The Jets’ defensive line gets a lot of attention.
From stars like Quinnen Williams to emerging players like Bryce Huff, it is a group that gets a lot of accolades.
But one member of the group that has flown under the radar this season is defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson.
The 30-year-old is in his eighth NFL season and first with the Jets.
He has had an impact in the middle of the defense, playing next to Williams.
Jefferson has 3.5 sacks this season, tied for the team lead with Huff.
He has seven quarterback hits, which is third-best on the team.
Last week against the Giants, Jefferson consistently fought through double teams and was disruptive in the run game.
The Jets signed Jefferson as a free agent in April to a one-year, $3.6 million contract.
He has delivered so far.
“I’m just trying to make my plays when the opportunity presents itself,” Jefferson said. “I’m just trying to cause havoc and do anything I can to make an impact week in and week out. I’m just trying to find ways.”
For Jefferson, this has been a return to the defensive system he feels best suits him.
Jefferson began his career with the Seahawks, where Robert Saleh’s system first developed under Pete Carroll.
He later played for the Raiders in 2021 with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who runs a similar system.
“I like being back in a system that allows me to use my athleticism and really get off the ball and attack,” Jefferson said. “Just playing with good players, as well, and we all complement each other.”
Saleh has liked what Jefferson has brought to the Jets.
“He has been great,” Saleh said. “He is producing in the pass game, producing in the run game, he plays to our style with the effort and the violence that we ask. He has been great in the locker room because he is a veteran presence. Obviously, he has a voice, and that voice is of value to our younger guys. He has been an absolute pleasure to have.”
Last week’s game was a strange one for the Jets’ defense.
The Giants basically abandoned the pass after Tyrod Taylor left the game.
Third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito handed the ball off to Saquon Barkley for pretty much the rest of the game.
Jefferson and the rest of the defense knew what was coming but had to be ready in case the Giants passed.
“You’ve got to find ways to make stops and get them behind the chains to make an impact,” Jefferson said. “I was just trying to make plays in the backfield and trying to force the situation where they have to throw it.
“That was the first time I’ve ever really seen a team totally committed to running the ball. We had to find a way, which we ended up doing.”
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