New York Jets

New York Jets Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The New York Jets defense utilizes a 4-3 Aggressive Blitz base scheme under defensive coordinator Chris HarrisINTERIM. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the New York Jets Defense?

The New York Jets have been having a tough time stopping offenses (Rank #31 in points allowed), so there is lots of room for improvement. To make matters worse, they are allowing 6.6 more points per game than the league average.

In the AFC East, they are currently trailing the New England Patriots (#4), Buffalo Bills (#12) and Miami Dolphins (#24) in scoring defense.

Creating havoc has been a major issue, as they rarely disrupt the opponent's backfield. Ball security hasn't been a concern for their opponents, as this defense generates very few takeaways.

26
Total Sacks
0
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (0 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Harrison Phillips has been a solid performer in 2025, contributing 60 tackles and 0.5 sacks to the team's efforts. It also helps that Jamien Sherwood is having an elite 2025, recording 154 tackles and 2 sacks.

What is the New York Jets defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Chris Harris (Interim)

The New York Jets defense runs a 4-3 Aggressive Blitz under coordinator Chris Harris (Interim).

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Aggressive Blitz
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

After Steve Wilks' departure (Dec 2025), Chris Harris steps in as Interim DC. Harris is expected to simplify coverage rules while maintaining the aggressive front.

Key Principles

Zero BlitzMan CoverageAggressive Front

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the New York Jets Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
9.0/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.5/g
Aggression
POOR
4.5/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
9.0
POOR
They disrupt the offense 9.0 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.5
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.5 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.5
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.5 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the New York Jets defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
29.6 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the New York Jets defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
DE
Micheal Clemons
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Brandon Stephens
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Qwan'tez Stiggers
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Quincy Williams
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 7
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Tony Adams
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 18
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Tyler Baron
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 11
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Kris Boyd
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 19
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 7
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Andre Cisco
Safety
Injured ReserveNov 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Kiko Mauigoa
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 26
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 7
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Will McDonald IV
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 26
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
Isaiah Oliver
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 16
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Azareye'h Thomas
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Jay Tufele
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 26
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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