The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the New York Jets and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 New York Jets Defense
The Jets stood up strong against the run last year, allowing 4.1 yards per carry on running back runs (5th) and 0.88 yards before contact per RB rush (2nd).
Quinnen Williams continued his high-level production as a pass rusher, getting pressure on 13.3% of his pass rush snaps on his way to 6 sacks.
With Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, and Leki Fotu leaving in free agency, the Jets brought in Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, and Jay Tufele.
The Jets ranked fourth in pressure rate and logged 43 sacks (11th) last season.
Haason Reddick did not play until Week 8 and then left in free agency, and Jermaine Johnson suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2.
Will McDonald picked up the slack, finishing with 10.5 sacks and a 14.6% pressure rate.
The timing of Johnson’s injury means he should be ready for the start of the season, but it does add some questions for a player who only has one year of extended playing time.
Despite letting C.J. Mosley go this offseason — he has since retired — the Jets are in a great spot at linebacker.
Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood combined for 2,203 quality snaps, with both players leading the defense in snaps played.
Williams led all qualified linebackers with 22 run stuffs, and Sherwood was 12th on that list with 15 of his own while recording a tackle on 19.1% of his run defense snaps.
The Jets overall had good numbers against the pass last season (6.9 yards per attempt against), but they took a big step back after Robert Saleh was let go in October.
From Week 6 to the end of the season, they were 24th in yards per pass allowed and 29th in EPA per opponent pass.
New coach Aaron Glenn and new DC Steve Wilks will need to get this pass defense back on track, but they will have to do it without D.J. Reed, who left in free agency.
Brandon Stephens was brought in to replace him, but he was not at his best last year.
Stephens should get every opportunity to start opposite Sauce Gardner, who was also not at his best last season but was one of the top corners in his first two years in the league.
Michael Carter and Isaiah Oliver – who perhaps belongs in the safety group – should compete for the slot role.
All of Chuck Clark, Jalen Mills, and Ashtyn Davis are gone, with Andre Cisco added to take over one of the starting spots.
Keeping the theme of the secondary going, Cisco is not coming off his best season, but he started 47 games for the Jaguars over his rookie contract and should take over one of those starting spots this season.
Tony Adams was one of the primary options for the Jets last season, and he ranked 17th among qualified defensive backs with a tackle on 14.7% of his run defense snaps.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
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