Expectations for the Jets defense were finally met in their latest performance.
They were stifling against the run and ferocious against the pass.
They didn’t just limit the opposition, they shut it down completely.
In a 24-3 victory over the Patriots, the defense held them to just 139 yards of offense, recorded seven sacks, and forced a turnover.
Earlier in the season, the defense struggled against the 49ers and Titans, but this performance was more reminiscent of their strong defense from last year.
Head coach Robert Saleh praised the team’s complementary football and mentioned how the offense possessing the ball allowed the defense to dominate.
However, it’s important to note that the Jets were facing a weakened Patriots offense that was missing two starters on the offensive line and lacked playmakers at receiver.
Nonetheless, the defense’s ability to shut down the Patriots’ running game was a major positive takeaway from the game.
The Jets played without star middle linebacker C.J. Mosley and standout defensive end Jermaine Johnson, but other players stepped up in their absence.
One key factor in the defensive performance was the Jets playing with a lead, allowing the defense to stay fresh and aggressive.
In the win over the Patriots, the Jets controlled the ball for a majority of the game, which made a significant difference in how the defense performed.
Safety Chuck Clark highlighted how having the lead changed their mentality and allowed them to play more aggressively.
