The New York Jets defense landed their first punch of the season before the team even stepped on the field, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is happy to see the unit has bullied opponents for four weeks.
Fitzpatrick, who took over for Geno Smith after since-released linebacker IK Enemkpali punched starting quarterback Geno Smith in the jaw, shared the zinger, per Bob Glauber of Newsday.
Fitzpatrick on Jets' D: "It was tough all off-season going against our defense. It's nice to see them bullying somebody else for a change."
— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) October 5, 2015
New York boasts the NFL’s No. 2 defense, currently holding opponents to an average of just 280.2 yards and 16.8 first downs. Additionally, the unit has allowed a league-low 13.8 points—which is the best mark by a staggering 3.4 points (Denver Broncos).
Broken down further, the Jets are quite literally a single yard away from tying the Broncos for the No. 1 pass defense. Only the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals have more interceptions than New York’s six. The team’s run defense ranks a respectable No. 11.
Thanks in large part to the defensive efforts, Fitzpatrick has helped guide the Jets to a 3-1 start for the first time since 2010. New York just held the Miami Dolphins to 226 total yards en route to a 27-14 victory.
The Jets have a bye in Week 5, but Todd Bowles’ team will return to the field looking to bully the Washington football team on Oct. 18, which is a precursor to a showdown with the rival New England Patriots.