Jets’ Quinnen Williams on defense struggles: "We have to find a way to get to the quarterback."

The New York Jets face mounting challenges as they seek their first victory of the season against the Denver Broncos amid defensive struggles and player injuries.

Why it matters: The Jets, currently 0-5, are the only winless team in the NFL, leaving fans and analysts questioning the direction of the franchise.

  • Their defensive woes have been compounded by a staggering statistic: the Jets are allowing an average of 31.4 points per game, the second-worst in the league.
  • In a startling historical note, they have started the season with no takeaways, marking them the first team in NFL history to do so in the initial five games.

What’s new: Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has vocalized concerns about the team’s performance.

  • “We have to find a way to get to the quarterback and affect the quarterback because I think that's the No. 1 thing that's going to help this defense ascend,” Williams remarked, emphasizing the need for improvement in their pass rush.
  • The Jets recorded four sacks in Week 1, but alarmingly, they have managed just three sacks over the last four games, including only one against the Dallas Cowboys.

What to watch: The return of edge rusher Jermaine Johnson could be pivotal for the Jets’ struggling defense.

  • Johnson had a career-high 7.5 sacks last season before suffering a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. His presence could provide an essential boost to a pass rush that has faltered significantly in recent weeks.

Yes, but: While Johnson's return is promising, the Jets' overall defensive strategy may require more than just individual performances.

  • With opposing offenses averaging over 30 points against them, the Jets must reassess their defensive schemes, potentially shifting towards more aggressive blitz packages or adjusting their coverage schemes to create turnovers.

Zoom In: The upcoming matchup against the Broncos presents a significant challenge.

  • Denver, at 3-2, boasts a balanced offensive attack that could exploit the Jets' vulnerabilities. The Jets will need to capitalize on any opportunities to pressure quarterback Russell Wilson if they hope to turn their luck around.

The bottom line: For the Jets, Sunday’s game is not just another matchup; it’s a critical juncture that could define their season.

  • A loss would deepen their winless streak and heighten scrutiny on head coach Robert Saleh and his defensive unit, while a victory could provide much-needed momentum and confidence as they navigate the rest of the season.
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Jets’ Quinnen Williams on defense struggles: "We have to find a way to get to the quarterback."