The New York Jets edged out the Atlanta Falcons in a tight 27-24 win at MetLife Stadium in Week 13 - a rare bright spot in what’s been a rough season for Gang Green. At 3-9, wins have been hard to come by, but this one offered a few flashes of promise. Still, not everyone in green and white had a banner day.
Pro Football Focus has released its player grades from the game, offering a deeper dive into individual performances beyond the box score. And while the Jets got the win, the tape tells a more nuanced story - especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the defensive players who struggled the most against the Falcons, based on PFF’s grading system (minimum eight snaps played):
5. DT Jowon Briggs - 51.2 PFF Grade
Briggs saw limited action, but in those snaps, he didn’t make much of an impact. The rookie defensive tackle struggled to assert himself at the point of attack, and Atlanta’s interior line had little trouble neutralizing him.
He’s a developmental piece, and games like this show there’s still a ways to go.
4. CB AZ Thomas - 50.2 PFF Grade
Thomas had a tough assignment in Atlanta’s receiving corps, and it showed. He allowed too much separation in coverage and wasn’t able to consistently disrupt passing lanes.
For a cornerback trying to carve out a bigger role in the rotation, these types of outings can be costly.
3. CB Isaiah Oliver - 45.0 PFF Grade
Oliver’s day was rocky from the jump. He looked a step behind in man coverage and didn’t provide much help in run support either.
The Falcons attacked his side of the field with success, and the numbers back up what the eye test already suggested - he had a rough go.
2. DT Khalen Saunders - 44.4 PFF Grade
Saunders is typically counted on to bring some juice to the defensive front, but that wasn’t the case in this one. He struggled to generate any push in the pass rush and was a non-factor against the run.
For a veteran presence, this was a game he’ll want to put behind him quickly.
1. LB Quincy Williams - 38.8 PFF Grade
This one stands out. Williams has been one of the more consistent playmakers on the Jets’ defense this season, but Sunday wasn’t his day.
He missed tackles, got caught out of position more than once, and didn’t have the same sideline-to-sideline burst we’re used to seeing. Everyone has an off day, but this was a noticeable dip for one of the unit’s emotional leaders.
While the Jets ultimately walked away with the win, the defensive grades highlight a few areas that still need attention. The front seven, in particular, had trouble maintaining gap discipline and generating consistent pressure. And in the secondary, lapses in coverage allowed the Falcons to stay in the game longer than they probably should have.
Wins are always welcome, especially in a season like this, but the film doesn’t lie - and the Jets know they’ll need more consistent execution across the board if they want to string together another victory before the year is out.