DETROIT -- For all the roster tearing down the Jets did this offseason, they still left some talented players on their defense, especially on the line.
And the Jets' defenders are fully aware of this. They understand their young offense lacks proven playmakers. They grasp that the Jets will have to rely often on their defense in 2017.
"The backbone of this team is going to be the defense, so we've got to perform at a high level every time -- no excuses," inside linebacker Demario Davis said after Saturday's 16-6 loss at the Lions, in the Jets' second preseason game.