Listen: Inside the Jets with Steve McLendon (10/14)

A Better Building a Better Working World. Eric on alongside my partner Eric Coleman. Later in the show will be joined by Big Nose Tackles Steve McClendon, who had a great weekend. He signs a contract extension on Saturday. And then, oh, the big news of the weekend. The Green and White finally get that elusive victory first three of two thousand nineteen. It was beautiful with victory over the Dallas Cowboys. We've

been saying it for weeks. Let's press pause before we make any declaration on what the New York Jets are. They got their starting quarterback back and he felt good like himself for the first time this season. He completes twenty three and thirty two passes for three thirty eight yards, has two scoring strikes, and he was fantastic. Sam Donald, he's back, He is back, and it's great to see

him back. You know, Uh, not only the play. You know, you talked about the passes, the deep shots that he completed, but the leadership, you know that, that attitude that he brought to the team. Uh, the agility in the pocket. Talk about we talked, everyone's been talking about this offensive line all year and then when Sam Donald gets back there, all of a sudden, all the issues are solved. You got a quarterback who can get the ball out quick, he's agile, he can move around in the pocket and

deliver the ball, and everything is solved. So you know, having your number one quarterback in there, back in the fold does a lot for this team. And it gained him a lot of confidence. And I'm excited to see what's happened down the stretch. So I'm getting to play by playout right now. First play of the game, seventeen yards strike to the Marius Thomas and right there Donald said, oh yeah, it's gonna be a good day. What's on? And you know what, that's I think that's the credit

to Sam. He's been working for the last two weeks with the number ones, getting to feel his receivers, you know, whether it be in practice or a game. He got the feel for his receivers. And he didn't miss a beat. You know, you mentioned his first time being full speed. That first week he had Mono, he didn't even know it,

and then he misses the next four games. And it was so great to see him out there with the energy that he was playing with, the accuracy he was delivering the ball with and uh, and just the confidence of the whole team was great to see. Okay, so he might have not have the arm of brutt Farv and he might not throw it out of the stadium like like Josh Allen, but this guy has elite arm strength and he can throw it from different angles, so that makes it easier for him to find passing lanes.

And wow, this guy has magical feet in the pocket. I'm not putting him in the Hall of Fame just yet, but I'm saying when you watch him play, just no reason not to be excited. Oh no, you know, because he does a great job at delivering the ball on the run. As you mentioned in the pocket, he can move around the maneuver around the defenders. He did. It was a first and ten in the third quarter. When he converted a pass to Jamison Crowder. He was moving

to his left through it to his right. Crowder makes him one handed catch, I mean, And it just showed the agility of Sam Donald, the accuracy he waited, you know, he waited for Jamison Crowder to find the hole in his own. Uh. He's accurate, He anticipates his receivers. Really a special player. This offense is only gonna get better because Chris Herndon is going to return. And remember he was second on the Jets last year in terms of receptions,

receiving yards and touchdowns. But everybody was getting involved yesterday to Mary's Thomas, he had a few catches. Robbie Anderson five catches for a hundred twenty five yards. Robbie Anderson had eleven catches through the is four games. And we had talked about him developing into a better route runner. Well against the Cowboys, we saw it on display. Yeah, Robbie, you know he can do it all. He could run every route in the route tree. He had that ninety

two yard touchdown on the stutter and go. Great route by him, great delivery by Sam Donald, just just providing big plays. But it was great to see Sam hit all these different receivers. I think on the first couple of drives he had seven different receivers, eight receivers and all I believe eight receivers and that would you know what that shows me that he's taken with the defense

gives him. He's scanning the field. He's not favoring one player, He's he's finding the open man, taking his time, and I gotta give a lot of credit to him for that. He's decisive in the pocket too. He goes through his reads quickly. You don't see him wait too long. He knows, okay, if one's not there, I'm coming off of it. And he makes instant decisions. Yeah, I mean, and that's what

it takes playing quarterback in this league. Everyone is so athletic in the secondary at the lineback position that the coverage is tight, you have to throw your wide receivers open. You can't sit there and wait for a guy to get open and then throw it, because then it's too late or you're getting sacked. You have on that fifth step. On a five step drop, the ball has to be coming out on the third step. You know, the ball

has to come out quick. You have to understand where the ball is supposed to be placed, only where your receiver can catch it. And Sam did an amazing job of that last week. And I'm excited to see how he progresses because that's just the beginning and it's just gonna get better. Of course, next week he plays a

tough defense. Yeah, we'll get to the pictures later. And he didn't make the cardinal mistake of taking points off the board when the Jets could have put the hammer on the nail there in the second half, he's going for Jamison crowd and said inside the time yard line instead, that's intercepted. That leaves the door open for the Cowboys and the name mounted the church. Yeah, he tried to force a slant route into Jamison Crowder. But those things

