JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When people try to predict why the 2024 Jets will be successful. The formula was as follows. Add a healthy Aaron Rodgers to the team's elite defense and they'll be on par with a playoff berth.
As everyone knows, that formula didn't add up.
The Jets are scheduled to play the Jaguars on Sunday, but both teams have a 3-10 record and many questions about their futures.
As the Jets look for answers as to what went wrong this year, one of the biggest mysteries is what happened to their once fierce defense.
Last week in Miami, the unit fell apart, allowing a game-tying drive near the end of regulation and a game-winning drive in overtime.
It was the third straight week the defense allowed a lead in the fourth quarter.
“We've had some moments where we haven't played as well as we normally do, which is unfortunate,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who is also defensive coordinator, said. “And that ultimately turned the blame on myself that I needed to coach them better. I had to get them to perform at a higher level, and , in those key moments, they had to start trusting the training and have an unconscious ability, and when this season ended and we really seriously reflected on that moment, I We gotta create a solution for them.
Statistically, the Jets still look like a pretty good defense.
They're fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed, but anyone who's been watching closely knows this defense doesn't compare to the defense of last year or 2022.
The problem is widespread.
- He has two just interceptions this season, tied for the fewest with the Giants.
- His 54 defensive penalties are the most in the league.
- Many penalties result in a first down for the opposing team. They allow an average of 2.8 first downs in penalty games, tied for the most with the Lions.
- He gave up 400 yards three times and over 350 yards five times.
- He allowed eight 100-yard rushes.
- Their 95 missed tackles are fourth-most in the NFL.
The Jets have another chance to put together a strong defensive game Sunday against a struggling Jaguars team.
“We've got to play the way we've played the last few years,” cornerback Sauce Gardner said. We win the game ourselves. ”
