Last year, the Jets were looking at what they thought was a playoffs-bound defense to complement an offense led by future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
This year, the expectations are tempered. The team never seemed to get a stop when they needed one last season, and never had a key takeaway. That lackluster performance led to head coach Robert Saleh’s surprise firing five games into the schedule.
Although the Jets wound up as the league's No. 3 in yards allowed, they had just 17 turnovers, and it often felt like they were back on their heels no matter who they faced. Part of the problem may have been interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who was forced into the top coaching slot while still coordinating the defense. It didn’t work.
But there’s been a change at the top. Aaron Glenn, the former defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is a master at disguising weaknesses in the defense. When Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season with a fractured tibia while leading the league in sacks, the Lions adjusted. They finished the year with 37 sacks, thanks to Glenn’s acumen.
The Jets have also imported Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator, who has been a head coach and understands what it takes to get a defense to the next level.
The Jets have the raw talent. Although lineman Quinnen and linebacker Quincy Williams plus cornerback Sauce Gardner had down years, the Jets are expected to scheme their way into productive seasons for them. Add in linebacker Jamien Sherwood’s talents and edge rusher Will McDonald’s expected improvement, plus the return of defensive end Jermaine Johnson from a torn Achilles, and the Jets are hoping last year was an aberration.
Still, there are holes at cornerback and safety, plus the defensive line needs someone next to Quinnen Williams. The depth is also not there, with a bunch of fill-ins uneasily sitting behind the starters.
It may be that the offense that stalled hopes last year is revitalized, thanks to the acquisition of Justin Fields at quarterback and a renewed commitment to the running game. But all the points in the world won’t matter if the Jets can’t hold the opposition and occasionally come up with a timely interception or fumble recovery.