are gonna happen. You know what, quarterbacks, whether it be Peyton Manning, uh Tom Brady, they're gonna give you a couple of opportunities. Chances are maybe not so much Tom Brady, but most quarterbacks are gonna give you one or two chances to get an interception as a defender, so you just have to take advantage of it. And fortunately for the Cowboys, they took advantage of it, and the Jets were able to, you know, continue to to They put enough points on the board where it didn't really matter

at the end. Everybody was talking about the usage of Levan Bawler earlier, saying, oh, well, maybe you're giving this guy too many touches. Well, no, because what happened Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys was the Jets were so effective with the play action passed absolutely and the linebackers I saw several times Jalen Smith and and Sean Lee biting on the play action. They had to really honor it.

And when you give the ball, when you're stubborn running the football, when you have a Levian Bell back there, you have to respect that run. The safeties are gonna be tighter and that opens up the play action shots that Robby Anderson, the Marius Thomas going across the field. Play action sets all that stuff up, and it starts with y and crowd is such an explosive weapon from the slot. What we saw a few weeks ago when the Jets played New England's first time was Jamison Crowder

was playing outside. Now you really have your offense starting to come together because your quarterbacks back to Mary's Thomason the outside, Robbie Anderson's on the outside, Jamison Crowder's in the slot, and oh, by the way, Chris Hernan's coming back, and it's gonna start to open up for Levy on Bell. How do you think the offensive line responded, because they got fourteen behind them. He's gonna make those quick decisions. He's also gonna shuffle in the pocket by himself time

and get the ball out quick. But again yesterday, starting left guard Alex Lewis, right tackle Chiumadoga, and all by the way, left tackle Calvin Beacham goes out in the fourth, so you have to bring in Brandon Show who was your starter right tackle at the beginning of the season. He's your left tackle, and they had to hold up and the Jets when they had to respond on remember they went down the field and they kicked in an

important field goal. Yeah, you know, the offensive line really did a great job of coming together, communicating, being on the same page, and of course it helps to have Sam Donald getting the ball out quick. But the running game compliments that as well. And I think that as they continue to get players back healthy, as they continue to get the starters back, it's just gonna get better.

You know, they're gonna start running the football. Well, Lean's gonna he's gonna pa He's gonna get over a hundred yards rushing, and that's just gonna make things easier for all the receivers. For Sam Donald, you add Chris Herndon into the fold. Those are mismatches across the board. The turning point in this game, second quarter, Jets up seven three, You got Dallas driving. I got a third and one right around the ten yard line, get a stuff and run stuff there for Alonzo. Fakasi was one of the

big fellas in there on that stuff. That is fourth and two Dallas instead of kicking the field goal, they go for. Prescott tries to maneuver outside, Terrell bash him, sets the edge and here you go. Everybody's flowing to the football. Leonard Williams had a good push and Quinn and Williams showed his lateral ability. Everybody wanted to know, why is this rookie special? Well, he can move side to side and for a big guy. That's really unique.

And then you had to finish your Jamal Adams, he makes they combined on the tackle next play ninety two yards play action to Robbie. And that's the importance of playing great team defense. Eleven has to the ball. You know, run like your hair is on fire. If you if you're not in the play, you might you might be in the play, someone may miss a tackle. And I think that that urgency, that passion for the ball game

is what helped get the Jets over the top. You know, you talk about that fourth and one, there were several players in on that play, Dak Prescott running behind arguably one of the best offensive lines in football. They were missing too tackles, they were missing two tackles, but still, you know, with that being said, they're still we're running behind a great offensive line. The Jets defense, they penetrated, they pursued, they held the gap, they helped their their contained.

Everyone did their job. Nobody's you know, trying to be a superman. Everyone just does their job and plays within their role, and that's how you win games. Inside the Jets is supported by vant Bank, the official community bank of your New York Jets. Eric go on alongside Eric Coleman. Later we're gonna be joined by nose tackle Steve McClendon. So the Cowboys make that run in the second half after the turnover, they calmed down. Prescott scores with under

a minute remaining. It's two and it's a two point conversion time. If they make it, you probably had it overtime or maybe that sets up for some more Donald dramatics. But Greg Williams sends the house. Six guys coming in all. Jamal Adams has been such an effect of Blitzer for this team, and once again he got to the quarterback. Yeah, it was a great play call by Greg Williams to bring the house. I thought Marcus made did an excellent job in coverage, not giving ground on Jason on Jason Witten.

