Often, change requires reflection and understanding. We can keep track of how we fail in our goals, and only those willing to adapt can change for the better. That’s a great reflection of the mentality shift with the New York Jets. The magnum opus of a roster on paper, failing to meet expectations in the Aaron Rodgers era, is now a part of yesteryear. Now, they look to break through into a new target of cohesion. With a new coaching staff in place, we’re seeing the flashes of what can await this defense. Especially from a guy like Jay Tufele joining the defensive line. New York needed help next to defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on the interior. Now Tufele, along with some fellow new and old faces, can amplify the Jets improvements against the run this season.
Jets Veteran’s Big Game an Opening for Growth on Defense
Entering the season, New York was expected to undergo a facelift defensively. Specializing in secondaries, Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks had fans excited for the potential of cornerback Sauce Gardner with their help. In addition, Glenn has shown it’s more than just the defensive backs who will benefit. Along with allowing over 2,000 rushing yards last year, the Jets were tied seventh with the New York Giants and Chicago Bears in the entire league for first-down runs allowed. Allowing teams to succeed like this on the ground is a recipe for disaster. While Quinnen Williams is an elite defensive tackle, he’s only one man. To support him, New York needed to reconvene their defensive line. Fortunately, the return of Jermaine Johnson will be helpful on the edge. But it’s who will be next to Quinnen Williams that will be more impactful.
Saturday’s victory over the Green Bay Packers was a preview. With Williams and training camp favorite Byron Cowart both out, New York got to see more of Jay Tufele and Leonard Taylor. In a near-flawless first half, Tufele stood out the most on defense. The former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle stole the show with three tackles, two quarterback hits, one and a half sacks, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. The ex-USC Trojan is looking for an opportunity for snaps in the defensive rotation. Meanwhile, 2024 UDFA Leonard Taylor was disruptive as well. It was Leonard Taylor’s sack on Malik Willis in Green Bay’s end zone that led to Jay Tufele’s touchdown.
Jets Utilizing Depth on the Interior Defensive Line
The success of both Tufele and Taylor brings optimism for the Jets defensive changes. After years of relying solely on Quinnen Williams, New York will have more flexibility to work with. While Tufele performed well, free agent Byron Cowart is expected to start next to Williams. While never an elite starter, Cowart performed admirably, replacing Andrew Billings as a starter with the Chicago Bears last year. The seven-year veteran started in eight games with 26 tackles, four QB hits, and two-and-a-half sacks. Fortunately for New York, Cowart was in Chicago with current defensive line coach Eric Washington. While fans would want someone with more wow factor, Cowart will be a stable presence next to Williams to acclimate the rest of the defensive line.
1.5 sacks.
1 TFL.
2 QB hits.
1 fumble recovery & TD.Jay Tufele had himself a day
pic.twitter.com/4Yvd9NMoAN
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 11, 2025
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This additional pressure generated by the interior will also lead to more opportunities off the edge. New York is getting a major presence returning with Jermaine Johnson II healthy. The fourth-year linebacker is fully recovered from his torn Achilles and ready to regain the Pro Bowl form he showed in 2023. Furthermore, last season’s development of Will McDonald IV can have the Jets defensive line causing havoc for quarterbacks once more. The 2023 first-round pick was one of the few bright spots last season with 10.5 sacks. With this newfound depth on the interior, the Jets defensive line is ready to live up to the potential shown prior to 2024.
Main Photo: [Dan Powers] – USA Today Sports
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