The New York Jets' Week 16 matchup against the New Orleans Saints was another tough chapter in a season that’s been full of them. A 26-9 loss dropped the Jets to 3-12 on the year, and while the defeat was lopsided, it wasn’t exactly shocking. This is a team that’s been searching for answers all season - and coming up empty more often than not.
Sunday’s loss was another reminder of just how far the Jets have to go. The Saints, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, picked apart a Jets defense that looked overmatched from the first snap. And while the result helped nudge the Jets up to the No. 4 spot in the 2026 NFL Draft order, the on-field product raised more questions than it answered - especially on defense, at quarterback, and in the secondary.
Let’s break down what we really learned from the Jets’ latest setback.
1. A new voice at defensive coordinator didn’t change the tune
Head coach Aaron Glenn made a bold move ahead of Week 16, parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and handing the reins to interim Chris Harris. The hope? Maybe a fresh perspective could spark something - anything - from a unit that’s struggled all year.
But Sunday showed that the problem runs deeper than play-calling. The Jets' defense was once again overwhelmed, surrendering 412 total yards and 26 points to a Saints offense that, while improving, isn’t exactly the league’s most explosive.
Tyler Shough looked poised and confident, and the Saints executed Kellen Moore’s game plan with precision. The Jets simply didn’t have the personnel - or the health - to keep up.
Injuries have gutted this defense, but even beyond that, the lack of depth and playmakers is glaring. The midseason DC switch may have been necessary, but it wasn’t a magic fix. This defense isn’t just underperforming - it’s outmatched.
2. Brady Cook is learning the hard way
It’s been a trial by fire for rookie quarterback Brady Cook, and Week 16 was another tough lesson. The Missouri product completed 22 of 35 passes for 188 yards, didn’t throw a touchdown, tossed one interception, and lost a fumble. He was also sacked eight times - a number that tells you everything you need to know about the state of the Jets' offensive line.
Cook is clearly still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. He’s shown flashes of poise and touch, but those moments are often buried under relentless pressure and a lack of support. It’s hard to evaluate a young quarterback when he’s constantly running for his life - but what we’ve seen so far is a player who’s growing, yes, but also struggling to keep his head above water.
There’s potential there, no doubt. But the Jets have to ask themselves: are they doing enough to help him succeed? Because right now, Cook is learning on the fly behind a line that can’t protect him and a system that’s still trying to find its identity.
3. The secondary is hanging on by a thread
Injuries have ravaged the Jets’ defensive backfield, and the Saints wasted no time exploiting that weakness. Chris Olave had a field day, hauling in 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He was uncoverable - not because the Jets didn’t try, but because they didn’t have anyone healthy or talented enough to slow him down.
The cornerback room is depleted, and the safety play hasn’t done much to compensate. It’s a tough spot for any defense, especially one already struggling with cohesion and confidence. When your best coverage option is outmatched by a top-tier receiver like Olave, the results are predictable - and painful.
This isn’t just a depth issue. It’s a talent gap.
The Jets need reinforcements in the secondary, and they need them soon. Because right now, they’re asking too much of players who simply aren’t equipped to handle the load.
Bottom line: The Jets are limping toward the finish line of a brutal season, and Sunday’s loss was another snapshot of a team in transition - and in trouble. The defense is leaking yards, the offense is sputtering behind a rookie QB under siege, and the secondary is a patchwork unit trying to hold it together.
Yes, the draft position is improving. But unless the Jets can start building a foundation - especially on defense and in the trenches - they’ll be stuck in this cycle for a while. There’s still time to course-correct, but Week 16 made one thing clear: the road back to relevance is going to be a long one.