The New York Jets require a far better defensive performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 if they want to execute the upset.
Head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense currently ranks third-worst in the NFL in points per game allowed (32.0). The Buccaneers are dealing with some injuries across their offensive line, but finished fourth in scoring last season.
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The challenge is sizable. We’ve identified three Jets defenders who could make a difference:
Brandon Stephens, CB
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) celebrates after breaking up a play in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Veteran offseason free-agent addition Brandon Stephens is off to a difficult start. The Jets may task Sauce Gardner with following illustrious wide receiver Mike Evans in coverage. That means Stephens will draw Emeka Egbuka, the rookie starlet who has scored three touchdowns in two games.
Will McDonald IV, EDGE
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after being sacked by New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers will be without preferred right tackle Luke Goedeke, and left tackle Tristian Wirfs is questionable. Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV had two sacks in Week 1 and is the defense’s best situational pass rusher. McDonald should take advantage of the Bucs’ injury issues up front.
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Harrison Phillips, DT
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 14: Harrison Phillips #97 and Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets tackle James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
The Bucs’ patched-up offensive line will probably prefer a run-first gameplan, given the dangers of a dropback passing game behind reserve players. That means the Jets must slow down dynamic running back Bucky Irving. The player best-suited to achieve that is defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who is a run stopper first and foremost.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets vs. Buccaneers: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 3