For the second straight week, the New York Jets’ defense surrendered a high point total, fueling the team’s 0-2 start and raising doubts about a unit once expected to anchor the season.
Speaking to reporters following the team’s brutal 30-10 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Jets linebacker and defensive captain Jamien Sherwood conveyed confidence that the unit will be straightened out.
“Believe in the process, trust what we’ve got going, we will get over that hump, and next thing you know, we will be shutting things out soon,” said Sherwood, per Dan Leberfeld.
Sherwood is just one of the many Jets defenders who have disappointed to open the season. As far as the defensive captain is concerned, he has missed multiple tackles and has been a liability in coverage.
This offseason, Sherwood was extended on a three-year $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed on the heels of a career year, which included being voted the Jets’ Curtis Martin Team MVP while leading all NFL linebackers with 98 solo tackles.
Sherwood’s words carry weight, but his play has yet to match them. Fresh off a contract extension, the Auburn product has opened the season with costly missed tackles and lapses in coverage, leaving fans unimpressed with his start to the 2025 season while also replacing the role of C.J. Mosley as the team’s middle linebacker.
For a defense expected to be the backbone of the team, the New York Jets’ Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be pivotal as the team searches for its first win of the year and the defense looks to get back on track.
