anytime as a safety, anytime as a middle linebacker, you have a say in what we're doing, you take ownership.
"So, a large part of it is, some coaches have a hard time giving the players the ability to check out of things and do better things than what we're guessing about on the sidelines. That's how we do our defense too. We have an elaborate check system in our defense, so what they see, they're able to do. Carson's doing a really good job with that. In this year, that's the biggest jump I see with him on his ability to get them in, in his eyes and in his mind, favorable plays."
On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets will once again be without Sam Darnold, who is still sidelined due to mono. With Luke Falk at the helm, the Jets offense has sputtered, but Williams doesn't believe there's any more pressure on Gang Green's defense.
"It doesn't change anything to do on the intensity of how we go on about doing things," Williams said. "We focus on doing our own job, doing our jobs and taking the ball away, getting negative plays, pushing the down and distances in our favor, that's what we have to do. It really doesn't change any aspect of that.
"The other part of it is and I've been very proud of, played three games and have three scores on defense, but that's not satisfying enough."
Williams' defensive group will look to keep the Eagles grounded on Sunday, though it sounds like CJ Mosley is unlikely to suit up due to injury.
