ESPN.com · Jun 6, 2024
Jets' dominant defense looking to repeat success
Copy Link
Reactions
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- When New York Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich met the media recently, the first question he fielded was about expectations. His unit had the third-fewest yards allowed in 2023, fourth the previous year and now he was being asked about an encore.
Let's pause it right here to insert some perspective.
Encore? There was a time not long ago -- 2021 -- when people were questioning whether Ulbrich deserved a second chance to coach the unit, let alone the opportunity to try for a rare trifecta -- a top-five defense for three straight years. The Jets have accomplished that only once since the 1970 merger -- 2009 to 2011 under coach Rex Ryan.
