The Jets locker room is at a delicate juncture in the season. The offense’s struggles could easily lead to some resentment from the defense, something we’ve seen to differing degrees in each of the last two seasons.
The new book “Collision Low Crossers” that documents the 2011 Jets season shows just how much tension there was between the two units with the defense feeling it was doing its job but getting no help from the other side of the ball.
A similar feeling existed last year with the tension becoming evident after the team lost to the Titans in December when Antonio Cromartie shouted he wouldn’t talk to reporters because he did not want to tell the truth.
Now, the Jets are in similar territory. They are 5-5, the same record as 2011 and one game better than at the same point in 2012. The defense has played well up front and been dominant at times. The offense is struggling with Geno Smith committing a ton of turnovers.
After Sunday’s 37-14 loss to the Bills, you could sense the frustration building in members of the defense.
“We’ve seen that for the last six years,” linebacker Calvin Pace said. “Throw the ball to the other team, you will lose.”
Pace also declined to answer another question, saying his answer would not be good for the team.
The makeup of this team is significantly different than in the past few years. The defense has a lot of new faces. But you still wonder if this thing goes south, will the locker room come apart?