The Jets’ vaunted defense has been susceptible to the run so far this season, ranking 17th in the NFL by allowing 112 yards per game on the ground.
This week’s opponent, the Steelers, are ranked 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 been “placeholders” during the team’s 2-4 start.
“They run the ball very well, and we haven’t been stopping the run lately at a high level,” Williams acknowledged after Thursday’s practice. “We need to do the necessary things we can do as a defensive line, especially with dominating the line of scrimmage, making knock-backs up front and just being disruptive up front.
“That’s a key thing that we talked about this week. But that’s not just for Pittsburgh but in general, in our own play. Being playmakers instead of placeholders. I feel like … we’ve been placeholders, and now have to take it to the next level.”
The Steelers’ rushing attack — led by Williams’ former Alabama teammate, Najee Harris (376 yards) — will need to be contained by the Jets, who were torched for 149 on the ground in Monday’s 23-20 loss to the Bills.
And that’s without knowing for sure yet whether the Steelers will start Justin Fields or Russell Wilson at quarterback Sunday night in Pittsburgh.
“It’s a great challenge going up against a great run threat that Pittsburgh has, with the dynamic running backs and two quarterbacks that can run, also, and a great offensive line that is super efficient,” Williams said. “So doing things we can to help stop the run is the main goal.”
Fields ranks fourth among NFL quarterbacks this season with 231 rushing yards, while the 35-year-old Wilson is third all-time for a QB with 5,307 yards on the ground.
“I know for sure both of them can run and are super athletic and can make great throws, too,” Williams said. “Justin has shown this year that he can be an elite quarterback and one of the best in the league. He can make throws, he can extend plays with his feet and make explosive plays. … And everybody knows Russell Wilson is an elite quarterback in his own right. So getting ready for both of them is a great challenge.”
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