Ryan Quickly Putting Stamp on Jets 'D'

If there was any question as to what the Jets' priority is this offseason, the answer is now clear: defense. And not just any defense, but a defense molded through the vision of new head coach Rex Ryan. That means bringing in hard-hitting, Pro Bowl-caliber players like Bart Scott and Lito Sheppard to bolster New York's feeble efforts against the pass. On the surface, what's even more important than the acquisitions are the qualities that players like Scott and Sheppard bring to the table -- adjectives like "punishing" and "passionate" seemed to be a rare pull from the team's vocabulary.

At his first press conference as Jets coach about a month ago, Ryan promised to build an aggressive defense -- like the one he became lauded for during his years with Baltimore. "We want to be known as the most physical football team in the NFL," Ryan said. "The players will have each other's backs, and if you take a swipe at one of ours, we'll take a swipe at two of yours."

Well, if anyone from the wild AFC East wants to start something, get ready for a possible haymaker from the "Madbacker," Bart Scott.

"He's called the 'Madbacker' because he hates the other guys in the other color jerseys," Ryan said on a conference call Friday. "He plays football the way it should be played. He plays a violent, physical game."

Scott, who embodies intimidation in everything from his play on the field to the background music on his personal Web site, is still in the prime of his career and will no doubt play a more pivotal role in the defense that Ryan is shaping in New York.

"I think he's going to be more effective with this Jets defense because we're going to have some flexibility with him and David [Harris] that, quite honestly, we never really had with Ray," Ryan said. "That's not taking anything away from Ray, but Ray was always the MIKE backer and I think now we can switch Bart and David in and out and it's going to give some identification problems to offenses."

In addition to the blitzing ability Scott provides (16 career sacks, 9.5 in 2006), he can bolster pass coverage -- something none of the Jet linebackers particularly excelled at last season. Combined with the run-stopping abilities of "Hitman" Harris, who has quickly emerged as a playmaker, the versatility is there for Ryan to work with. Carryovers Bryan Thomas (5.5 sacks) and Calvin Pace (seven sacks) should fit in well with the scheme, too.

No one will ever question Ray Lewis' heart or determination, but the 28-year-old Scott was simply the better choice. He's younger, more adaptable and ready to be another leader right behind behemoth Kris Jenkins.

If there's anyone on the Jets who should be singing Ryan's early praises it's Jenkins, who was a behemoth in the middle but was worn down last season by countless triple-teams last season. Now he's got 240 additional pounds of mean green backup.


Ryan certainly isn't done trying to plug the weaknesses on this unit. On Saturday, the Jets finalized a trade for two-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard to start at cornerback on the other side of Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis. There's risk involved in trading two draft picks for Sheppard, but it's a risk that could pay off big. Sheppard saw his role reduced once Asante Samuel joined Philly, and many fans still last remember him for giving up three scores against Arizona on Thanksgiving.

However, the 27-year-old corner has solid man-to-man coverage skills and a penchant for big plays. He's returned three of his 18 career interceptions for touchdowns. I'd say that's an upgrade over watching Ty Law give receivers 15-yard cushions and quarterbacks picking on young Dwight Lowery.

"It is a fresh start, a new coach and a new system," Sheppard said in a statement. "I am looking forward to getting back to playing top-notch football."

A fresh start worked wonders for Jenkins. Ryan must be banking that the chip on Sheppard's shoulder carries some extra weight, too.

Expect more of Ryan's hand-picked players to potentially crop up in New York, including Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy and safety Jim Leonhard, who really shined in the postseason. Our own Chris Burke tells me Leonhard was very emotional when Ryan departed Baltimore, so it looks like a reunion is bound to happen.

While one big dark cloud hovers over the Jets' quarterback position, at least fans can sleep tight knowing they won't have to sit through lifeless defensive display when next season rolls around.

These guys will bring the heavy heat, and if they don't, I'm sure Ryan will stomp a mudhole in their asses until they do.