Entering the 2025 season, the New York Jets’ defensive unit was expected to be the backbone of the team.
However, as Gang Green stares at its 0-3 record, that has been far from the case.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach Aaron Glenn admitted that the unit’s lackluster performance is unacceptable.
“There’s some things we got to work on and I understand that,” said the first year head coach. “You can’t give up the number of points that we’ve given up and expect to be gung-ho about it. And every guy knows that.”
Through three weeks, the Jets are tied for the fourth-most points allowed (93), just behind the 0-3 Tennessee Titans (94), the 1-2 Baltimore Ravens (96), and the 0-3 Miami Dolphins (97). They are also one of only three teams with no takeaways, which defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said the team wants to focus on this week in practice.
In addition to the unit’s overall struggles under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, some of the Jets’ best players have struggled immensely to open their 2025 campaigns. Most notable among them is defensive captain Jamien Sherwood.
This year, Sherwood has been nothing short of a liability in coverage. The Auburn product has allowed all 11 of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed for 118 yards and a touchdown while allowing a horrendous 141.7 passer rating when targeted.
Other Jets mainstays are also off to cold starts, such as slot cornerback Michael Carter II, who is allowing a career-worst 13.4 yards per reception.
As the Jets enter Week 4 searching for their first win of the 2025 season, the team’s defense looks to get back on track and make a statement against Tua Tagovailoa
and the division-rival Dolphins.
