The New York Jets are turning the page on defense in Week 16, and all eyes will be on interim coordinator Chris Harris as he makes his debut against the New Orleans Saints. After last week’s 48-20 meltdown in Jacksonville, the Jets parted ways with Steve Wilks, and now Harris steps in with a chance to steady the ship - starting with a matchup against rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and a Saints offense still finding its rhythm.
This isn’t just a fresh start for the coaching staff; it’s a pivotal moment for several key players on the Jets defense. With a string of injuries and a roster in flux, a few names are set to play outsized roles on Sunday. Let’s break down three potential X-factors who could swing the momentum back in the Jets’ favor.
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE - Searching for a spark
Jermaine Johnson II hasn’t looked quite like the explosive edge rusher we saw earlier in his career. Still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered last season, Johnson’s burst and bend haven’t fully returned - and it’s shown in his production. But with his fifth-year option keeping him under contract through next season, this is a critical stretch for the former first-round pick.
The Saints offer a potential get-right opportunity. Their offensive line has had its share of struggles, and if Johnson can tap into even a portion of the form that once made him a disruptive force, he could be a game-changer off the edge. For a Jets defense that desperately needs to generate pressure and force mistakes from a young quarterback, Johnson’s ability to win one-on-one matchups could be the difference.
Malachi Moore, S - Rookie rising in a depleted secondary
The Jets’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries. Jarvis Brownlee, Tony Adams, Azareye’h Thomas, Andre Cisco, and Isaiah Oliver are all sidelined, leaving the back end of the defense dangerously thin. That’s opened the door for rookie safety Malachi Moore - and he’s making the most of it.
Last week, Moore led the team with nine tackles, showing off his instincts and physicality in the run game. But against the Saints, the challenge shifts.
He’ll need to stay sharp in coverage and help contain a New Orleans passing attack that, while inconsistent, still has weapons capable of stretching the field. Moore’s ability to communicate, stay disciplined, and make timely plays could help stabilize a unit that’s been in survival mode.
Brandon Stephens, CB - Stepping into the spotlight
With Sauce Gardner now gone following a midseason trade, Brandon Stephens finds himself thrust into the CB1 role. That’s no small task - especially this week, as he’s likely to spend a good chunk of Sunday lined up across from Chris Olave.
Olave is a savvy route-runner with the speed to create separation and the hands to make contested catches. For Stephens, this is a true litmus test.
Can he limit explosive plays and hold his own in isolation? If he can rise to the occasion, it’ll go a long way toward restoring some pride in a defense that’s taken its lumps.
This Week 16 matchup is more than just another game for the Jets defense - it’s a chance to reset, respond, and reclaim some identity under new leadership. Chris Harris will be looking to inject energy and urgency into a unit that’s been reeling. And if Johnson, Moore, and Stephens can deliver, the Jets just might find the defensive spark they’ve been missing.