You know, as a safety, I gotta talk about my safety and of course, because it's not it's not an easy thing to do, you know. Jason Witten is probably six sixty pounds and he outweighs and he's taller than Marcus May. But he did a great job of holding his leverage and the defensive line got penetration. Jamal Adams found the crack. You know, he's a former running back to you know, they find holes and he does an

excellent job of finding those holes. Was able to get pressure on deck and forced the errant throw and they were off the field. That's how you do it. Just how sudden is he as a blitzer because you know, the big guys, they're supposed to pick up their man their defensive alignment, but they got to keep their eyes on who's coming. It seems like every time thirty three

is coming, nobody can get a hand on him. Well, they can't get a hand on him because they got their hands full with the defensive Linda, I mean you talk about Steve McClinton, Quinnon, Williams, you know, Leonard Williams, all these guys. You can't just block them with one hand and then let me let me go, let me go get this safety was coming in. Blitz You got your hands full, and that's that's what's really opened up the gap. The aggressiveness, the athleticism of the defensive line.

The linebackers are are blitzing with passion and really just the effort of the defense. Really taking on Greg Williams attitude is what's rubbing off from this team. So you had to give you a shot out to your safety. So let's talk about the play from Marcus May's vanished point. He got very physical with Witten. He's within a few yards of the line of scrimmage. What goes through your mind in coverage there? Make sure that hey, he doesn't complete the ball, but also I don't get a penalty. Yeah,

well down there in the red zone. Listen, he's not running past you. You have to find a point as a safety when that tight ends coming off the ball and find your leverage point. Am I gonna be outside leverage? Inside leverage? You have to pick a side on on that time. Uh, Marcus chose outside leverage. He stood his ground. Jason Witten was looking to contact him and then kind of box him out, but with the pressure, Doc had to throw the ball quick. He threw low. Marcus didn't

back up. You know, a lot of a lot of defensive backs will make that mistake in the red zone of backing up. And then they catched the ball right at the goal line. Marcus did a great job of standing at the goal line, standing strong, and Uh, it was just a great play overall by the whole defense. Yeah, Whitten, if you watch them run routes yesterday. He's throwing the arm far out there like he's trying to create I

didn't do that all the time. I can't stand. It's almost like a power forward and basketball dropping down on the blocks. Right. Uh So what did you make of the defense's effort. That's the first time in two thousand nineteen they've given up more than a hundred yards to a running back in Ezekiel Alliott. He earned it. I think they held him about three point eight yards to carry. The Cowboys converted on third down. But what the defense did very well I thought he was they held up

in the red zone. Yeah, I mean that's important. You have to hold up in the red zone force teams the field goals. But it's just complimentary football. The defense has been playing lights out all season. Now you have the offense and points on the board, and it makes the game a little different. You know, you're not, uh, you're not stopping the run. You're not gearing up just to stop the run. And then they hit you with

a play action because because you're playing from behind. When you play with the lead, it's a completely different game. You're able to opin your ears back get after the quarterback. Uh, play more aggressive, and I think that's the kind of defense this team wants to play. You know, you play with the cushion, play with a little bit of lead and makes things totally different. Jordan Jenkins is back in the lineup, came up with a sack yesterday, set an edge.

I thought he was a physical force. You saw Brandon Copeland back in the lineup, and I think this defense is only gonna get better because c J. Mosley is nearing a return. What are your expectations for this group once fifty seven gets back? That is a four time Pro bowler, one of the top inside linebackers, if not the top inside linebacker on all football. I mean it's

only gonna get better. You know, when you have a player of c. J. Mosley's caliber to have him on the defense from a leadership standpoint, from a athleticism stand a point, Uh, you know he's a physical tackler. He does a good job in the past game and and what they've done over these last couple of games is at a depth. You know, they've got Cashman, they got double Huett, all kinds of reps that they would have normally wouldn't normally get you know, if Avery Williamson or

steam of C. J. Williams is uh is healthy. So they got more depth on the team. That's gonna make them better. They're gonna push one another and it's over overall, it's gonna help out. We had you at on the show last week. What do you make about what he's brought to this team in terms of being a physical presence on the inside and taking that responsibility head on being the mic linebacker, because again we thought he was filling in just for Avery Williamson and not not taking

a shot at Avery. But when you're the weak side linebacker, maybe a little bit less responsibility in terms of being central command. Even though you're helping out mic linebacker. You gotta make sure everybody's on the same page. Yeah, well, I mean it's and it's also different when you're out there next to c. J. Mosley. You know, you're next to a guy who's calling the shots and and running the show. Now all of a sudden, you have to be them and running the show, and you have a

rookie next to you. It's it's a different game, you know, because you're responsible for him. You have to make sure your communication, make sure you're on the same page and it's a different ballgame. But I think nevill has done a great job. He was he was excellent in pass coverage yesterday on on Jason Witting on some vertical routes, uh covering Zeke out of the backfield. I thought they both did a great job in there. And yeah, I mean when we keep saying it, but special teams played well.

