Jets Fall to Saints, 29-6: A Closer Look at Who’s Rising and Who’s Regressing in New York
At 3-12, the New York Jets are long out of the playoff picture, and what’s left of their season is about evaluation, development, and pride. With injuries sidelining Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields, rookie Brady Cook is being thrown into the fire to close out the year.
His latest test? A road matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who came into the game at 5-10 and looking to snap a skid of their own.
The result was another frustrating afternoon for the Jets, who hung around early but were ultimately outclassed in a 29-6 loss. New Orleans took control in the second half, leaning on sharp execution on both sides of the ball. For the Jets, the offense sputtered, the defense struggled to contain big plays, and the scoreboard told the story.
Still, even in a blowout loss, there were a few bright spots - and a few more question marks. Let’s break down the Jets' latest stock report following Sunday’s defeat.
📈 Stock Up: RB Isaiah Davis
The box score won’t jump out - three carries for eight yards - but Isaiah Davis made his presence felt through the air. He caught all four of his targets for 52 yards, including a 25-yard catch that showed off his burst in space.
The Jets haven’t had many explosive plays lately, but Davis gave them a glimpse of what he can do when given room to operate. If the coaching staff can find more ways to get him involved in the passing game, he could be a real asset moving forward.
📉 Stock Down: WR John Metchie III
Early in his Jets tenure, Metchie looked like a promising piece - logging 45+ receiving yards in two of his first three games. But Sunday was a step in the wrong direction.
He caught just one of his five targets for four yards, despite Cook throwing it 35 times. Whether it’s a chemistry issue with the quarterback or just a rough patch, the Jets need more from Metchie down the stretch.
These final games are critical for evaluating whether he’s part of the long-term plan.
📈 Stock Up: LB Jamien Sherwood
Jamien Sherwood continues to be one of the few defensive constants for New York. With the defense depleted by midseason trades and injuries, Sherwood has stepped into a larger role - and he’s making the most of it.
He racked up 11 tackles (seven solo), one sack, and two tackles for loss against the Saints. His instincts and motor were on full display, and while the defense as a whole struggled, Sherwood’s performance was a clear silver lining.
📉 Stock Down: DE Jermaine Johnson
It’s been a tough year for Jermaine Johnson, and Sunday didn’t offer much relief. He finished with just two tackles (one solo) and one quarterback hit.
For a player expected to be a disruptive force off the edge, the impact just hasn’t been there consistently. The Saints had little trouble moving the ball through the air, and Johnson wasn’t able to generate the kind of pressure that might’ve changed that.
The Jets need more from him - plain and simple.
📈 Stock Up: CB Qwan'tez Stiggers
In a game where the defense was mostly on its heels, Qwan'tez Stiggers stood out. He recorded five tackles (three solo), two pass breakups, and added a fumble recovery in the first quarter that could’ve swung momentum had the offense capitalized.
It was arguably his best performance of the season, and it came at a time when the Jets are desperate for playmakers in the secondary. Stiggers showed the kind of ball-hawking instincts that could earn him a bigger role going forward.
📉 Stock Down: QB Brady Cook
Brady Cook is getting valuable reps, but the growing pains are real. He completed 22 passes for 188 yards and threw one interception - and once again, the offense couldn’t find any rhythm.
Cook has shown flashes, but the inconsistency is hard to ignore. With Taylor and Fields sidelined, Cook will likely finish out the season as the starter, but the Jets are clearly still searching for their quarterback of the future.
These final games are less about wins and losses and more about whether Cook can show enough to stay in the conversation.
Final Word
The Jets are in full evaluation mode with two games left in a lost season. Sunday’s loss to the Saints was another reminder of how far this team has to go - but also an opportunity to spotlight players like Sherwood, Davis, and Stiggers who are still fighting and flashing potential. The quarterback situation remains the biggest question mark, and until that’s solved, progress will be hard to measure.
For now, it’s about finding building blocks - and making sure the right ones are in place when the reset button gets hit this offseason.