MAYE THE MAN
Jets defensive back is in prime position to take over as leader of defense
If Marcus Maye’s training camp performance is an indicator of things to come during the regular season, the Jets will be able to overcome the loss of Jamal Adams. Maye has been a terror for the Jets’ defense in training camp, essentially replacing Adams’ role in Gregg Williams’ defense.
Last season, Maye was primarily the single deep safety for the Jets defense. That role doesn’t see a whole lot of action in Williams’ defense. This year, Maye is taking over the position that used to be played by Adams and getting much closer to the action and the line of scrimmage.
So far, so good. It’s a position that seems to perfectly align with Maye’s strengths as a player and the fourth year safety is ready to continue being a leader on the defense.
“I feel like I’ve been a leader since I’ve been here, just being that guy back deep, but now I’m just at a different spot,” Maye said. “You’re still going to get the same hustle plays, the same effort to the ball. Still the same guy.”
Maye hasn’t backed down from being a leader for the Jets. Maye is one the longest tenured defenders on the team, even though he’s only entering his fourth season as a member of Gang Green.
There will be another familiar face for Maye in the Jets secondary as they get ready for the upcoming season. The Jets traded for former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson, who played with Maye at the University of Florida. Maye, Wilson and slot cornerback Brian Poole all suited up together for the Gators before eventually winding up on the same Jets team.
“It’s definitely fun,” Maye said with a smile about playing with his college teammates.
“Since I’ve been here the longest over the past few years, we got Brian first and then Quincy. You know what those guys can do, you know the type of player that they are.”
Maye is in a comfortable spot right now with the Jets. He’s playing a position that’s better suited for his talents, he can emerge as a real leader for the Jets defense and he’s surrounded by his former college teammates. However, moving positions in the defense will provide a challenge for Maye once the Jets actually start playing games against different opponents.
Maye is still a safety for the Jets, but the type of safety he’ll be asked to be is drastically different now.
“It’s two different worlds,” Maye said about his position switch. “Being back deep, you can see things from a different angle. You gotta be the last line of defense, so you have to approach different situations differently. Just being in the box, you have to worry about offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and tight ends. There’s a lot going on down there in the box with the big guys. Like I said, it’s two different worlds, but I feel like once everything gets rolling, I’ll be fine.”