After two weeks of the 2025 NFL season, it's clear that the New York Jets must improve in multiple areas on defense.

With the 2025 NFL season in full swing, New York Jets' fans have now received a better glimpse of the team through the first two weeks of the year.

The offense, despite an explosive week one performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, took a significant step back in the franchise's second contest of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Justin Fields was held to just 27 passing yards and 49 rushing yards before exiting the game due to an injury. In addition to Fields' rough star, running back Breece Hall was unable to get it going on the ground, as he finished with 29 rushing yards on 10 attempts in week two.

However, it was clear to many fans this offseason that the offense would experience growing pains due to new quarterback and offensive coordinator entering the picture. But even with the offense struggling, the defense may be a greater concern moving forward after the organization's two-game stint to kick off the season.

New York's defense is riddled with star players, as cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams are regarded as top players at their respective positions. And with former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn being hired as the team's head coach this past offseason, the potential new mix on defense created optimism around the league that the defense could take a huge step in 2025.

But instead, this has been far from the case.

In the first two games of the year, the Jets have allowed the third-most points per game (32.0) and the ninth-most rushing yards per game (138.5) across the NFL, while also averaging 337.5 yards allowed per game this season. The offense was able to keep up with the Steelers scoring efforts in week one, but the defense's inability to stop the Bills' versatile offense in week two proved to be fatal for the organization.

How The Jets Can Improve On Defense

In order for Glenn to get his defense back on track from the remainder of the 2025 season, it all starts with the front seven unit.

New York did a terrific job of limiting Pittsburgh to 53 rushing yards in week one, but were unable to contain Buffalo on the ground the following week. Running back James Cook and quarterback Josh Allen accounted for 191 of the 224 total rushing yards for the Bills on Sunday, which allowed for the Bills to control the clock and the line of scrimmage. With Williams being the main contributor to stopping the run from the interior, Glenn must turn his attention to other tackles on the roster for help within the trenches.

One player that is beginning to make a name for himself on the line is former Cleveland Browns' 2024 seventh-round pick Jowon Briggs, who is slowly emerging as a key piece up front. Briggs did not see much playing time in week one, but quickly took advantage of an expanded role against the Bills by totaling five tackles, one tackle for a loss and one sack. Alongside Williams, the young playmaker should continue to receive an increased workload this season.

In addition to the being able to stop the run, the defense as a whole must be more consistent when defending the pass. New York's pass rush was able to record four sacks against the Steelers, but were only able to get home once on Sunday against the Bills. The ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks on a consistent bases will be beneficial for the Jets' secondary unit against a strong passing attack.

As for the defensive backs, Glenn desperately needs an additional cornerback to play opposite of Gardner. Former Baltimore Ravens' 2021 third-round pick Brandon Stephens has struggled as the team's second cornerback, as he ranks 88th amongst 119 qualified cornerbacks in the NFL according to his PFF grade. While the season is still young and there is plenty of time for Stephens to establish himself, Glenn needs to keep a close eye on his defensive backs if the subpar play continues this season.