Which defensive position has the greatest impact on run defense in the NFL?
This question arose in my mind when thinking about the New York Jets‘ defensive roster and its distinct strengths and weaknesses in the run game.
New York has some elite run-stoppers at cornerback and safety but is lacking in this category at the defensive tackle and linebacker positions. Can the Jets be a good run-defending team with this kind of talent distribution?
Of course, basic logic would lead us to believe that defensive tackles and linebackers are far more important in the run game than cornerbacks and safeties, making it difficult for the Jets to succeed at stopping the run with such a roster.