So many things have gone wrong for the New York Jets this season. Chief among the issues has been a defense that has struggled mightily, in conjunction with two different coordinators and a midseason firesale.
New York ranks second-worst in the league in points allowed, fifth-worst against the run, and has given up the sixth-most passing touchdowns in the league. They also have set an NFL record by not recording an interception through the first 15 games of the season.
It’s all bad in Florham Park, NJ, and there has been little to feel confident about as the season has gone on.
However, despite the challenges for head coach Aaron Glenn and his staff, the Jets do have one thing going for them: complete buy-in from several veterans, such as cornerback Brandon Stephens.
The Jets’ CB has continued faith in the plan
At the start of the offseason, Stephens drew the ire of Jets fans more than anyone else. The former Baltimore Raven—once the most picked-on corner in the NFL in 2024—signed a three-year deal worth over $12 million annually.
Stephens has since rewarded the Jets’ confidence with inspired play.
Pro Football Focus ranks the 27-year-old as the 21st-best cornerback in football with a 70.7 grade. While he has been credited for giving up eight touchdowns this season, he’s posted the lowest yards-per-completion average and total yards given up since 2022.
For a player making just around $12 million per year at the position, Stephens has been a lone bright spot on an otherwise bad defense. More importantly, though, the veteran continues to believe the message the coaching staff preaches.
It’s a sign he’s become a key leader in an otherwise young locker room.
“I believe in AG, I believe in his plan,” Stephens said Monday. “I believe he’s looking for guys that want to be part of this change.”
In the last few weeks, the Jets’ defensive effort has left much to be desired, partially contributing to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. One of the players who has not had an issue with effort has been Stephens.
The man has been faithful to his word. He was given a shot to be an every-down cornerback and has run with that opportunity.
The New York Jets may not be having a good year on the defensive end, but the play of Brandon Stephens has been the least of their worries. In fact, he remains a bright spot in an otherwise lost year, both on and off the field.