The offense made big plays, and the defense has played the same way they've been playing all year. The depth of the defensive line stands out to me. Kyle Phillips is undrafted free agent out of Tennessee Heat about seven tackles. On Sunday, we mentioned Fatakasi and his development, and I can't wait to talk to Steve mcclennan about it because I think mcclennon is a great role model for some of these young guys consider considering his story. Undrafted free

agent out of Troy. Now he's thirty three years old and he's still playing at a high level, playing better than he than he has in the past. I mean, you get better with age, and that just is a tribute to his professionalism, you know, working hard in the offseason, preparing his body, uh, reading this guy and report, understanding his opponent, and then that all comes. The game kind of slows down as you get older, and I think you're seeing Steve take advantage of that and really starting

to play at the top of his game. Okay, So New England's up first, and we're gonna break down that matchup again here later on on inside the Jets. But let's take a peek at the schedule, okay, because after the Patriots, you're at Jacksonville they're two and four. Then you go to Miami they're on five. Then you're home to the Giants, they're two and four. Then you're at Washington they're one and five. They just got their first

victory over there four mentioned Miami Dolphins. Then you're at home to the Oakland Raiders, who are an improved bunch at three and two right now, at Cincinnati oh and six, and then home to Miami oh and five. That stretching games. That's two three, that's seven games combined. Mark those teams eight and thirty one. The team that I saw in the field Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys is going to

do some damage up ahead. I mean, the schedule does a very favorable, especially when you look at the first five games that they've the first six games that they're playing, and they have to be excited for that. But you know, as a as a young team, they have to remember that. You know, when you start having success, it doesn't breed success, it breeds complacency. So it's gonna take the veteran players on the team to keep those players fired up, keep

them motivated to go out there and dominate opponents. Don't beat yourself and play to your potential because if they don't do that, then they're gonna lose more games. But if they do, and then it's gonna be a nice streak for the Jets. Yeah, and the Patriots coming up next, and they just continue to win. Off to an undefeated

start once again. I'm gonna talk to Adam Gates about it when we tape for the Adam Gaze Show, which air Sunday morning's the CBS thirty also New York Sets Common Jets app upa plug, Gotta put it out there. But if I'm him, I throw out the game film in terms of offensively, unless I want to take a look at the Patriots defense because my offense is completely different. Now, yeah, it is. It is a different offense. You have different

players out there on the field. So I mean, although they've played in such a short span, is two different teams, you know. And I think the Jets have matured a lot, They've learned from their mistakes and they're continuing to grow. All right, Well, big Steve mclenn is here and we're gonna come right back with him. You are listening to Inside the Jets on ESPN New York. Layby on Belbot on set back, Donald take the step handoff, belt running left, boots the pile, He's at the goal on is he Yes?

He is? Pats touchdown maybe on Belt powers its way in come back then, and said Jets were broadcasting live from Vanderbilt Sports and Spirits Inside and Windham Hamilton Park Hotel, Erica, alongside Eric Coleman. Our player guest segment is presented by M ANDT Bank, the official community bank of your New York Jets. Now, Steve McLendon joins us, thank you so

much for coming by. I gotta say most about an unbelievable weekend to sign a contract extension on Saturday, and then your team goes out and plays its most complete game of the season and you get that first victory. Well, first and foremost, I just want to say thank you for having me on and uh it is very exciting weekend for me and my family as well. Um. We needed that first win that that was a must for us.

Um we said it early in the week. Everybody, and I mean everybody from the top to the bottom, prepare like we're gonna win. Let's win this game way before we touched the field. Mohammad at least said it best. Let's win the game way before we touched the field. And we did that. We won the game in the classroom, we won the game, um, and walk throughs, we won the game in practice. Then just the level of focus

going throughout the week transpired overto the game. Steve, Now, you've had a lot of success in your career, but what was it like seeing those young guys celebrate after the game after all the hard work that you guys have put in to see it pay off on Sunday? What was it like to see them get their first win? Oh? Man, It's always exciting. It's always exciting to see somebody to get their first win, especially the rookies in the NFL. Some of the guys come from winning programs, like quinnin Um.

