5 players who New York Jets need to be great in 2019

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams (92) during the National Football League Game between the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 23: New York Jets Safety Jamal Adams (33) tries to rally the home crowd behind the defense during overtime in the National Football League game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets on December 23, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Jamal Adams, Safety

In this instance, it’s more “who do the Jets need to be great again in 2019?” Jamal Adams jumped from good to great this past season and the Jets will need him to be just as good, if not better, this upcoming campaign, as well.

Adams was named to his first Pro Bowl, where the strong safety then put on a show. Acting as the player ambassador of the Jets, he put his talents on display and was named the game’s defensive MVP.

The Pro Bowl capped off a great year for the second-year safety. In 2018, he had 3.5 sacks, 115 combined tackles and one interception in 16 games. Pro Football Focus gave him a defense grade of 89.7, which was the second-highest rank among safeties.

Sadly, even with Adams and his eye-popping year, the Jets defense still suffered mightily. The dysfunction on that side of the ball is rooted deeper than just Adams playing well, which is why him being great again in 2019 isn’t emphasized to a larger degree compared to other players that need to step up.

It is still of massive importance that Adams continues to be elite and be the backbone the team’s defense. He is one of the best in-the-box safeties in the league, but he can take his game even further under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

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