Jets Likely Without S Maye, WR Kearse
It looks like the Jets will be without three key starters in the season opener against the Lions on Monday night.
Safety Marcus Maye (foot) and wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (abdomen) are both officially doubtful for the opener after Maye missed practice on Saturday and Kearse was limited.
The Daily News reported two weeks ago that the Jets feared that Kearse would miss Week 1 after undergoing a medical procedure on his abdomen.
Maye, sidelined for part of the offseason while recovering from ankle surgery, hasn't practiced in a couple of weeks.
Doug Middleton is in line to replace Maye in Gang Green's talented secondary.
“Doug has range to cover the center field if need be and have the toughness to come down and be a box safety,” defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said about Middleton. “He's very versatile and that's probably one of the things that make him a valuable asset in making the team.”
Outside linebacker Josh Martin (concussion) was also ruled out for the game. Brandon Copeland is expected to start. Outside linebacker Frankie Luvu was activated from the practice squad and fullback Lawrence Thomas was waived.
Gang Green could use tight ends Eric Tomlinson and Chris Herndon in a fullback role.
Defense adapts: Lost in Todd Bowles' stoicism is this undeniable fact: The man is a defensive schematic wizard able to mix and match his personnel to keep up with the league's ever-changing offensive trends.
Consider veteran “free safety” J.J. Wilcox, who could be an X-Factor this season thanks to the coaching staff 's ability to properly identify him to fit a underplayed yet key role in today's NFL.
Wilcox is set to be the “Money Linebacker”, a hybrid linebacker/ safety designed to combat passfriendly offenses. The rise of the 11 Personnel grouping (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) has prompted savvy defensive coaches to identify versatile, smart players athletic enough to cover tight ends/running backs and strong and instinctive enough to survive in the box.
It's a way to have the same advantages of a true nickel defense without sacrificing much size. The Jets will use the 6-2, 212-pound Wilcox in passing situations on second and third downs as part of their Speed Package.
It's an innovative plan that Bowles utilized in Arizona with the versatile Deone Bucannon, who turned into a full-time linebacker. Wilcox, who spent his first four seasons as a free and strong safety with the Cowboys before a one-year stint in Pittsburgh, has the intellect, instincts and size to fill this new role.
Although Wilcox is listed as a safety, he's been spending time in both the linebacker and safety meeting rooms as he learns a new position.
“The more you can do,” Wilcox said, “The better.”
It's no secret that the NFL has become a more pass-happy league. Just look at the growing number of plays in 11 Personnel.
Rams head coach Sean McVay, arguably the league's best offensive tactician, used 11 Personnel on a league-high 80 percent of his snaps last season. The Lions, who will face the Jets in the season opener on Monday night, were second at 74 percent in 2017.
Wilcox got his first extensive game experience in his new role in the preseason finale in Philly. The results were pretty fantastic: An interception, forced fumble, three tackles and a pass breakup in 24 snaps.
“Both positions demand a lot of communication,” said Jets' Rontez Miles, who played some of that hybrid role last season. “I feel like he's really good at that. J.J.'s a seasoned vet. He picks up the plays fast.”