Demario Davis: New York Jets' mop-up duty star

Mr. Davis, I could see you reading this now — I’m not a janitor…I’m a custodian! Now, before anyone gets his or her panties in a bunch with where this is headed, keep an open mind.

Following the Jets’ 26-20 week nine victory over the New Orleans Saints — a game nobody imagined the Jets would win, in large part due to the previous week’s 49-9 blowout loss to the Bengals, fans got an inside look at #56, Jets LB, Demario Davis.

Randy Lange, newyorkjets.com Editor-In-Chief, spoke with Demario after the game and mentioned his newly added locker-garnish.

Demario was oblivious and didn’t register Randy’s inquiry until he literally pointed to the ball.

“Oh, yeah, I mean, my whole thing is I just try to be humble when I’m out there. You make a play, you hand the ball to the ref, point to the sky because you know where your talent comes from, and celebrate with your teammates. Fortunately, I have some guys who cared enough and got the ball for me. They said, ‘You need to keep that.’ ” 

Geez! I’m not sure which part of this interaction is more respectable – the fact his first interception as a professional, an individual achievement, held such little weight, or discovering it wasn’t even Demario who tracked down the ball.

Demario Davis was the New York Jets’ third round selection, 77th overall, out of Arkansas State in the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6’2’’, 240 pound inside linebacker grabbed the organization’s attention during pre-draft evaluations by “popping off the screen”, as Rex put it. He was also an NFL Combine top performer in several categories, featuring his explosiveness with the 2nd highest vertical, bench, and broad jump for all linebackers of his class.

Brought in to relieve the diminishing Bart Scott — a 2006 Pro Bowl selection and staple to Rex Ryan’s defense — Davis saw some playtime in a limit role in 2012. He followed this is up earning the starting role in 2013.

DD’s a rangy backer, whose game is predicated off playing fast and downhill. His God-given natural ability is evident – fluid hips, quality lateral quickness, and raw natural strength. He possesses a skill-set that personifies precisely what Rex envisioned when he handpicked Demario to replace Bart, down to that innate leadership quality coaches so deeply covet.   

Here, you will see Demario’s ability to move laterally across the field.

In Rex’s 46, hybrid, whatever-you-call-it defense — Eh, let’s just call it: The Ridiculously-Awesome Defense — Rex needs someone who fits that Bart Scott mould – a hard-nosed leader who’s willing to do the dirty work. That’s why Demario just may be his ideal successor.

Huge effort play – Demario runs down Vincent Jackson. This game saving tackle allowed the Jets to hold the Buccaneers to three points, setting up a Nick Folk game winner to start the 2013 season.

At this point, Davis is a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. This early into his career, it’s understandable why he hasn’t fully translated his skill-set into on-the-field production. Often caught out of position or a second late on a read, Demario is still able to impact a play — which is impressive, especially with the elite talent surrounding him. This could explain why he was extremely productive at Arkansas State, but hasn’t yet enjoyed the same successes in the NFL.

Rex Ryan’s ridiculously awesome defense isn’t exactly ‘cake’, considering the intricacies that are included in his scheme. It’s a mixture of this and that, with a whole lot of “uhh…yea.”

He can no longer get by on ‘mop-up duty’ alone. It’s time to turn the switch and be an impact player. It took Bart Scott two years to become an integral part of Rex’s scheme, and he didn’t have nearly the physical aptitude of Demario.

At 25, Demario is entering the peak years of his playing career. His body and skillset are developed, and he looks to be primed for a breakout season. With mind and body in unison, DD may be on the cusp of unlocking an incredible potential. But one thing is for sure – when he plays fast, he plays FAST!

The Janitor of the New York Jets’ defense may be ready for an executive role in 2014!