Isaiah Williams knows what it feels like to hit rock bottom in the NFL. Back in September, his Monday night meltdown against the Dolphins - a muffed kickoff and a baffling fair catch at the 3-yard line - led to his release from the Jets.
At the time, it looked like his season, maybe even his career, had flatlined. But fast forward to December, and Williams isn’t just back - he’s thriving.
The Jets gave him a second chance, and he’s running with it - literally. Williams has emerged as one of the most electric return men in the league this season, anchoring a special teams unit that’s quietly been one of the Jets’ biggest strengths.
“It made me better because of it,” Williams said, reflecting on the rough night in Miami. “In a way, I'm almost thankful that it happened.
It freed me from a lot of things. It hurt that it hurt the team, but I’m thankful for my development and my growth.”
That growth has been on full display. Since returning to the Jets, Williams has delivered big play after big play, including a 74-yard punt return touchdown in Week 10 against Cleveland and an 83-yard kick return last week that set up a key field goal in a tight win over Atlanta.
He’s the only player in the NFL this season with both a punt return of more than 70 yards and a kick return of over 80. Among players with at least 20 kick returns, his 29.2-yard average ranks second in the league.
Not bad for a guy who was cut in Week 4.
Williams credits Jets special teams coordinator Chris Banjo and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for believing in him when it would’ve been easy to move on. Glenn, who worked with Williams during their time together in Detroit, played a key role in bringing him back.
“I know he made mistakes early on, but I truly believe in this player,” Glenn said. “I'm excited not just for now what he's doing, but as a go-forward how he's going to help our team.”
Williams had practice squad offers from both the Bengals and the Jets, and he admits he hesitated at first to rejoin the team that had just let him go. But after some soul-searching and leaning into his faith, he chose to stay - and hasn’t looked back.
“They didn't give up on me,” Williams said. “They were like, ‘We want you here.
You’ll get better from it. You’ll grow from it.’
After I prayed about it, something just told me, stay here.”
That decision has paid off. Williams has become a key contributor on a team that’s still fighting to find its identity. And while his contract isn’t guaranteed for next season, his play is making a strong case for a permanent spot on the roster.
“God chose me to be here,” he said. “Therefore, I'm more than good enough.”
Jets’ Offensive Line: Steady and Strong
For the first time in over a decade, the Jets have found some rare continuity up front. The same five offensive linemen - Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, and Armand Membou - have started every game this season.
That’s a far cry from last year, when seven different linemen got the call. And in 2023?
Thirteen.
It’s not just about staying healthy - it’s about performing. The Jets are averaging 133.7 rushing yards per game, good for seventh in the NFL. That’s a testament to the group’s toughness and chemistry.
“I'm just proud to be a part of something like that,” Simpson said. “Guys that'll just wrap up, whatever nicks and bruises they might have, and go out there and compete because they know they’re doing it for something bigger than themselves.”
Fixing the Run Defense - Fast
The Jets' defense has been stout for much of the season, but last week’s showing against Atlanta raised some red flags. Rookie Bijan Robinson gashed them for 142 yards on the ground - a performance that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn didn’t mince words about.
“Unacceptable,” Glenn said. “Too many missed tackles. Guys diving to the ground instead of running through the man.”
That’s not the kind of tackling that’s going to cut it this week, especially with Miami’s Devon Achane on deck. Achane has been on a tear, averaging 142.7 rushing yards over his last three games. His speed on the edge is a problem for any defense - and Glenn knows it.
“Once he gets on the perimeter, he can circle the defense,” Glenn said. “He's making a ton of plays. We got to make sure that we don't allow him to circle the defense.”
Jeremy Ruckert: Quietly Reliable
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert might not be a headline-maker, but he’s quietly become one of the most dependable players on the Jets’ offense. He’s caught 16 of his 18 targets this season - an 88.9% catch rate that leads the team - and needs just three more receptions to set a new career high.
“He's done everything that we've asked of him,” said offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. “And when his number's called, he's generally made the play.
He continues to improve on a daily and weekly basis. So we're excited where he's at right now.”
Ruckert’s not just contributing in the passing game either. He’s been a steady presence as a blocker, helping pave the way for the Jets’ top-10 rushing attack.
Tippmann Sr. Takes the Field
Jets guard Joe Tippmann will be wearing a slightly different jersey this week. After welcoming his first child, Joseph Jr., last week, Tippmann will now sport “Tippmann Sr.” on the back of his uniform.
“Now I get to have it say 'Tippmann Sr.,’” he said.
The timing didn’t allow for the change to be made in time for last week’s game against Atlanta, but it’ll be there when the Jets take the field in their new rivalry uniforms this Sunday.
Interception Drought Reaches Historic Levels
The Jets are still searching for their first interception of the season - a streak that has now reached 12 games, the longest such drought to start a season in NFL history. The last Jet to pick off a pass?
Ashtyn Davis, who had two interceptions in last season’s finale - also against Miami. He’ll be back at MetLife this weekend, but this time wearing Dolphins colors after signing with them in the offseason.
“It’s really puzzling,” Glenn said of the drought. “It really is.”
If there’s a silver lining, it’s this: Tua Tagovailoa has thrown 14 interceptions this year, tied for the league lead. If ever there were a time for the Jets’ secondary to break through, it’s now.
From Isaiah Williams’ redemption arc to a suddenly rock-solid offensive line, the Jets are showing signs of resilience and growth as the season winds down. They’ve still got plenty to prove, but with playmakers stepping up in all three phases, there’s reason to believe this team isn’t done making noise just yet.