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Jets trio among NFL leaders in defensive penalties

Morris Claiborne has been called for the second-most defensive penalties in the NFL with seven. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- This is one list no player wants to be on. Unfortunately for the New York Jets, they have three players near the very top.

The category: Most defensive penalties in the NFL (including declined penalties). The leaders are:

CB Rashard Robinson, San Francisco 49ers -- 8

CB Morris Claiborne, Jets -- 7

CB Buster Skrine, Jets -- 6

LB Darron Lee, Jets -- 6

Seven others are tied with six, prior to the Monday night game, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Actually, Claiborne has a total of eight (one on special teams), putting him in a four-way tie for second in the league, regardless of position. The leader is Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Germain Ifedi (nine).

It's frustrating for fans because they're becoming conditioned to look for a penalty flag after every play, and no one wants that. It's doubly frustrating for Jets fans because their players are getting called more than most.

The Jets are tied for third in total penalties (66) and accepted penalties (57) and they're the leader in penalty yards (546).

"It's definitely not a lack of discipline," coach Todd Bowles said. "They understand everything. In the heat of the battle, some things happen. We just have to have more poise under pressure."

In case you're wondering, the Jets' most penalty-prone players are:

8: Claiborne (61 yards)

6: Skrine (71), Lee (70)

5: G Brian Winters (40)

4: TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (35), G James Carpenter (20)

3: S Jamal Adams (39), DE Muhammad Wilkerson (35), RT Brent Qvale (15)

At their current rate, the Jets will get called for 151 penalties, only 42 flags shy of the United Nations.