Gang secondary looking to take big step

The Jets’ secondary was one of few positives in a 5-11 rebuilding season in 2017.

Now, they’re hoping it ascends to a higher level this year.

“We’re communicating, we’re flying around, but we just gotta be more consistent,” second-year safety Jamal Adams said after Thursday’s practice.

While no area of the Jets last year was great, there were flashes of excellence from the team’s group of young defensive backs. Ad- ams and his safety partner, Marcus Maye, are expected to improve in their sophomore seasons, while the highly touted Trumaine Johnson needs to impress at corner after signing a big-money contract.

“It’s really everything,” Adams said of the unit’s progress. “Communication to knowing your assignment to getting your hands on the ball and making more turnovers obviously. We just wanna continue to get better at those things.”

Last season, the Jets’ pass defense allowed the eighth- lowest completion percentage (59.0) and matched the league average for yards per attempt (7.0). But only one team (Giants) allowed more passing touchdowns and only nine teams recorded fewer interceptions (11).

There still is much work to be done.

“That’s what we preach on defense — we have a standard,” Adams said. “If we wanna be that great defense, it has to be an everyday thing. From all the assignments on the field, all 11 guys running to the ball, being mean and aggressive and just having that attack mode and having that mind set.”

Reserve cornerback Derrick Jones has been a part of the unit’s growth, as the 2017 sixth-rounder continues to improve ahead of his second season in New York.

“He’s [come] a long way,” Adams said of his teammate. “Last year around this time, he really couldn’t [make] the calls … but now he’s communicating, he’s making the calls, he’s knowing if someone’s not in the right spot … and he’s come out here making plays.”