The New York Jets are gearing up for a critical AFC East rematch with the Miami Dolphins in Week 14 - a chance to flip the script after falling 27-21 under the prime-time lights back in Week 4. But this time, the Jets are coming in with a little more juice, fresh off a 27-24 upset win over the Falcons. Aaron Glenn’s defense, which has shown flashes of growth, will need to be sharp and aggressive to contain Miami’s high-octane offense.
Let’s take a closer look at three defensive X-factors who could tilt the balance in the Jets’ favor this Sunday.
Malachi Moore, S - The Rookie Who’s Rising Fast
Malachi Moore is starting to look like more than just a promising rookie - he’s becoming a foundational piece in this Jets secondary. The fourth-round pick out of Alabama led the team with 10 tackles against Atlanta and had nine more in the first meeting with the Dolphins. That kind of production isn’t just impressive for a first-year player - it’s a sign of trust from the coaching staff and a reflection of Moore’s instincts and physicality in the box.
What stands out is how Moore has grown into his role as the season has progressed. He’s not just reacting - he’s diagnosing plays, flying downhill, and making stops in space.
Against a Dolphins offense that thrives on yards after the catch and explosive plays across the middle, Moore’s ability to close quickly and wrap up could be a game-changer. If he keeps playing at this level, the Jets may have found a long-term answer at safety.
Isaiah Oliver, CB - Veteran Presence in the Slot
With Jarvis Brownlee sidelined for a second straight week due to a hip injury, Isaiah Oliver is once again expected to handle nickel corner duties - and the veteran showed last week that he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion. He racked up nine tackles and broke up a pass against the Falcons, displaying both physicality and poise in coverage.
Covering the slot is one of the toughest jobs in football, especially against a team like Miami that loves to move its weapons around and create mismatches. Oliver’s experience and ability to read route concepts will be tested, especially if he finds himself lined up against quick-twitch receivers in motion. But if he can hold his ground and limit yards after the catch, it’ll go a long way in disrupting Miami’s rhythm.
Jowon Briggs, DT - The Disruptor in the Trenches
Jowon Briggs is starting to make his presence felt on the interior, and that’s great news for a Jets defense that needs to win up front to have a shot against Miami. The former Cincinnati standout logged a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit last week, flashing the kind of disruptive ability that can wreck plays before they even get started.
Briggs brings a powerful base and quick hands, and he’s shown he can push the pocket when given the opportunity. That’s exactly the kind of pressure the Jets need to generate against a Dolphins offensive line that’s had its share of struggles on the interior. If Briggs can collapse the pocket and force quicker decisions, it could help neutralize Miami’s speed and timing - and maybe even lead to a turnover or two.
Bottom Line: The Jets' defense is starting to find its identity, and these three players - a rising rookie, a savvy veteran, and an emerging force in the trenches - could be pivotal in slowing down one of the league’s most explosive offenses. If they step up again in Week 14, the Jets might just get the redemption they’ve been waiting for.