The New York Jets left Week 1 with plenty of positives, but several players stumbled out of the gate. If those struggles carry into Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, their roles could be in jeopardy.

Here are two Jets who need bounce-back performances to avoid an early-season benching.

CB Brandon Stephens

Brandon Stephens arrived in New York on a three-year, $36 million deal, a move that immediately raised eyebrows among the team’s fanbase.

Despite underwhelming numbers during four seasons in Baltimore, including a 2024 season where he allowed the second-most yards among cornerbacks (806), the Jets bet on his size and athletic profile. Training camp buzz suggested Stephens was on the brink of unlocking that potential, but the optimism didn’t carry into Week 1.

Stephens gave up five receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns, drew a costly pass interference penalty, missed a tackle, and allowed a 136.9 passer rating when targeted by Aaron Rodgers. The issue was not his positioning, as he was often close to the play, but his inability to track the ball and finish plays. These familiar weaknesses left his Jets debut looking a lot like his time in Baltimore.

He also dropped an interception, which would have put Gang Green in a prime position to seal the win.

Rookie third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas is waiting in the wings at cornerback. Thomas was hindered most of the summer due to injury and did not play any defensive snaps in Week 1. Still, if Stephens delivers a second consecutive performance that resembles what we saw last week, head coach Aaron Glenn could certainly begin to at least consider making a move.

Glenn’s message following the team’s season-opening loss was clear: Players will be benched if they cause the team to lose games, and that message extends to Stephens.

S Tony Adams

Tony Adams struggled mightily in his debut under new head coach Aaron Glenn. The fourth-year safety missed two tackles and allowed all three passes in his direction to be caught for 56 yards. Pro Football Focus graded Adams at a 39.4 for Week 1, placing him 72nd out of 76 qualifying safeties.

On the Steelers’ opening drive, Adams failed to bring down DK Metcalf, yielding a third-and-long conversion that should have been stopped short of the sticks. Instead of forcing a punt, the lapse extended the series and paved the way for Pittsburgh’s first touchdown.

If Adams’ poor performance extends through Week 2, the team could consider benching the former undrafted free agent in favor of fourth-round rookie Malachi Moore, who delivered a strong preseason performance.

During the preseason, Moore earned an 84.2 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, displaying impressive instincts and versatility on film.