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There has been so much focus on the Jets’ offense and new quarterback Justin Fields that perhaps we haven’t talked enough about the Jets’ defense.
You get the sense that many assume the Jets’ defense will be fine because they hired a talented defensive coordinator to be their new head coach.
Also, some people think they will be fine because they supposedly had a good defense the last couple of years, but is that true?
I have heard questions to Jets’ players about strong defensive rankings last year and how they can build on that.
I can’t remember what rankings they were talking about, but I don’t even care. That wasn’t a good defense, and neither was the one two years ago.
When you struggle to stop the run, you are not a good defense.
So the point is simple – it’s not a given that the Jets’ 2025 defense will be really good because of who they hired as their head coach, and this false premise that they had a good defense last year (or the year before).
They have a lot to prove on the defensive side of the ball.
And while it’s just a small sample size, I want to see what the Jets’ starting defense does in the second preseason game, against the New York Football Giants.
Remember that the second preseason game is now like the third preseason game used to be, when they had four. It’s the “dress rehearsal” for the regular season, with the starters playing the longest of the three exhibition games.
A few things about their run defense should be under the microscope against the Giants, and early in the season.
They need to be a lot stronger against the run up the middle, with their defensive tackles being able to shed blocks more consistently.
While Quinnen Williams is out with a calf, it looks like they might have found a partner for him inside who can shed blocks well – Jay Tufele, who has been good at stacking and shedding throughout camp and in the first preseason game.
They also need to set harder edges against the run than they have in the last couple of years.
Aaron Glenn recently said Michael Clemons is good at this, but the last two years, was he? Let’s see if the new staff can help improve in this area.
Also, Will McDonald, while he’s a hell of a pass rusher, needs to improve at setting the edge, sometimes hindered by being a little on the slender side.
When Jermaine Johnson returns, which should be next week, he should help their edge run defense.
Another area that must improve is linebacker pass coverage.
On the broadcast the other day, Anthony Becht, who is a good analyst, said the Jets might have the NFL’s best LB tandem with Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams.
For this to be the case in 2025, both must improve against the pass, and get their hands on a lot more footballs than last year.
Both are fast linebackers, and we know they are good coming down hill against the run, but they must show more in pass coverage. This is something else I will have my eye on against the Football Giants – linebacker pass coverage.
Also, want to see how the safety position next to Andre Cisco plays out. Some questions need to be answered there.
Look, the Jets defense could be very good this year under Glenn, but right now there are question marks about that unit, and we will find out some answers on Saturday night, and even more once the season starts.
August 15, 2025
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