Jets defense determined to find solution to its lack-of-turnover problem

Brandon Stephens is part of a Jets defense that has been almost unbelievably bad at creating turnovers.

Through 11 games, the Jets have just one takeaway, with no interceptions and a lone forced fumble and recovery.

No other team has forced fewer than nine turnovers, and every other defense has at least three interceptions.

“It sucks, but we’re working towards it,’’ Stephens said of the team’s turnover drought following Wednesday’s practice. “It’s definitely not a good thing to be last in the league in turnovers, but we’ve still got more ball to play.”

Whether that’s a positive or not remains to be seen, as the Jets play out the string, with the possibility of being officially eliminated from playoff contention on the table this weekend.

But the defense hasn’t given up and they’d like to change the narrative around the lack of turnovers

“Every guy on defense is hungry to get one,’’ said the fifth-year player in his first season with the Jets. “We just have to be more intentional about it, whether that’s forcing a fumble and getting on it or making a play if the ball is thrown to us.”

It’s something Stephens — who had a pair of picks in 2023 with the Ravens — said the defense is working on a considerable amount during practice, even if it hasn’t shown up in games.

“We emphasize it every day,’’ Stephens said. “We’ve just got to make the drills come to life on game day. We’ve got to capitalize and create opportunities.”

On Sunday, they’ll see Kirk Cousins at quarterback when they host the Falcons and that could provide the opportunities Stephens is referring to. No one in the NFL threw more interceptions than the 16 Cousins threw with Atlanta a year ago, despite playing just 14 games for the Falcons, as he lost the starting job to Michael Penix Jr.

With Penix out for the season with a torn ACL, Cousins gets another shot, which means the Jets get a shot at him. 

“I want to see our defense build on what they did last week,’’ Aaron Glenn said. “It was not perfect, by any means, [but there were] promising things we can build on.”

Glenn said he’s been impressed with Armand Membou at right tackle.

“I’m not surprised how well he’s playing,” Glenn said. “I think he’s doing a damn good job for us.”

Membou, the No. 7 pick in last year’s draft, has started all 11 games this season. 

“He does some rookie things he has to continue to clean up,” the coach said. “But for a right tackle to come in and be put on an island, with the situations we put him in, I’ve thought he’s done a hell of a job.”

And Glenn is confident other aspects of Membou’s game will improve.

“As he continues to progress, I see him becoming a true leader of this team,’’ the head coach said. “He’s a really quiet guy, but he’s starting to open up more to his teammates and open up more to me and the coaching staff. I’m glad we have that player. There’s a ton of talent there that’s still untapped and we want to get it out.”

Another rookie, tight end Mason Taylor, hasn’t had more than 34 yards receiving in a game since the fifth game of the season.

“We try to get Mason the ball as often as possible,’’ Tyrod Taylor said. “He’s a very dynamic pass catcher.’’