After a lethargic start to the season, Aaron Glenn‘s defense might have finally gotten the kickstart they needed.
Heading into their bout with the Broncos, the New York Jets ranked 29th in overall EPA/play, 31st in scoring defense, and dead last in EPA per dropback. In terms of talent, discipline, and effort, it’s hard to argue that there was a worse unit than the Jets so far.
As someone brought in for his defensive acumen in Detroit last year, Glenn is under pressure to mold this unit into a top unit soon. Despite a derailing start to his tenure, there is reason to believe that he can turn it around.
The Return of Jermaine Johnson
After missing three weeks, Jermaine Johnson proved why he’s one of the most valuable defensive players in the league.
Without Johnson, New York’s defensive front looked like the worst defensive front in the NFL, even with All-Pro Quinnen Williams. As bad as you’d expect trotting out Will McDonald, Michael Clemons, Braiden McGregor, and Tyler Baron to be, it was more untenable than anyone could have expected.
Despite McDonald’s ghastly 43.2 run defense grade per PFF, his prowess rushing the passer will always keep him on the field. When surrounded by three non-NFL-caliber players, however, the entire unit becomes helpless. The trio of Clemons, Baron, and McGregor rank 123rd, 143rd, and 161st out of 174 qualifying edge rushers. And the film doesn’t really say otherwise.
Now compare that to Johnson in his return in London.
Johnson is the Jets’ best edge rusher, and it’s not particularly close. It’s not a coincidence that upon his return, New York allowed a season low in points and gave up just 78 yards on the ground. For all the criticism Glenn has rightfully endured this season, he proved on Sunday that he can still coach a great defense with guys that belong up front.
Not to mention, no one on the Jets period brings the intangibles that Johnson has. Although the talent New York was putting on the field was bad, the Jets’ defense looked as unprepared as they did unskilled. But following a players’ only meeting led by Johnson, New York put together their most disciplined performance of the season, recording no defensive penalties.
For all the skills and intangibles Johnson possesses, combined with the lack thereof behind him, Glenn’s defensive success hinges on his health.
Jarvis Brownlee’s Debut
After missing time with an ankle injury, Jarvis Brownlee Jr. put together arguably the best game from a Jets cornerback this season.
Already, it looks like Darren Mougey pulled off a heist, bringing in Brownlee for a sixth-round pick. In one game, the second-year player exhibited the exact characteristics expected from an Aaron Glenn corner, showing off his elite tackling from the slot position.
For a Jets defense that was historically woeful at taking the ball away, having a new starter in Week 6 forced the first turnover of the season appears apt. Already, Brownlee is bringing a physicality to New York’s secondary that they have been missing, especially at nickel.
Since returning from a back injury, longtime slot corner Michael Carter II has struggled mightily in coverage and hasn’t offered much defending the run either.
After recording the highest PFF grade of any Jets player in Week 6, Brownlee projects to get more reps and could be leaned on even heavier. Because of the inexperience the Jets have at linebacker, it makes sense that Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will look to play a ton of nickel.
After getting one of the best run-fitting cornerbacks in the league right now, New York can sacrifice bodies in the box with Brownlee’s nose for the football.
In Detroit, we’ve seen Glenn build his defense around a reactionary defensive line that allows the back seven to fly to the ball. It’s early, but it looks like Brownlee Jr could be one of those guys for now and the future.
Leave a comment