Content available exclusively for subscribers
While the Jets deserve a ton of credit for their 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons, considering how poorly they played the run, it’s even more impressive that they were able to pull this game out.
Two plays that certainly helped their cause, to their credit, were recovering a fumbled punt on the two-yard line, leading to a touchdown, and an 83-yard punt return, which led to a field goal.
But entering a game against Miami, with red-hot back De’Von Achane coming to town, they must fix their run defense.
I was wondering why linebacker Jamien Sherwood had only four tackles (one solo, three assisted).
Sherwood is usually a tackling machine.
Now I know why.
Because the Jets’ defensive line didn’t require many double teams, offensive linemen were consistently getting to the second level and attaching themselves to linebackers Sherwood and Quincy Williams.
That is one reason why safety Malachi Moore led the Jets with 10 tackles.
The Jets’ defensive line wasn’t great in this game.
Look, Harrison Phillips is a true warrior, but playing with a bum foot, perhaps with the assistance of medicine, is hurting his play a tad. Not his fault, but it is.
Like on a 26-yard run by Bijan Robinson in the second quarter, when Phillips and Michael Clemons were handled, opening a big hole.
Later in the second quarter, Robinson had a 16-yard run, Phillips, Clemons and Jowon Briggs were taken out by single blockers, allowing the other two offensive linemen to pull to the second level and take out Sherwood and Williams.
Another example was a 13-yard run off left tackle by Robinson in the fourth quarter were Phillips, DT Khalen Sanders and Eric Watts were handled by single blockers, and two linemen got to the second level and took out Sherwood and Williams.
Watts has a great motor, but must lower his pad level. His high pad level makes him too easy to block at times, and that is what you saw on this play, with left tackle Jake Mathews mauling him.
It is weird how poorly this sport is covered.
You read everywhere how well Phillips and Briggs are playing, but here is the problem:
You can’t just judge players just by highlight film plays. That is a reckless way to cover the sport.
Early in the second quarter, Briggs had a terrific play against the run, stopping Robinson for a loss of four.
Great play.
But what happened before and after this play?
After the Quinnen Williams trade, the Jets have been starting Briggs and Phillips. You could probably get away with starting one of them if you have a star next to either one, but starting both, who give you everything they’ve got, but have limitations, isn’t not an ideal plan.
If you want to see the best from Sherwood and Williams, two athletic, but undersized linebackers, you need defensive linemen to take up double teams, so these cats can flow to the ball.
But when they have massive linemen, some of them who outweigh them by 100 pounds, pulling to the second level and taking them out, it’s hard for them to do their thing.
In 2026, the Jets have two first and second-round picks.
Obviously, they need to use one of their first round picks on a quarterback, but they better get a defensive lineman or two as well.
Big need.
Defensive tackle and end. They need to add a stud at both positions.
As for defensive tackle, when was the last time they added a difference-making DT – Quinnen Williams in 2019?
The Jets run defense against Atlanta was far from ideal. Not all on the D-Line, but a lot is.
Good win.
Bad run defense.
Challenge to people evaluating players on this team – evaluate all the plays, not just the highlights.
December 1, 2025
Premium will return by 9:30 pm (or sooner) on Wednesday.
