The New York Jets’ defense cannot get a stop when it needs one most.
Aaron Glenn’s team is 0-3, and in two of those games, the defense blew a lead with under two minutes remaining.
While New York’s overall defensive struggles speak for themselves (no takeaways, fifth-most points allowed per drive), it is the mistakes in critical moments that hurt the most. If the Jets’ defense managed to get just two more stops, New York could be 2-1 right now, and the conversation about the defense would be much different.
Instead, the Jets are out there struggling with basic aspects of defensive fundamentals. At times, it looks like the Jets are playing pee-wee football. Their angles and discipline continue to be horrendous.
Pee-wee level football from the Jets here
Hilarious level of over pursuit by multiple Jets
Quincy, Sherwood, Moore, Phillips AND Cisco
Clemons also has a chance coming from the backfield but takes an awful anticipatory angle
Gross football pic.twitter.com/eBxgsIRlFo
— Joe Blewett (@Joerb31) September 23, 2025
As much as the defense is to blame for surrendering a late lead, the Jets’ offense is not off the hook for a mostly sloppy performance in Tampa Bay.
Before the Bucs’ defense softened up with a big lead in the fourth quarter, the Jets started the game with six points and no touchdowns over their first eight possessions. That included a stretch of six straight scoreless drives after beginning the game with back-to-back field goals.
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was overly conservative, missing plenty of open receivers. Up front, the Jets’ offensive line struggled to contain Todd Bowles’ blitz packages.
However, the Jets found their groove late in the game, chaining back-to-back touchdown drives to position themselves for a comeback.
How can the Jets fix some of the consistent issues that have plagued them for three straight games? Can they fix them at all?
On the positive side, what went right for New York to hold a lead in Tampa Bay until the final buzzer? And can they build on those positives?
We’re here to answer those questions in the latest Blewett’s Blitz film review.
Join us in breaking down the most critical takeaways from the Jets-Bucs film in the newest edition of Blewett’s Blitz.
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