Many figured the Jets' defense wouldn't be the same after NT Kris Jenkins was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL he suffered in Week Six. The drop-off in production between Jenkins and his backups was said to be significant, but the "D" hasn't unraveled without its top run stuffer in the middle. The unit has surprisingly improved, statistically, since he departed and is ranked No. 1 in the league. Observers say NTs Sione Pouha and Howard Green — who both have had expanded roles since Jenkins' injury — are making a big difference along with DE Marques Douglas, who is an asset against the run. CB Lito Sheppard's return after missing seven starts earlier in the season also has helped matters, we're told. Having a defensive guru at head coach, of course, doesn't hurt either, and while Rex Ryan is still getting comfortable with a role in the offense, his heavy involvement on defense is paying off.

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