Reporting live from New York Jets HQ in Florham Park, NJ—As good as the New York Jets were on defense over the last few years, the unit took a major hit in the 2024 season. While the team finished in the top 10 in several categories, they were 20th in DVOA rankings (per FTN Fantasy).

Changes desperately needed to be made…and they were.

Gone are the static looks New York would give opposing offenses. A new coaching staff is at the helm, and they are bringing a new scheme and philosophy to the organization.

One that should make some of New York’s biggest stars very happy.

Sauce Speaks Out on Jets Defense

No cornerback in league history has enjoyed the kind of success that All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner has through his first three years. Not only has he become the highest-paid player at his position in history, but he’s also the first defensive back to be named a first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons.

After a down year in 2024, though, Gardner understood he needed more.

The Jets, under new head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, believe they can provide him more.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, a day before the start of training camp practices, Gardner explained what his goals were for the 2025 season.

“I want to be the best. That’s not just this season, but that’s in general. My legacy when I leave,” Gardner said. “I want to win games. We have the players, the coaches. We have everything that it takes to win games and win a lot of games. That’s my main thing. My individual accolades, those are going to come with us winning games.”

To help him along the way, the Jets are expected to run a more multiple-style look to their defense this season.

Glenn’s defenses, dating back to Detroit and New Orleans, have always been predicated on a physical brand of man coverage. Wilks, on the other hand, uses disguises to confuse the opposition with blitzes and quick counters to modern offenses.

At first glance, a Wilks defense doesn’t mesh schematically with one like Glenn’s.

Heading into training camp, though, the Jets believe they have everything they need to build a unit that can get the most out of their star players.

That alone is something that Gardner is thrilled for.

“There are a lot of things. Following guys, blitzing, playing in the slot sometimes, everything,” Gardner explained. “They have me doing so many new things I was always capable of doing. Everything is unfolding for me exactly the way it is supposed to.”

The things Gardner is talking about – blitzing, allowing top corners to follow elite receivers during games, and even playing in the slot – are things that the former regime did not do with their All-Pro corner.

It only highlights New York’s main focus for camp on that side of the ball.

If New York can get Gardner back to his All-Pro ways from a couple of years ago, their defense will be able to return to the elites of the game.

It sounds like Glenn and Wilks are going to do everything in their power to make sure that happens going into training camp, and the 2025 season as a whole.