He's used to winning. So when he got that first one, man, he was just super excited. And like I told him, I said, man, just understand, this game is still played the exact same you've been playing it all your life. But you just have to remember, this is what this feelings feels like. I said, just stacked days just like this as men. Don't look too far ahead. Do not get lost up into this women, because it's not a

super Bowl. I said, Man, this is just a win, and we're gonna treat it as such, and we're gonna move on and get ready for the next one. Steve, how did the extension all come about? Because you're playing at a high level. I talked to your that coach about you last week in a film review. He's said, Steve looks like he's getting younger every time he's out there.

On game day, you're thirty three years old. You could have played it out, maybe tested free agency, seen what kind of money you got out there, what kind of offers, But instead you said I like it here and I want to come back right. Uh. For me, it's just when the coach of staff came in. I was already excited because they all called me and asked me to come back. You know, that's when you have a switch like that. Most of the older guys are gone and

I understood that. I understand the business side of it, um and when they called me and I was just excited the contract it caught me by surprise as well. So I'm just coming in to do my job every single day. That doesn't change for me. I I harp on the three things UH with the guys because they stay focused. Stay focused absolutely every day. That's my number one goal. When I wake up in the morning, I say stay focused. My second one is just say stay driven.

I understand and why you're doing it, you know, just stay driven, stay driven no matter what happens. Don't matter what the score, boys is, no matter what the rick, you stay driven. And understand the last part, you only have one life to live, man, and just live that to your best. A villages now, Steve, everybody. A lot of people are surprised at UH. You know the fact that you're getting older and you're continuing to play better.

But those people probably didn't see your off season workouts like pulling, pulling mac trucks and pulling trucks across the parking lot. Can talking about what you did in the off season to prepare for this this year. So me and Gregg talked before the season, I mean before the season started. And you know Greg Williams, Yes, me and him talking to in the O t s And he asked me how do I feel? And I was like, Man, if I'm getting down to three team gonna keep me

on the field, I'm gonna do it. I said, I'm just gonna do whatever it takes. And he said, we'll see, and I told him, I said, Greg, I'm gonna get down. So what I started doing in the all season and I just changed up everything. I changed up my diet. I stopped eating candy, I stopped eating sweets, stopped drinking gatorade. So I just pretty much drink water and and I just do other things that have electro lights in them. Um. I just changed up every absolutely everything, because I wanted

to look better. I wanted to feel better. I wanted to be different, and I wanted to be more not just for myself, because I when I trained, I don't train with me in mind. I don't train with my family mind I trained with my brothers. In mind, these guys are who I'm going to battle with. I'm not going to battle with my family, you know, I'm going to battle with these guys every single day. So when I train now, I'm gonna tell you the truth. My

level of training is different from everyone else. I train twelve hours a day. It's because it's my job. Like I don't have to go to school. Um, my class work is in the weight room, is pulling trucks. And and I just said, if I beat my body down now, if I fail now when it comes to the season, filium is not an option. So when I got into training camp this year and I was just it's like, man, it's gonna be something much better. Do you feel physically being three ten? I mean, I feel a lot better,

and I'm actually a lot stronger, a lot stronger, that's yeah. Yeah, So you know, I take my head off to my nutritionists. I take my head off to to the whole Jet staff, everybody that was a part of my new my new transformation, and I tell them thank you all the time because without them and heaving me continue to go forward, I probably wouldn't be where I met because man, I listened very well. Um, I just want to be mad at

be better, and I also want to be more. Not just for me, I want to be more for my team. Jet strength and Conditioning coach Justice Galax says that Steve mcleannen lives down there inside the weight room at one Jet Strive but was always over. But yeah, and you had your code always works. So whenever you're playing, career ends because right now you're going in reverse order from most of the guys who start off in the National Football League. Because you're getting better here in close to

your mid thirties. You want to open up a gym or you're opening up a gym yourself down in the South, aren't you. Yes, I have a gym and UM in Georgia and fly brid and Georgia. It's called Team MVP. UM. The whole thing is an acronym. UH. It means together, everyone achieves more. McClinton vision performance. UM. We don't focus just I put McClinton in because it's my gym. But

we don't focus on my vision. We vocus on the vision of the athlete or the general population whomever comes in their vision to help them perform at the best, and that's what it's all about. I mean, I look at it like this. I love what I do. I love to work out, um, I love the results that come from it. And I want other people to experience the exact same feeling that I get every time I'm going to year room. So like today we had big

squad there. You know what I did. I loaded it up so and I got after it and and you know, the guys were looking at me. He was like, man, you know we just played a game. He's squating six hundred at the game. I was like, man, this is what's keeping me going, you know. And I would continue to do this even when I finished playing. I would continue to live, I would continue to run, I would continue to keep my body in shape because sim a fact, I want to live longer. And this is what it's

