Jets Defensive Breakdown: Watts Makes the Most of His Shot, Clemons Delivers, and Taylor Shows Promise in Debut
Each week, the Jets' defense continues to evolve, and Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons gave us a fresh look at some less familiar names stepping into bigger roles. With key contributors sidelined, it was an opportunity for depth players to show what they can do. Let’s dive into three defenders who stood out - for better and for worse - in the loss to Atlanta.
Eric Watts: Quietly Effective in the Trenches
Eric Watts has spent most of 2025 waiting in the wings. After flashing some potential late last season, he’s been stashed on the practice squad all year - until Sunday. With Braiden McGregor and Tyler Baron inactive, Watts was elevated and inserted into a run-heavy matchup against a Falcons team that doesn’t shy away from pounding the rock.
Atlanta still managed to rack up 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with Bijan Robinson doing most of the damage. But don’t let the box score fool you - Watts held his ground.
He wasn’t the reason for the defensive struggles against the run. In fact, his ability to anchor at the point of attack likely prevented things from getting worse.
Watts was on the field for two of the Falcons’ four explosive runs (12+ yards), but he did his job on both. On one, he set a firm edge that forced a cutback.
On the other, he penetrated into the backfield and redirected the runner wide, allowing help to arrive. That’s textbook edge discipline - something you want to see from a young rotational lineman.
He finished with three tackles, including one that stood out thanks to Quincy Williams blowing up the play and making the initial read. Watts didn’t record any pressures as a pass rusher, but his role was clear: eat up blocks, stay disciplined, and don’t give up the edge. Mission accomplished.
The question now is whether this was a one-off appearance based on the Falcons’ run-heavy scheme or the start of something more. Either way, Watts showed enough to warrant another look - maybe not this season, but certainly when the team starts building next year’s depth chart.
Micheal Clemons: A Sack, A Statement, and Steady Contributions
Micheal Clemons has been a model of consistency in terms of usage this year, logging between 30 and 43 snaps in every game. But production? That’s been a different story - especially after a hot start last season cooled off once Haason Reddick returned and ate into his pass-rushing reps.
Sunday, though, Clemons reminded everyone he can still get after the quarterback. His first sack in 20 games came via a powerful bull rush that overwhelmed the blocker and collapsed the pocket. It was a much-needed flash of pass-rush juice from a player who’s been mostly asked to hold the edge and play the run.
Speaking of which, Clemons did a solid job in that department, even though he was on the field for all four of Atlanta’s big runs. None were directly on him, though he did get a bit too aggressive on one - charging downhill and getting sealed off on a 26-yard Robinson cutback. Still, those are the kinds of teachable moments that come with playing fast and physical.
His only other credited tackle besides the sack was a strong run stop, and while the stat sheet won’t jump out, Clemons did what was asked of him. He’s also cleaned up the penalties - none since Week 3 - which shows he’s taking coaching and playing smarter.
With free agency looming, Clemons becomes an intriguing case. He’s been steady, reliable, and largely underappreciated. If he hits the open market, don’t be surprised if other teams see the value in a versatile, disciplined edge defender who still has some pass-rush upside.
Ja’Sir Taylor: Mixed Bag in First Real Look
Most of the headlines around the trade deadline focused on bigger names, but Ja’Sir Taylor quietly arrived as a depth pickup - and on Sunday, he got his first extended look with Jarvis Brownlee out. Taylor slotted into the nickel role and saw 30 snaps, mostly in sub-packages while the Jets leaned on heavier fronts to combat Atlanta’s ground game.
Statistically, Taylor held up well: three tackles, one pass breakup, and just one catch allowed on three targets. But the tape tells a more nuanced story.
He was involved in two Falcons touchdowns - both times overpursuing and missing would-be tackles. On Robinson’s touchdown run, Taylor took a poor angle and whiffed with an arm tackle.
Later, he overran David Sills V and couldn’t recover, allowing another score. Those are the kinds of mistakes that sting, especially in the red zone.
Still, there were flashes. His best play came on a third down, just after Tyrod Taylor’s touchdown run had tied the game.
Taylor closed quickly on a short pass, delivered a clean hit, and jarred the ball loose - earning credit for a pass defensed. That’s the kind of physical, heads-up play you want from your nickel corner.
Overall, Taylor didn’t look overwhelmed. The mistakes were real, but so was the effort and the potential.
He’s been a core special teamer, and now he’s showing he can step in on defense without the unit falling apart. That speaks to the coaching staff’s ability to prepare their depth - and to Taylor’s readiness to take advantage of the opportunity.
He’s in the final year of his rookie deal, so this is essentially a rental. But if he continues to contribute and likes the fit, the Jets could have a low-cost, high-upside depth piece to bring back next season.
Final Thoughts
Sunday wasn’t a banner day for the Jets’ defense, especially against the run. But it did offer a look into the depth of this unit - and there were encouraging signs.
Eric Watts held his own in his first real action of the year. Micheal Clemons reminded us he can still make plays.
And Ja’Sir Taylor, while imperfect, showed enough promise to be more than just a stopgap.
These aren’t the stars of the defense. But in a long season where injuries pile up and rotations shift, it’s players like these who often end up making the difference between a good defense and a great one.