Jets Defense Struggles to Generate Sacks Despite High Expectations

The New York Jets' defense is struggling to achieve the high-level pass rush anticipated at the start of the season. Despite investing the No. 2 overall pick in defensive end David Bailey and signing edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare to complement 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald, the team has managed only nine sacks, placing them 14th in the NFL. Their 26 pressures rank 17th.

Currently, Bailey, Enagbare, and linebacker Demario Davis lead the team with two sacks each. In a recent game against the Bears, the Jets' defense recorded just one sack, a blitz by Davis, and only two quarterback hits. Coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the team's need to improve their ability to affect the quarterback's pocket.

"I think it’s more or less affecting the pocket," Glenn stated. "When you affect the pocket, the sacks usually come with that. As a play caller, I have to do a better job of getting our guys to understand we have to just affect the pocket. If we do that, the sacks will come. That’s something that, I know we have the guys that can do it and we’ll continue to work on that, and we’ll get better at it."

While the focus has been on the edge rushers, a potential underlying issue is the lack of interior pressure. The absence of Quinnen Williams, who previously helped collapse the pocket and create opportunities for teammates, is reportedly being felt.

Glenn commented on the challenges faced by Bailey and McDonald, noting that they often receive assistance from opposing offensive linemen. "The thing is it’s not just those guys that have to be a part of affecting the pocket and when you look at it those guys are getting chipped quite a bit," Glenn said. "I mean, we know exactly, and everybody knows exactly how they can impact the game when they get one-on-one blocks, so we have to do a better job of when we do get chipped of understanding how we can create a natural gain when it comes to that, and also being able to make sure we continue to get pocket push from the interior guys. So, again, when I say four-man rush, this is not one guy, this is not two guys, this is all four guys working together because it’s not a one-on-one game when it comes to pass rush. Pass rush is four guys working together."

Regarding comments made by Bears linebacker Devin Bush, who described the Jets game as one of the easiest he had played, Glenn expressed indifference. "I don’t know, but when you play 32 plays, I mean you don’t get a lot of run," Glenn responded when asked if Bush's comments were insulting. "I mean, I guess that’s common sense. I don’t know how many times you’re going to come in the game when you have 32 plays, you know. But listen, I’m not worried about that. Only thing I’m worried about is our team moving forward."