With Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing nine interceptions over two games earlier this season, it has been easy to point to his performance as a big reason why the Jets have stumbled to a 1-4 start.
It’s not the only reason, however. There’s also the drop in play for a defense that ranked in the top nine in both points and yards allowed last season. They’re 24th in points allowed and 23rd in yards allowed, much of which has been a result of their inability to stop the pass or force turnovers in the first five weeks.
“We should be better than what we’re doing,” defensive end Sheldon Richardson said, via NJ.com. “I know it’s new to some guys, but some guys are making plays and some guys aren’t. Some guys are trying to do too much and hurting the defense.”
Richardson included himself and the rest of a talented defensive line in the group of players trying to do too much, saying they have to “do something to stop” quarterbacks from getting rid of the ball quickly to avoid a pass rush that has five sacks in the last four games after recording seven in the opener.
The Cardinals like to throw the ball deep and the time it takes for those plays to develop may offer more opportunities for Richardson and company to get to Carson Palmer. If they don’t, it could be a long night for a Jets team that will be staring at a long season if they drop to 1-5.