Porous defense continues to get run over
NEW YORK — The inability to stop the run has been the running theme for the New York Jets’ defense this season.
Teams know they can use their ground game effectively against them, so they pound the football over and over — daring the Jets to stop them.
So when Duke Johnson — Miami’s fourth-string running back — gouged New York for a career-high 107 yards and two touchdowns in the Dolphins’ 31-24 victory Sunday, it was just another embarrassing performance to add to the growing list for the 3-11 Jets.
“We just can’t allow that leaky yardage,” defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said Monday. “Also, there were not enough negative (yardage) plays. We’ve got to be able to keep teams in behind-the-sticks situations, create some negative tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
“When you’re unable to do that throughout the course of the game and you allow teams to constantly gain yards, they’re eventually going to pop one.”
Such as the 30-yard run by Myles Gaskin that helped set up the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.
“They were able to get into a rhythm with their run game,” Rankins said, “and we’ve just got to be better collectively overall in a few areas.”
The Dolphins finished with 183 yards rushing against the Jets, who allowed 203 yards rushing to New Orleans in their previous game and 185 to a banged-up Philadelphia squad before that.
The inability to stop the run — New York’s defense entered the weekend ranked 29th in the NFL — has allowed opponents to sustain long drives.
Injury report: S Elijah Riley, carted off the field with a neck injury, is in the concussion protocol. “He checked out really good at the hospital (Sunday) and we’re optimistic he’ll be able to return this season,” Saleh said. “Hopefully this week.” ... Saleh said DL Quinnen Williams “looks good” after aggravating a shoulder injury and the team is optimistic about his chances of playing . ... Fant (knee) could return this week . ... TE Ryan Griffin is dealing with a knee injury. “It’s not looking good for this week,” Saleh said . ... DE John Franklin-myers, WR Vyncint Smith and S Sharrod Neasman tested positive and were placed on the COVID-19 list, along with practice squad defensive lineman Tanzel Smart and cornerback Lamar Jackson.