The New York Jets are heading into Week 15 with their defense under the microscope-and for good reason. They’re set to square off against a Jacksonville Jaguars offense that’s been humming under the direction of head coach Liam Coen, whose offensive creativity has been a major storyline this season. For Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, this matchup is more than just another game-it's a pivotal test of his unit’s resilience and adaptability.
The Jets' defense has been a mixed bag this year, but if they’re going to slow down the Jaguars, they’ll need big performances from some less-heralded names who’ve stepped up in recent weeks. Here are three players who could be X-factors on Sunday.
Isaiah Oliver, CB - Stepping Into the Spotlight
With Sauce Gardner traded and Jarvis Brownlee sidelined, Isaiah Oliver has suddenly found himself in a full-time role in the Jets' secondary. He logged a season-high 64 snaps against the Dolphins last week, and now he’s staring down a Jaguars receiving corps that’s deep, versatile, and capable of stretching the field.
Oliver’s challenge will be staying disciplined in coverage against a group that likes to test the seams and exploit mismatches. Whether he’s lined up outside or working in the slot, his ability to disrupt timing routes and limit yards after the catch could be a game-changer. The Jets don’t need Oliver to be Sauce-they just need him to be solid, smart, and physical.
Jowon Briggs, DT - The Pocket Disruptor
If you’re looking for a player who’s quietly been doing the dirty work up front all season, look no further than Jowon Briggs. The interior defensive lineman has flown under the radar, but his impact has been felt-especially when it comes to collapsing the pocket from the inside.
Against Trevor Lawrence, pressure is everything. The Jaguars’ quarterback has all the tools, but he’s also shown a tendency to force throws under duress.
That’s where Briggs comes in. If he can push the pocket and get Lawrence off his spot, it could lead to hurried throws, misreads, or even turnovers.
Briggs doesn’t need to fill the stat sheet-he just needs to make Lawrence uncomfortable.
Jamien Sherwood, LB - The Run Game Enforcer
Jamien Sherwood is coming off a monster performance, leading the team with 11 tackles last week. That kind of production will be crucial again this week, as the Jaguars lean heavily on their ground game with Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten pounding the rock between the tackles.
Sherwood’s role is clear: play downhill, play fast, and meet runners in the hole. Jacksonville loves to set the tone with physicality, and Sherwood will be the Jets’ answer to that. If he can clog lanes, shed blocks, and limit second-level yardage, he’ll give the Jets a fighting chance to control the tempo.
This week’s matchup is more than just a test of talent-it’s a test of depth, discipline, and defensive identity. With key starters out and the pressure mounting, the Jets will lean on players like Oliver, Briggs, and Sherwood to rise to the occasion. If they do, the Jets might just have enough to throw a wrench into Jacksonville’s offensive rhythm.