FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets' secondary wants to create its own identity, the way the Seattle Seahawks did with the "Legion of Boom." In terms of national reputation, the Jets' defensive backs are just baby boomers, but they're planning to change that in 2018.
They have talent, swagger and, yes, a self-proclaimed nickname: "New Jack City," named after the 1991 gangster movie starring Wesley Snipes. The players have black T-shirts that feature a white Manhattan skyline, with "New Jack City" emblazoned in black letters across the skyline.
"We want people to fear us when we walk out [on the field]," cornerback Morris Claiborne said. "We're going to walk out and we're going to talk noise. We're going to play on the edge, but not hurt the team. ... Each and every game, we have to make a statement. Control the airways is the best way I can put it."
The group could be whole for the first time Friday night against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Free safety Marcus Maye, who missed the first two preseason games as he recovered from offseason ankle surgery, practiced all week and could make his 2018 debut.
With Maye and Jamal Adams at safety, and with Claiborne, Trumaine Johnson and Buster Skrine at corner, the secondary is the strongest position group on the Jets' roster. The newest member of "New Jack City" is Johnson, who left the Los Angeles Rams to sign a $72.5 million contract. He's a legitimate No. 1 corner, the missing piece.
"This group, with this team, we can go somewhere it hasn't been in a while," said Claiborne, who, like Adams, is a former first-round pick from LSU. "We're loaded with talent on the back end."
Could this be one of the best defensive backfields in the league?
"It could be, depending on if they all play to their drafted skill set," said an AFC scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Claiborne has been an up-and-down player, so if he's playing at a high level, they should be pretty good. The Vikings are probably the best. The Jets have talented players; they're just not always consistent."
The inconsistency showed up last season. The Jets allowed 30 touchdown passes (tied for second-worst) and they made only 11 interceptions (only nine teams had fewer). In fairness, it was a transition year. They started two rookies, Adams and Maye. Their No. 1 and No. 2 corners, Claiborne and Skrine, were miscast. They're better in their current No. 2 and No. 3 roles, a shift made possible by Johnson's arrival.
The secondary will carry a large burden because -- let's be brutally honest -- it won't get much support from the lackluster pass rush. But that hasn't stopped their confidence from oozing. Some might snicker, saying this group hasn't done anything to deserve a nickname. That might be true, but what's wrong with having a little fun? The Jets could use some sizzle on their marquee.
Secondary coach Dennard Wilson hatched the "New Jack City" moniker last season. It has been slow to catch on, but that can change.
"We feel like it still hasn't made it yet, but we're pounding away at it," Claiborne said. "Put the name out there and let the people judge if it sticks or not."
The raw talent is there, but the group doesn't have a single Pro Bowl player. For all his statistical success with the Rams (18 interceptions in six seasons), Johnson never received Pro Bowl recognition. After missing out on the Pro Bowl as a rookie, Adams vowed never to be overlooked again. Confident man, Adams.
It's a confident group, but there's also a sense of perspective.
"If the talent doesn't come to work every day, the time will pass us by and, before you know it, it'll be next year at this time and you'll probably be asking the same questions," Claiborne said. "We have all the pieces. We just have to find a way to put it together and go get some wins."