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Aaron Glenn was asked by NBC’s Bruce Beck what he’s looking for the team to improve on down the stretch.
“Well, effort has never been a problem for us,” Glenn said. “Obviously, execution, we want to get better at that. But there are some things that we talk about amongst ourselves that I won’t say that we’re trying to get better at.”
He won’t say what they need to get better at, but I have no issue doing it.
*Covering tight ends better. Week in and week out, this has been an issue, including in the win last week, when Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts caught seven passes on eight targets.
*More passing touchdowns – just 12 TD passes in 12 games. That isn’t enough in a passing league. Drake Maye has 23.
*More consistent run defense. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson ran all over them, and their run defense in the second half against Baltimore wasn’t great, with a pair of two-yard Derrick Henry TD’s where he waltzed into the end zone, and a 17-yard run by Henry from his goalline, which should never happen, giving the Ravens much-needed breathing room.
*More interceptions. Actually, any interceptions.
So there you go, there are some of the secret things they need to improve . . .
Speaking of picks, if the Jets are going to break their dubious streak of 12 games without a pick, you would think Miami coming to town offers a great opportunity to get off the schneid, as they say. Tua Tagovailoa has 14 picks in 12 games. And while it’s going to be in the 40s, and that isn’t necessarily bad weather, it’s well-documented that Tua’s not great in the Northeast when the temperature dips, considering his pedestrian arm strength. So there could be some passes served up for pick opportunities . . .
Harrison Phillips didn’t practice on Wednesday, but on the injury report, but wasn’t listed with an injury, but instead – “Not Injury Related – Vet Rest Day.”
Look, I’m not questioning the report, but it seems a little surprising that his recent foot injury had nothing to do with him missing practice.
Remember, after the New England game, he got out of a cold tub after the game, and the pain was so bad, he said, “I realized I can’t really walk.”
He was in a walking boot, leaving Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. That wasn’t that long ago.
Then last week, he was held out of practice Wednesday, was limited on Thursday, practiced on Friday, and was questionable for the game with a foot.
How does he get through games with such a painful injury?
“With the passions and emotions and adrenaline that comes with a football game with some modern medicine, I can get away doing it,” Phillips said.
“Modern medicine” often means a Toradol shot before the game.
Toradol shots are common before games in the NFL. Players often line up in the trainer’s room for them. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and since it’s not a narcotic, it’s not addictive.
So after all that he’s been dealing with regarding his foot, it was surprising to see him listed on Wednesday with just a veteran rest day, and the foot wasn’t listed.
But once again, not saying the Jets did anything wrong here. They didn’t. Just surprised to see that his foot issue cleared up so fast . . .
Speaking of injuries, Jets nickel back Jarvis Brownlee has been on crutches this week, dealing with a hip injury. We might not see him out there for a while.
This is a tough blow for the Jets, because remember, they traded their former nickel back, Michael Carter, to Philadelphia early this season. Brownlee replaced him, and now he’s out, so they will be on their third-string nickel back. Look for Miami to target that position . . .
Jets defensive end Michael Clemons had his first sack of the year, in the Jets’ win over Atlanta in Week 11.
It was in the first quarter, on third-and-six, he used his signature bull rush, pushed guard Chris Lindstrom back, and sacked Kirk Cousins.
Every once in a while, Clemons uses his long arms and sheer power to shock a lineman, who is not used to playing against him, and push him back.
The problem is that this monotone approach to pass rushing only yields results infrequently.
The problem is that on the lion’s share of plays, powerful NFL offensive linemen deal with this bull rush fine, and there are too many plays where there is no pass rush from his side, or he’s locked up, and a successful run happens in his vicinity.
You have to respect Clemons’ effort. He gives you everything he’s got and has a great motor, but there are just too many plays he struggles getting off blocks.
Clemons has eight solo tackles on the season.
But I would not be shocked if they re-sign him in the off-season. Aaron Glenn seems to really like the player. Just look at how many premium game reps in the games.
As Nick Saban liked to say, “Everyone looks at the world through a different set of eyes.”
What fans perhaps don’t see from Clemons, perhaps the coaches are seeing something different.
December 4, 2025
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