all about for me. And So when you have a young guy looking at you, like Quentin Williams, because I'm sure that he's probably looking at you like, I'm sure I just played my first game and you over here squad at six hundred pounds. What has it been like kind of bringing him along the way, you know, from training camp, from the time he was drafted to Now, I'm sure he looks up to you as a as a big brother kind of figure. One thing about quinnin he's a smart player. He knows the game of football

um well coached at Alabamia. But it's it's just not him. You know, all the young guys, foleys, Uh, Kyle and Leo. Because I'm the oldest guy in the room, so and all these guys listen and when we walk in our room, it's just amazing the level of focus that these guys have every single day. We're gonna we're gonna jump into more of this because you have so much to add. We're keeping Big Steve on for a second segment and

we'll be right back here. You are listening inside to Jackson ESPN New York slot left, Crouder in the slot, Robby Anderson wide right, play clock of five Darnald play action props. The crush steps up. Can I see look at the corn. They're not gonna touch him. He's gonna call the distance ten fine touchdown sad Robbie Anderson nine D two yards. The Jets have WIRO. Their lead inside the Jets is supported by selective Insurance be uniquely ensured

Steve mccleannen is such a good guest. We're having a mind for a second player segment presented by m T Bank, the ficial community bank of your New York Jets. Before we went to the break, Eric had asked you, Big Steve about Quinnin and you were talking about his approach. What what do you like so far in terms of his work ethic and how he's trying to pick up

the finer details of the game. Just man, just the way he studied, the way he started to feel like, I tell I tell every guy, man, I want to see how hard you'll work, how hard you are willing to work. So I don't I don't care about any of the other stuff. I said. I want to see you how if I can fight with you, if I can play with you in battle, you know. And so when he comes in, he was like, Steve, I saw this on film. I saw that on film. Um, this

guy can do this. This guy can't do this. He was like, man, we can we can win with this. He was like, I think we can stay here with this. And that's good to hear coming from a rookie. You know, that same thing I told him all them, him and May when they first came in. UM, and same thing with Foley this year. He's doing the exact same thing they come to me. So by the time they come to me, all I do is just look over my notes and that we're all pretty much already saying the

same exact thing. So now I know the guys are prepared and ready to play. And how does that we talked about during the break, You talked about Greg Williams and his accountability on the players. That kind of falls in lines with your approach. How has that been throughout the team on the defense? Uh? Is it challenging everybody to be the best they can be? Yes? Every single day. Um, the competition is always high, always and we know this is a production business. So what Greg wants out of

everybody wants everybody to produce. And how you produce is by your work at every single day you studying, UM, you locked in you mentally there, you're living in the moment. Do not do not look outside of what's going on now, being where your feet are. And I think I can said for me to see all these guys, every single guy, every single day to come in with a level of focus and willing and eager to win. It is better than any other feeling full of runs of father Kazi

at four tackles against the Cowboys. You mentioned Kyle Phelips before he was the only undrafted free agent to make this team. He had seven tackles against the Cowboys. Quinnin obviously gets a lot of tension, and rightfully so. But what can you say about those two guys how they're helping you that whole defensive line, the rotation. Like I tell every guy, you're not a backup. You're not a backup. Do not even prepare like a backup, as if you prepare like a start up, because you never know when

you become. The story of my uncle told mean that many years ago. He said, if you prepare and have your mindsets hit to make the practice squad, that's what you're gonna make. He said. If you if you prepare and have your mindset just to get on the fift three men roster, that's what you're gonna do, he said. But if you prepare to be a starter and be great, that's exactly what you would become. So that's the same message that I have been given to every young guy

that come in this building, and so Steve, listen. I know on the defense, you got your own set of problems you have. You know, the the Cowboys offense, you have to worry about Zeke, Elliott, Dak Prescott offensive line. But what does it do for your confidence as a defender when you look over and see fourteen throwing the ball suit it up in a uniform. What does that do for the morality of the defense man. It's always

good just to see your starting quarterback back. And like I told everybody else, the guys, I was like, listen to this man. The only reason why it's so good to have him back, it's because he's been with us through a t A s. He's been with us through many camp He ending with us through training camp. You know the other guys that came in and had to play. Some of the guys weren't here, you know, so we didn't know what they could do. So what we had our mindsets said on every single week is score on

defense and you still can win a game. I mean, like I tell the guys every single Sunday or Monday, men, they put on their pass just like we do. The top, they shoot just like we do. They go home and hug their family and kiss their kids, just like we do. I said, they're no different from us, So why why be intimidated or scared or nervous about anything? Man, you have the same You have the same right to win this game that that that they do. Absolutely, let's just

