Jets’ Pass Rush Underperforming Despite High Expectations

This season, the Jets were anticipated to have a formidable pass rush, yet reality hasn’t lived up to those expectations.

Having spent the second overall pick on David Bailey and signing edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, alongside 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald, it seemed logical to expect them to regularly pressure opposing quarterbacks.

However, they have only managed nine sacks so far, placing them 14th in the NFL, and their 26 pressures rank 17th. Remarkably, Bailey, Enagbare, and linebacker Demario Davis lead the team with just two sacks each. During their recent game against the Bears, they were able to sack quarterback Tyson Bagent only once, courtesy of a blitz by Davis, and logged merely two quarterback hits.

“I think it’s primarily about affecting the pocket,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn commented on what needs improvement. “When you disrupt the pocket, the sacks typically follow. As a play caller, it’s my responsibility to help our guys realize that affecting the pocket is crucial. If we accomplish that, the sacks will come. I’m confident we have the right players to do it, and we’ll keep working to get better.”

While much of the attention is directed at Bailey and McDonald’s inability to reach the quarterback, it seems the larger issue lies in their interior rush. The absence of Quinnen Williams has been felt; he previously had the ability to push the pocket, creating opportunities for sacks, even if he wasn’t always the one to actually get them.

Glenn addressed the specific situations concerning Bailey and McDonald, suggesting they need some assistance. “It’s not just them who need to contribute to disrupting the pocket,” he explained. “Those guys are consistently encountering chips from blockers. We’re all aware of their potential when they’re one-on-one, so we’ve got to improve our response when they do get chipped and find ways to maintain consistent pressure from the inside. When I mention the four-man rush, it’s a collective effort; it’s not about one or two players, but about all four working in tandem, because pass rushing is a unit effort.”

In a different conversation, Glenn was asked about Bears linebacker Devin Bush’s remark that facing the Jets was one of the simplest games he had played, and whether he thought Bush was being disrespectful. “I’m not sure,” Glenn replied, “but if you’re only playing 32 snaps, that doesn’t involve much action. That seems pretty clear to me. But honestly, I’m not concerned about that. My focus is solely on our team moving forward.”