Jets' 'D' confident despite some hiccups

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Nine months after closing out the 2009 regular season ranked No. 1 in the league, the Jets' defense was primed to reclaim the top spot with the addition of several key pieces.

But seven weeks into the season, the unit is fourth in points allowed per game (16.8), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (90), 12th in total yards allowed per game (319) and 22nd in passing yards allowed per game (229).

Coach Rex Ryan acknowledged his defense isn't playing up to its capabilities, but he still believes the unit will end the season on top.

"Our objective is to lead the league in wins," he said Monday. "Statistics will probably be up there, anyway. We'll play them all. Line them up. We've got Houston, Green Bay, New England twice. Throw them up there. It doesn't matter. But when it's all settled, I expect to have the best defense in the league - as always."

The players agree that adjustments are needed, none more important than stopping opponents on third-and-long.

"Making the plays to get off on third downs, stopping long drives. That's the main thing," linebacker Bryan Thomas said.

Said Ryan: "We lead the league, far and away, with the most third-and-long situations, so that's real positive. Normally, that's our trademark because you might as well punt. Right now, teams have hit some plays on us and we've been penalized a bunch on those plays. I think that's the biggest thing, staying away from the penalties."

Aside from addressing the Jets' third-down issues, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is shouldering more play-calling responsibility. Ryan said he called most of the plays last year and occasionally leaned on Pettine and defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman. This season, he thought a change needed to be made.

"We've been together [for so long], it was time for him to step up and call more of it," Ryan said of Pettine, whom he's worked with for 10 seasons. "He's doing a great job; the guys have complete confidence in him."

Linebacker Bart Scott said the next 10 games will give the defense a chance to "kind of move ourselves up the rankings." But neither he nor Thomas would trade the Jets' 5-1 start for a top-ranked defense.

"I believe right now, San Diego's No. 1," Scott said of the 2-5 Chargers. "If they lose a couple more games, they're out of the race."

"I'll take the better record over stats any day," Thomas said. "Wins are what counts. You can have the best stats, the best offense, the best defense, the best special teams and all that, but if you ain't winning . . . what would it matter?"