so go out there improve it. And that's what our defense been trying to do. What do you guys have to do against the Patriots? You just saw him a couple of weeks ago. This is a very unique situation, very familiar with each other. But with that being said, it's not many times in the National Football League where you play the same opponent twice in less than a month. All right, So I look at it like this. Everybody knows who the Patriots are. Pagers play fast, they play hard,

but most of all, they play smart. Um. Since I've been studying the game, those are three things that are write down absolutely every day. Play fast, play hard, place more the smartest team we'll win. It's not about the most physical team, because you can beat them up physically, but all they're gonna do is way for you to make one mistake and they're going to capitalize off of it. So what we have to do we have to play

complimentary football all three phases and just play smart. Whatever our game playing is, stick to it and executed to the best of our abilities. So what is it about your your approaching practice that helps instill that in the young players? Because I know as a young player, you get excited, you know, to play against Tom Brady, You're excited to go and you know to play in front of your home crowd. You're playing in the NFL. How do you keep the young guys focused on their responsibility,

staying in the moment and executing their game plan. Staying in the moment. I'm letting them know this moment is no different from the last. We understand that this is a Hall of Fame quarterback and wait, we understand that. I understand it, but it doesn't change if you understand what your main goal is. No matter who comes and try to knock you off that track, you just keep going through it. Obscole is gonna come in life. That's the same thing with this game. It's an obscoole and

that's just the next one that's up. I don't I don't get too high about the team we play. I don't never get too low. I try to stay even flow because him effect, Man, I know these guys are no different from me. How much can you build off not just the victory, but the way you guys got it out the victory, he took the lead, got off

to a quick start. You had called them at bay, and then you have to face some adversity in the second half, and your head coach said, we needed that, We needed to go through that, and it was like another step in our evolution. I just said, clean up some things, clean up some things. Um me personally, I take the run game seriously. So you know we gave up I want to say, like a hundred and seventeen yards to um to Zeke. Every hundred and seventeen yards

were earned. We didn't give him anything but the things. When we went back and looked over film today, it was like, man, we if we just did our job perfect not We know this game is not played by perfect me and perfect me and don't play this game. We understand that. But if we just do our job of the time, he probably wouldn't even got fifty yards. Just about being where we're supposed to be. And that's

what you say, like staying in the moment um. Some guys were just just just peeking here, peeking there, and I just look at like this going forward, just play a clean game, comple a menu and football three phases. Play fast, play hard, play more together for longer. Okay, So if anyone at home wanting to know why this guy is one of the Jets six captains, you can play this back a couple of times because Steve McLennan provides the perspective and the knowledge debt helps out so

much inside the Jets locker room. Congratulations number one on the extension, number two on getting the first win of the year, and continue to success here where it comes right back. You're listening to Inside the Jets on ESPN New York shotcom for Prescott ze kellyot to his left. Jets with Elliott now motioning to the left, come with plants. Prescott off his back foot, hangs out, Hey complete, He threw it at the feet of Whitneys and the Jets get the stop. I'm a two point player. Welcome back

to it. Said. Jets were broadcasting live from Vanderbilt Sports and Spirits inside the Windham Hamiltons Park Hotel. Jets Reward members don't forget to enter the code flag f l a g in your Jet Rewards portal during the show to earn a hundred points. Jets Reward members don't forget to enter the code of Flag. Well e heck of a segment when Big Steve mccleanen comes by. What a leader.

He always provides the proper perspective. Just he sulks in every minute of life and takes advantage of every second he hands. You understand why the team wanted to extend him and keep him around all these all these young players because he's a great example of a professional both on end off the field. Uh. He sets the tone. He gives him like as you mentioned, he gives him perspective on the game, on how to prepare for the game, the outlook of the game plan, and it just rubs

off with the rest of the team. And I think he's a big part of why they're having so much

success on the defensive side of the ball. It was fascinating to me when when and actually a break when he talked about you know well, actually he said on air, there's two things he says on air that the new coaching staff they called me and said, we want you to be part of this Adam gaze, Greg Williams and company, because a lot of new coaching staff are gonna look at a thirty two year all defensive alignement and say, nah, we're moving on. I gotta get my guys in. Yeah.

That does happen a lot where coaches will have their guys that they coached, you know, from from the other organization. They may want to bring them into to set the tone. But I think that his reputation is known around this league and respected, and I think some of the leaders on this team were like, Listen, McLendon is our guy. He's not only the vocal leader, but he sets the tone. He shows it. He comes to practice every day. I mean you if you go look at his social media,

you can see him pulling trucks. You know. He's he's dedicated, he's you know, he's spiritual, you know, and he's a really positive, uh positive attitude in that locker room as well. So he was telling me that one of the things Greg williams solmom said, Listen, I know you've been two gaping in the past and you've been the big nose tackle and you're setting it up for the guys behind you. But yeah, sure, You're still gonna do some two gaping, but I want you going up the field. You're just

not holding up. You're not holding guys up. You're getting after it. Yeah, I mean, and that's a big difference. I mean, you play a three four defense. You're used to taking on two offensive lineman, holding your ground and letting the letting the linebackers pick up and make the play.

