The New York Jets host the LA Rams in NFL Week 10

Darron Lee has high hopes for the Jets' 2017 defense. (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

There's no way the Jets' defense will stink again in 2017.

Or at least that's what rookie inside linebacker Darron Lee insists.

After Saturday night's 34-13 loss to the Dolphins, he told NJ Advance Media this unit would definitely improve in 2017, after a dismal showing in 2016.

"Absolutely," he said. "There's nothing else to be said. Absolutely. Over my dead body, we'll be better. I will do everything I possibly can to make sure that our defense, we are clicking on all cylinders. I'll do my part."

How much have this year's struggles fueled Lee, the Jets' first-round pick?

"Oh, man," Lee said. "What? Fuel me is an understatement. No anger. I don't get angry. But best believe I'm pissed. Pissed for everybody to be great, because I want everybody to be successful. Not just myself."

The Jets once again gave up too many big plays in Saturday's loss to Miami, including a 66-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Jarvis Landry.

The Jets this season have allowed 12 passing plays of 40-plus yards, tied for the NFL's third-most. They entered Saturday 28th in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA ratings. This, after finishing fifth last season in defensive DVOA.

"I don't know what to say, man," Lee said, trying to process another poor defensive showing. "I really don't. Just too many explosives. We've got a talented team in general, man. We've just got to find a way to put it all together.

"Can't win a Super Bowl every year, right? I know that's ideal. I'm sure everybody shoots and aims high, but it's a learning experience for me. I'm going to take it as a learning experience. I know a lot of young guys in here will take it as a learning experience. All you can do is keep moving forward."

The Jets could opt to cut several prominent defensive players after this season: cornerback Darrelle Revis, middle linebacker David Harris, and free safety Marcus Gilchrist chief among them. They might also trade end Sheldon Richardson. Cornerback Buster Skrine is another potential cut, but not a sure thing.

So what gives Lee hope that the Jets' defense will improve in 2017?

"Because everybody has the right mindset," he said. "Everybody wants to be successful. We've just got to figure out how to get over the hump and get that little extra push. We're so close. I'm telling you, we're so close."

If he thinks this is a talented group, how does he wrap his mind around this year's fiasco of a showing?

"You don't," he said. "You just learn. That's all you can do, just keep learning. I'm a sponge. I'm just going to keep on learning and I'm going to keep on going."

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.