Despite the loss in Week 6 to the Denver Broncos, the Jets’ defense played lights out in comparison to their first 5 contests. They held the Broncos to 13 points, a season-low for that team. This is a massive improvement for this unit, as before this game, the Jets’ defense had allowed an average of 31.4 points per game. The defense was aided by Jermaine Johnson in his return as he notched the team’s only sack. However, to put forward this type of performance, the Jets had to make a few necessary adjustments.
Keys to the Jets’ Defense: Immediate and Long-Term Improvement
Secondary Shake-up
With starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II dealing with a concussion, the Jets moved some guys around in the secondary on Sunday. Recently acquired cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. played almost all of the snaps in the slot. Rookie safety Malachi Moore had this responsibility last week, but this week he moved up top to his natural position at safety. Moore’s snaps completely cut previous starter Tony Adams out of the picture, which seemingly benefited the defense. Brownlee was especially excellent, registering 6 tackles, only 22 yards in coverage on 5 allowed receptions, and a forced fumble that the Jets recovered per PFF. That fumble was the Jets’ first and only turnover of the season thus far. Moore held up as well at safety, registering 2 tackles and not allowing any catches in coverage.
that’s the way you draw it up on defense
: #DENvsNYJ on NFLN pic.twitter.com/OcxrT3Br65
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 12, 2025
The starting secondary of Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Malachi Moore, and Andre Cisco should be the direction going forward, pending any trades or injuries.
A Slight Shift in Coverages
When the New York Jets hired Head Coach Aaron Glenn, many people knew that they would be running much more man coverage. It was a specialty of his defense in Detroit. So far, the Jets have run about 2/3 zone and 1/3 man, according to Football Insights. Specifically, the Jets run a lot of Cover 1 man, which is man coverage across the board with one safety over the top. In zone, they frequent Cover 2 and Cover 3, with the number meaning how many safeties are over the top.
Team coverage rates through Week 6
Via @FantasyPtsData pic.twitter.com/VtRrdAOtdj
— Football Insights
(@fball_insights) October 14, 2025
This week, they kept running Cover 1 man, but frequented Cover 2 more than Cover 3. The advantage of running Cover 2 is that there are a lot of underneath zones. This forces the offense to be that much more perfect to efficiently gain yards. If the Jets can continue giving offenses trouble with this coverage, as well as continuing to mix things up and create trouble that way, the defense could begin to see long-term improvement.
Some Players Just Straight-Up Played Better Football
Sometimes, being good is just about playing good. Obviously, the previously mentioned personnel and scheme changes play a part in that, but you have to play better to be better. The biggest example of this was linebacker Kiko Mauigoa. The rookie out of Miami was thrust into a starting role after star linebacker Quincy Williams was injured in Week 3. He didn’t play well at all in Weeks 4 and 5, but rebounded greatly in Week 6. So much so, in fact, that he was PFF’s 4th highest-graded linebacker in football this week. He totaled 9 tackles, which was second on the team.
we see you, rook
Kiko Mauigoa clocked in as @PFF‘s No. 4 LB this week (min. 50 snaps) pic.twitter.com/Nh7kMnbftO
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2025
EDGE rusher Michael Clemons also had a nice bounce-back game after struggling mightily while Jermaine Johnson was out. He had 3 pressures and 3 hurries in this game. He ended up as the Jets’ 3rd highest graded defensive player from Sunday with a good 75.2 grade. Finally, Jets defensive superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner had a great day. He’s been playing fine, but not up to his lofty standards. He played like the Sauce that Jets fans know and love on Sunday, allowing zero catches on one target and making two tackles with no misses in that department.
The Jets will have to keep up this improvement on defense against one of the hottest offenses in the league at the moment, the Carolina Panthers. They are winners of two straight, both with major performances from running back Rico Dowdle. Quarterback Bryce Young has also produced two game-winning drives in these contests. The defense will have to stymie this unit if they want a good chance at their first win of 2025.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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