Major Concern No More: Jets' Defense Is Clearly Turning a Corner in Key Area

History was made last year with the Jets, and not the kind of history teams want to make.

Much has been made about the Jets' failure to record an interception last year. No team in NFL history had failed to record one for an entire season up until that point. But New York took steps along the offseason to make sure that dubious distinction.

All-Pros like Minkah Fitzpatrick were added to the secondary. New York even drafted David Bailey to improve the pass rush as a way to force quarterbacks into more mistakes.

Through two preseason games, the investments seem to be paying off early. The Jets intercepted not one, but two Steeler passes in Friday's 17-0 win in the Steel City.

Andre Cisco in the right place at the right time 😌

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While four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers didn't throw either errant pass, it did highlight the Jets' improved mindset in forcing turnovers.

Even if there's still room to grow.

Jets' interceptions add to secondary's promising outlook

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright was the first player to acknowledge the team's lack of interceptions last year. Instead of harping on the record, though, New York has focused more on improving the process they run that leads to forcing turnovers.

"I honestly don't think it's been brought up at all in meetings," Wright said. "I think 2025 was 2025, and I think we're trying to turn over a new leaf, so we haven't spoken about it at all."

Their improved mindset has already paid off. Andre Cisco got the party started with an interception in the first half. Samuel Womack III responded some time later with an interception of his own. Fitzpatrick and Wright did not record any interceptions. Nor did the combination of Brandon Stephens and AZ Thomas.

But one thing the Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn should be pleased with is their thought process, leading to an improvement in forcing turnovers.

There's so much noise on the outside that it's really good to see our guys just focus on the now.They're trained to do that. It's hard sometimes, but man, I'm really proud of how our guys respond to that and continue to just work.
Aaron Glenn, Jets HC

Part of the reason why the Jets were so poor at creating turnovers last year was that they were also bad at getting to the quarterback. New York was among the worst teams in the league in both pressure rate and sacks. If quarterbacks have all day to throw, they won't make so many mistakes. It's why Glenn also addressed the trenches throughout the offseason.

He understands that if the team is to end its interception drought, it won't only come from players in the secondary, but also from getting after the quarterback.

If the Jets can get both sides of the ball to work together, they could bump their interception numbers considerably from last year.

It's also important to note that while the two-INT game on Friday will have fans celebrating, it mirrors last year's preseason. New York's last recorded pick in any game setting was in the preseason finale last year. That highlights a clear part of this whole problem as well.

Getting pressure on a quarterback and recording interceptions in practice and the preseason is one thing. Doing it when the games actually matter will be the next step in improving the current Jets defense.

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