When future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the New York Jets‘ first offensive series of the season, they seemed destined to have a miserable season.
However, they have scratched and clawed their way to a 3-3 record, and they’re on a two-game winning streak after handing the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the year on Sunday.
One reason for the Jets’ competitiveness is their defense, which was among the NFL’s best last season.
While their defense hasn’t been great in terms of basic stats in 2023, Steve Beuerlein pointed out how much they have made elite quarterbacks, such as the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, as well as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, struggle, per the NFL on CBS.
“This is a defense that’s made Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts combine for 3 TDs and 8 INTs”@stevebeuerlein gives the @nyjets defense their flowers pic.twitter.com/rTI95xE9sX
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 16, 2023
When a team such as New York lacks a high-level quarterback, it must win with defense, as that is exactly what they have been doing.
In Week 6, they forced Hurts into three interceptions, and two weeks earlier, Mahomes had two interceptions against them.
They have held their opponents under 20 points three times already this season, and although they may not make the playoffs in a loaded AFC, they could at least play the role of spoiler as the calendar heads into December and January.
New York has the combination of Quinnen Williams and Quincy Williams on their front seven, in addition to cornerback Sauce Gardner, who earned Pro Bowl, All-Pro First-Team and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season.
The Jets will have their bye week coming up, followed by a contest against the struggling New York Giants on October 29.
NEXT:
Insider Discusses Potential Outcomes Of An Aaron Rodgers Comeback
