Jets defense needs to prioritize pass rushers this offseason
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The New York Jets have been terrible on defense this season. A lack of production in every facet on that side of the ball led head coach Aaron Glenn to make an in-season change this week.
Steve Wilks was dismissed as defensive coordinator and replaced by interim play-caller Chris Harris.
New York's zero interceptions has been a constant discussion point this season. Understandably so. It's an unfathomable statistical fact when 31 other NFL defenses have a minimum of five interceptions by comparison. But the lack of takeaways isn't all that's plagued the Jets defense throughout this campaign.
A lack of pass-rushing production has arguably been equally as prohibitive to the Jets' defensive struggles. The Jets currently rank 31st in sacks with just 22 QB takedowns in 14 games. The advanced metrics are aligned with the production. ESPN Stats & Info has their pass-rush-win-rate at a 26th-ranked 33%.
In the 48-20 Week 15 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, defensive end Will McDonald IV logged four pressures and one QB hit.
Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence was productive on those specific plays, per TruMedia. Jermaine Johnson had zero pressures or hits. He hasn't had a QB hit or sack since Week 11. Johnson has struggled to return to form from last year's Achilles injury.
Jets defensive ends against the Jaguars, per TruMedia:
- Will McDonald had four pressures and one QB hit. On those four pressures, Trevor Lawrence completed two passes for 72 yards and ran for a 15-yard touchdown. The hit came on a 33-yard completion.
- Jermaine Johnson: 0…— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) December 15, 2025
The Jets need more consistency from McDonald and Johnson next campaign. Both recent draftees are under contract and will be required to produce. The Jets simply can't rely on that coming true, though.
Mougey needs to prioritize the pass-rushing positions during free agency and the 2026 NFL draft. There's also interior pressure to replace following the Quinnen Williams trade. Getting more pressure from the defensive tackle position would help McDonald and Johnson.
Impacting opposing quarterbacks with more consistency in 2026 is an offseason priority.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets defense needs to prioritize pass rushers this offseason
