Jets finding success in 2025 down to 1 crucial thing

Adam Schultz

Jets finding success in 2025 down to 1 crucial thing image

The New York Jets under Aaron Glenn were always going to be a work in progress given the talent on the roster, and through two weeks, we have seen the good and the bad from this team.

Week 1 should have seen a Jets win, as the offense put up 32 points; however, the defense allowed 34 points, and then in Week 2, New York was curb-stomped by the Buffalo Bills, as the defense again allowed 30 points, along with over 400 total yards of offense, which included 224 rushing yards.

With Justin Fields again unable to stay healthy, with the offensive line giving up three sacks in two games, coupled with the defense, which was a decent unit last season, allowing points at will, something has to change.

And for ESPN's Bill Barnwell, until the defense under Glenn can stop teams and not give up 30 points each week, things will be tough.

"If they can keep Fields in the lineup and don't fall too far behind, they're going to be a frustrating out," Barnwell wrote. "Until the defense finds its way, though, the Jets won't be able to get out to many early leads."

MORE: Jets' proposed upset of Buccaneers hinges on 1 thing

Jets defense to get another brutal test

Sitting at 0-2 and with a defense allowing 30 points per game, facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn't what Glenn wants to see right now.

Baker Mayfield and his weapons of Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Rachaad White will be a tough group to slow down, and they haven't clicked into gear yet.

So, if the Jets are to have any hope, one, they must slow down the Buccaneers' offense, and two, the offense must score more than 20 points, which is what Tampa's defense has allowed in both games (19 vs. Texans).

Is the Jets' success in 2025 really all down to the defense? 

Week 1 saw what the offense can be, and if the defense can stiffen, then New York might be in a lot of games this year.

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Adam Schultz

Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.