New York Jets: Sheldon Richardson Impressed by Defensive Line
The New York Jets lost their first game of the season to the Cincinnati Bengals, but it wasn’t because of a lack of production from their defensive line.
Despite losing to the Cincinnati Bengals, there were a lot of things to like for the New York Jets. One of the most impressive things the Jets were able to do was create a ton of pressure on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.
One of the key members of the Jets’ defensive line was not on the field, as Sheldon Richardson served his one-game suspension. The great performance by his teammates did not go unnoticed by Richardson, as he is preparing for Week 2.
“It was good seeing those guys eat like that,” Richardson said to Connor Hughes of NJ.com. “I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
While the defensive line was great against the Bengals, it will only be better with Richardson. Unlike last season, Richardson won’t be as rusty as he was in 2015 when he had to serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season.
“He can slide in and play,” Bowles said to Hughes. “He’s only missed a week, he didn’t miss four like last year, so he should be able to come right in and play.”
Adding Richardson back to the defensive line will provide the Jets with some more versatility along the line. Last season, the Jets used a 4-3 defense sometimes with Leonard Williams playing on the inside alongside Damon Harrison. After the great game by Steve McLendon in Week 1, we might see him playing next to Williams on the inside.
“It fluctuates from week to week,” Bowles said to Hughes. “It depends on who we play and what the matchups look like. We can play 3-4 or 4-3 depending on what we see on the other side of the ball… You try to get your best players on the field. You try to make ways for them to make plays.”
The Buffalo Bills are certainly going to try and impose their will on the Jets using their rushing attack. Richardson being back will certainly be a welcomed sight on a short week. Due to his absence in Week 1, the defensive line had to play a lot of snaps.
Finally, having a fresh Richardson will help the Jets as they try to avenge what happened in 2015.
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