New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has stated that he has no doubts over the ability of his defense to perform, despite two key injuries at the cornerback position.
Both first-string Dee Milliner and rookie Dexter McDougle limped out of practice on Sunday, with the former suffering a sprained ankle and the latter tearing an ACL in his knee.
Safety Antonio Allen was moved to cornerback to fill the void, but Ryan has insisted that he is not panicking and that he still believes his defense can step up.
He told reporters: "This is going to work, we just don't necessarily know how yet. One thing we know for a fact: This defense will be an outstanding defense.
"I don't think it's dire straits. My defenses work, period. I don't care what anybody thinks. We take what we have and we work around it."
Milliner is hoping to be back in action in time for the Jets' opening game of the new campaign.