The Jets defense's first order of business against Buffalo? Bottle up RB LeSean "Shady" McCoy.
"Stay in your lane and be real disciplined," head coach Todd Bowles said of defending McCoy today. "He's so quick. He can run anywhere — he can run inside, he can run outside and before you know it, if you dive and peak your head inside, he's bouncing outside. We have to be very disciplined."
McCoy played only one game against the stout Green & White rush defense last season, totaling 159 yards including 112 on the ground in Week 10. Jets rookie LB Darron Lee is one of the players who will be tasked with trying to slow McCoy down in Week 2. In his pro debut against Cincinnati, Lee registered six total tackles and received a chunk of playing time in multiple sub packages.
"LeSean McCoy is a shifty guy, he makes big plays," Lee said Monday on the Inside the Jets Radio Show on ESPN New York 98.7. "Just seeing him growing up, I know what he's about. He's a big-play kind of guy. I have to bring my A game for that."
Jarvis Jenkins is another player that will be facing Buffalo for the first time as a division rival, but he's familiar with McCoy's body of work. Jenkins also has his eyes QB Tyrod Taylor, another elusive player who commands the Buffal offense. The Virginia Tech product does a good job of using his feet to extend plays as he rushed for 568 yards and four touchdowns last season.
"They can make plays at any given time," Jenkins said. "Those are two of the most athletic guys you'll see in the NFL and the main thing about them is you have to take your shots. You can't play around and play foot dances with them because that's what Shady McCoy wants you to do. You have to zero him in and take your shots ,and hopefully your brothers come and rally and help you with the play."
