Some New York Jets fans wonder aloud why their team hasn’t fielded a legitimate pass rush in decades. On paper, it doesn’t make much sense.
Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams and even run-stuffer Damon Harrison should have at least done a little damage in 2015. Just glancing at the names provided a reason for excitement and optimism.
Unfortunately for the Jets’ pass-rushing stature that year and the seasons to follow, names alone don’t get it done. A football team’s four-man conventional rush needs to feature the right mix of players—not names.
An actual edge presence was needed to balance out the interior strengths the 2015 team showcased.