He's behind you in this defense. He wanted them to lose him weight and be more athletic, be more durable and agile, and Steve took on that challenge, and you're starting to see the rewards of him making that commitment losing weight. Playing within this defense, he's reading all kinds of havoc and other and other team's backfields. So now the Jets feel good about themselves for twenty four hours. You got to turn the page Monday Night Football, the

New England Patriots. If the Jets, and I'm not saying they're gonna do this, but if the Jets could pull out a win at Mattlife Stadium, because I don't think this Patriots team is gonna go on defeated. Okay, They're gonna lose some time in the regular season, and in fact, I think they'll probably lose a couple of games to three games. Whatever, we'll see what happens. You never know

what happens regarding injuries. What would it mean for them going forward after we talked about what's on the horizon for this team and their schedule. I mean, they would be a huge confidence boost, you know, understand ending if with all all of our key components, if we believe in the coaches, play within the game plan, then we

can beat anybody. Because the Patriots being undefeated right now, you know, they're at the top of the mountain, but there are beautiful you know, as Steve said, if they don't make mistakes, play within the scheme, Uh make plays when you're called upon state, you know, play within your role. The Jets can win this game. And I don't think they're afraid of the Patriots coming in here. I mean, you look at the last time they play the Patriots.

Luke Falk was coming off a practice squad, you know, signed off practice squad Friday or the week before Friday, and and starts against one of the best defenses in the league. You know, he struggled. Sam Donald is not gonna He's not gonna flinch, and I'm not that's no no fault to Luke Falk. You know, there's just a reason why Sam Donald was the number three pick in the draft, why he was the starting quarterback for this team. And I think you're starting to see that, you know,

especially when you look at last week's film. You know, he's getting the ball out quick, he's accurate, he's confident, he's leading the team, and that's because they trust him, because of all the work he's put in. Patriots defense, No. Were one of scoring, giving up about eight points a game, number one in total yards allowed, number two in past defense,

number three in rush defense. Patriots offense number one in the National Football League in scoring and almost thirty two points a game, number nine total And for all the talk about Tom Brady slowing down a little bit and still a top five passing offense in the National Football League. Yeah, I mean to me, that sounds like a great set

up for an upset. You know, for the rest of the for the rest of the world, you know, the top team, they're they're playing great football all around, special teams offense, defense, The Jets can play the just can play with him any week. You know I think that. You know, as you get Chris Herndon back, you start to get these key components back, and you play within yourselves. I wouldn't be afraid. Okay, so Greg Williams, what's the

defensive game plan this week? You still got Julian Edelman there, James White coming out of the back field, Brady loves to go to him, Josh Gore, and Philip door Set. I don't know about the injury status of Rex Burkhead, but Adelman is the guy where it all starts. Yeah, it does. And Edelman does a great job of working

in the middle of the field. And you know, when you play man and man coverage, is very difficult to guard someone from the slot who can run across the field away from all your leverage, away from your help. You can bracken him and you can play what they call a one hole coverage, where you play cover one. Everyone is man and man with the free safety in the middle, and then there's also a free linebacker in the middle who's a low whole player. You have the

low whole player and the high whole player. The low whole player takes takes all crossers. You know, you can have a linebacker, someone athletic, like a cashman who can pick him up, because when you play one man to man coverage, you're outside leverage. So when he runs away from you need someone to help you inside. So I think they're gonna have to mix up some coverages, throw some zones in because you know, let let Edelman run to the defenders and then also heat him up. Get

the ball out of Tom Brady's hands. Blitz to keep James White in the backfield so he's not able to get out and catch the ball because he's such a great receiver coming out of that backfield. I love this man. You sounded like you're ready. You have the advanced scouting report. Oh you know what you do? You just watch film and you watch the Patriots and they've done the same thing throughout the years. You know what they do is they go They're gonna look at all the Jets film.

They're gonna see the big plays that they gave up, and they're gonna install them in the game plan. So another part of it is that Jets are gonna have to look back at all their mistakes and correct them immediately, correct him this week and practice because they will see them on Monday night, well, the heck of a show. We'll see what happens Monday night. We'll be back here at Vanderbilt's next Tuesday. Thanks for listening Inside the Jets