Brandon Stevens is on a Jets defense that has struggled noticeably with creating turnovers this season.
So far, in 11 games, the Jets have managed only one takeaway—no interceptions and just one forced fumble with a recovery.
It’s noteworthy that no other NFL team has fewer than nine total turnovers, and every other defense has at least three interceptions under their belt.
After a practice on Wednesday, Stevens expressed disappointment over the team’s turnover issues, calling it “unfortunate, but we’re working on it.” He added, “Being at the bottom in turnovers isn’t ideal, but we’re still in the game.”
Whether that’s a silver lining is debatable, especially as the Jets face the risk of being officially knocked out of playoff contention this weekend.
Nonetheless, the defense remains determined to shift the conversation around their lack of turnovers.
“All of us on defense want to score points,” said Stevens, who is in his first year with the Jets after spending time with the Ravens. “We need to be more deliberate, whether it’s forcing a fumble or making plays when the ball comes our way.”
Despite challenges on game day, Stevens insists that the defense puts in significant effort during practice. He explained, “We emphasize taking advantage of our training when it’s game day. We have to capitalize on opportunities and create them.”
They’re scheduled to host the Falcons on Sunday, with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, which could be the kind of chance Stevens is hinting at. Notably, Cousins threw the most interceptions in the NFL last year while playing for Atlanta, even though he only appeared in 14 games there.
With Penix sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, Cousins will get another shot, and that presents an opportunity for the Jets.
“I’d really like to see our defense build on last week’s performance,” Aaron Glenn said. “It wasn’t perfect, but there’s definitely room for improvement.”
Glenn mentioned feeling confident about the right tackle, Armando Menbou, who he believes is doing well this season. Menbou, drafted seventh overall last year, has started all 11 games.
“He has to focus on some fundamentals, but in the roles we’ve given him, he’s really handled it well,” the coach noted. As for Menbou’s potential, Glenn is optimistic, saying, “He’s beginning to open up more with both his teammates and us coaches. I’m thrilled to have him, and I can see a lot of untapped talent.”
On another note, rookie tight end Mason Taylor hasn’t topped 34 receiving yards since the fifth game of the season. His teammate, Tyrod Taylor, emphasized their efforts to get Taylor more involved, stating, “He’s a very dynamic pass catcher.”
