How the JFM trade modifies the defensive strategy of the New York Jets
What’s the beef about? That famous three-word phrase was first popularized by Wendy’s fast food company, but 1984 presidential candidate Walter Mondale also got on board with pop culture.
Regretfully, Mondale’s use of the beef strategy failed to win him the election against Ronald Reagan (it was slightly off base, politically). However, 40 years later, a football team’s take on the iconic tagline still evokes aspirations and desires.
The NFL offseason is a period for development, training, and travel. During this time, Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh were able to pinpoint the New York Jets’ shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments.
Scuttlebutt around the league—specifically in relation to the Jets trenches—told a tale of Charmin softness, despite the fact that it frequently went unreported. Although the offensive line’s low output was widely acknowledged, teams’ ability to move the ball easily on both sides of the ball remained a significant obstacle to be solved.
Here come the big guys, John Simpson, Morgan Moses, Tyron Smith, Javon Kinlaw, and Leki Fotu, whose jobs immediately make them look like muscle up front.
Interestingly, though, there is one play that completely goes against Saleh’s tried-and-true defensive theory and the Jets’ offseason execution strategy.
The loss of John Franklin-Myers significantly alters the appearance
In general, Jets supporters were pleased with their team’s efforts after the 2024 NFL Draft. Olu Fashanu, Malachi Corley, Braelon Allen, and a few other supporting players were acquired by Douglas.
Additionally, he released Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, which was a predictable decision that came down to good timing.
The second Broncos deal, the one with John Franklin-Myers, was the one that took the public by surprise.
When Myers, 27, signed a four-year, $55 million contract in October 2021, he could not contain his feelings. The Jets signed the guy the kids called JFM off the trash heap, developed him into a strong starting defensive tackle, and they locked him up right away.
When the contract came up three years later, it was necessary to confront it head-on, and the return of a meager sixth-round pick made some Jets fans go crazy.
Although it seems unlikely that Saleh intended to trade JFM for Denver, the fact that he is there begs an intriguing query regarding the defense of the 2024 Jets.
How do they handle a loss this versatile?
JFM participated in IDL and EDGE.
Robert Saleh plays a 4-3 gap-attacking defense that is high risk and high return, therefore it is obvious that he is uncompromising in his defensive methods. His defense also includes the distinction between base and subpackage as inflexible components.
Nobody did a better job of illustrating the disparity than John Franklin-Myers.
JFM was solidly on the EDGE of the Jets’ 4-3 base lineup, which was typically stated from left to right:
EDGE (5T-9T): Michael Clemons and John Franklin-Myers
IDL (2iT–4iT): Solomon Quinnen Williams Thomas IDL (1T-3T): Al Woods, Quinton Jefferson
EDGE (5T-9T): Johnson, Jermaine
