The 2025 NFL season is officially underway. Fans were jammed packed into MetLife Stadium, eager to watch the first game of the Aaron Glenn era in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Jets in a close game, 34-32. Despite the loss, there were a lot of positives. Especially from quarterback Justin Fields and the offense. With two touchdown runs and a TD pass, Fields became the fourth quarterback in team history to record that stat line. However, an easily winnable game was ruined by lackluster defense. Four touchdowns and no turnovers allowed to Aaron Rodgers is unacceptable. A major flaw was exposed in New York’s defense. One of the primary culprits was newly signed cornerback Brandon Stephens. After criticism over the move, Brandon Stephens mistakes are proving detractors right.
Huge Hole in Jets Defense Must Be Fixed
Entering the offseason, the goals for the New York Jets were clear-cut. In this new regime, fans wanted to 1. see the team run the ball more and 2. get the defense back on track. At the very least, they succeeded in the former. Star running back Breece Hall dominated with 107 rushing yards on 19 carries. In addition, Braelon Allen and Justin Fields contributed with three combined touchdown runs between them. Thus far, Tanner Engstrand is living up to the hype as offensive coordinator. However, the defense left much to be desired.
The New York Jets have a Pass Coverage Issue
Keep in mind, this is only the first game of the season. However, the Jets pass defense was a major disappointment. While the defensive line sacked Rodgers four times, he dissected the secondary. Missed tackles in the open field. Questionable angles from the linebackers and secondary. Per usual, Sauce Gardner looked like the best cornerback on the field. Allowing an immobile Aaron Rodgers to extend plays and throw four touchdowns is unacceptable. One of the major culprits was free agent signee Brandon Stephens.
Brandon Stephens is a Liability
The momentum of the game completely shifted after Xavier Gipson’s fumble on the kickoff return. But before that, Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens was giving up major plays. The former Baltimore Ravens cornerback joined the team this offseason. After signing a three-year deal, the signing was met with criticism. After four seasons in Baltimore, Ravens fans were ready to move on from Stephens. Despite a talented secondary, Stephens routinely looked like the worst cornerback in Baltimore. Now, the Jets are learning why.
Aaron Rodgers with 4 touchdowns so far today but MY GOD did Brandon Stephens (no. 21) absolutely get sucked in by the play action here to make it easy pic.twitter.com/o2ai4wKir4
— Christian D’Andrea (@TrainIsland) September 7, 2025
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When examining the mistakes, two crucial moments came against wide receiver Calvin Austin. Initiating with the second quarter, Calvin Austin mossed Stephens for a 21-yard gain. Keep in mind that Calvin Austin is 5’9″ and weighs just over 160lbs. Afterwards, Rodgers found Austin for an 18-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Coincidentally, Brandon Stephens was covering Calvin Austin. While frustrations stem from Stephens, he wasn’t the only one causing problems. In addition, safety Tony Adams was awful in coverage as well. Multiple plays that could have been stopped if he were a better tackler. As well, Andre Cisco was burned multiple times in coverage. Despite the defensive line contributing, the secondary as a whole left a lot to be desired. Especially with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks storied success with secondaries.
Death, taxes, and Brandon Stephens with his back to the football
#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/A09kyaGRd9
— Johnny Lawrence56 (@JLawrence56) September 7, 2025
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How can the Jets fix this?
Emotions will run high after losing a game like that. Furthermore, New York cost themselves two timeouts when designing the two-point conversion after a go-ahead touchdown. However, the Jets focus on the secondary can benefit greatly. There are multiple routes to go, but there’s one that can benefit greatly. During the spring, New York added two promising rookies in the draft. Beginning with their third round pick, Azareye’h Thomas. Hailing from Florida State, Thomas was a three-year starter and shone in Mike Norvell’s defense. First, Thomas has great size at 6’1, 197 lbs. Nearly the same size as Gardner, Thomas size can be a massive benefit to New York.
Additionally, after Tony Adams and Andre Cisco struggled, changes must be made at safety. Fortunately, New York has another promising rookie that can help. After a five-season career at Alabama, Malachi Moore has a lot of promise. As a trusted member of Nick Saban’s secondary, Moore was beloved by the Crimson Tide. If Adams and Cisco continue to struggle, Malachi Moore could be a difference maker if given the chance.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images
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