The New York Jets haven’t had much to cheer about this season, but Sunday’s 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons offered a rare bright spot-and perhaps, a glimpse into what this team could become under Aaron Glenn. That’s now three wins in the last five games for Glenn, and while the record won’t turn heads, the progress is worth noting.
This one came in the rain, and it came with some help. Atlanta was without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and top wideout Drake London, which certainly tilted things in the Jets’ favor.
But let’s not take too much away from the Jets here-they still had to make the plays, and they did. Adonai Mitchell had his breakout moment, showing flashes of the kind of big-play potential that can change games.
And veteran kicker Nick Folk sealed it with a game-winner, reminding everyone he’s still as reliable as ever when it counts.
Now, while the win goes in the books as a positive for Glenn, it’s a different story on the other sideline. The Falcons’ loss is the kind that raises questions-specifically about head coach Raheem Morris. Atlanta looked out of sorts, and with the team underperforming, it’s fair to wonder if Morris will be around much longer.
That brings us to an interesting possibility for the Jets. If Morris is let go in Atlanta, could Glenn look to bring him in as a defensive coordinator?
Morris has had a rocky run as a head coach-his career record sits at 33-55, including a 12-21 mark over the last two years in Atlanta. But let’s not forget what he did with the Rams.
He played a key role in coordinating a Super Bowl-winning defense and helped that unit rebound after a tough 2022 campaign. That’s the kind of experience that could be valuable in New York, especially for a defense that’s been struggling to generate takeaways.
Right now, the Jets’ defense isn’t creating game-changing plays. They’ve gone into December with just one turnover forced and no interceptions.
That’s not going to cut it in today’s NFL, where explosive offenses demand defenses that can flip the field. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is under pressure, and if changes are coming, Morris could be a candidate worth watching.
Glenn has already shown a good eye for building his staff. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has injected creativity into the playbook-when he’s not limited by Justin Fields’ inconsistencies-and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo has his unit playing at a high level. But Wilks has been the outlier, and that may prompt a reevaluation.
Morris might not be a long-term answer as a head coach, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact. Some coaches thrive in coordinator roles, where they can focus on scheme and player development without the weight of managing the entire operation. Morris has a track record of connecting with players, especially in the secondary, and that could be exactly what this Jets defense needs to start generating turnovers again.
There’s still a lot of football left, and a lot of decisions to be made. But if Raheem Morris becomes available, don’t be surprised if the Jets give him a long look.