The New York Jets are at a defining moment in their 2023 campaign. They’re attempting to avoid an unprecedented and embarrassing record of 0-14. Read how the team weathers a highly charged year with complex, historic challenges. They need to address an insane amount of pending UFAs and a woeful amount of INTs. The Jets’ woes have led to questions about what the Jets should be doing moving forward, especially since they start looking towards the 2019 draft.
Wilson was taken second overall by the Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft. Today, he’s under increasing pressure as he continues to play both sides in his chosen professional career. Yet he and the rest of the team have often underwhelmed in just about every facet of the game, which has led to the team’s current morose fate. The Jets’ recent trip to Los Angeles as 17-point underdogs was the second biggest spread in franchise history. This game was indicative of the team’s consistent struggles on the pitch.
The Jets’ defensive woes have been as bad as they’ve ever been this season. The defense now ranks dead last in Expected Points Added (EPA). They’ve come up with only one takeaway on the year thus far, this is just unconscionable – that’s pathetic. The Jets have been historically bad defensively, not intercepting a pass in their last 14 games. They’re somehow only one game away from tying the all-time record for consecutive games played without a pick.
Steve Wilks, who serves as the Jets’ defensive coordinator, has acknowledged the regression of the defense over the course of the season. Aaron Glenn was in the same role with the Detroit Lions in 2021. Above all else, he stressed the need to really buy into what a coach is selling.
“I was fortunate enough to have a coach that believed in me the same way I believe in Wilks,” – Aaron Glenn
The team’s path forward has been complicated by their roster dynamics. Currently, 22 of their 53-man roster is pending free agents. This group is highlighted by central figures such as Breece Hall, Quincy Williams, Nick Folk and Alijah Vera-Tucker, all still on the hook for 2026. This uncertainty has led to concerns about the future direction of the team and its ability to keep existing talent, let alone attract new talent.
In a more encouraging move for Gang Green, Jamien Sherwood has signed a three-year, $45 million extension recently. Although his performance has varied, the player Glenn referred to as the “quarterback of the defense” – Sherwood — has tremendous upside.
“I think, in my opinion, Sherwood is having a decent year. Up and down a little bit in regards to the tackling,” – Steve Wilks
We spoke last week with Saints safety Chris Banjo, who shared his enthusiasm over how Sherwood could transform the entire roster.
“I think he’s done everything he possibly can so far, not only to put his name out there, but to show that he can be a Pro Bowl guy or an All-Pro in this League,” – Chris Banjo
The Jets would obviously love to be in better position than where they currently lie. They need to fix their defensive blunders as well as build up their lineup in free agency and with the draft. Similarly, Zach Wilson’s performance will be heavily criticized as he tries to find his footing of all of this pressure.
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