Jets protection decided to search out resolution to its lack-of-turnover downside

Brandon Stephens is a part of a Jets protection that has been nearly unbelievably dangerous at creating turnovers.

By way of 11 video games, the Jets have only one takeaway, with no interceptions and a lone pressured fumble and restoration.

No different crew has pressured fewer than 9 turnovers, and each different protection has a minimum of three interceptions.

“It sucks, however we’re working in direction of it,’’ Stephens mentioned of the crew’s turnover drought following Wednesday’s apply. “It’s undoubtedly not an excellent factor to be final within the league in turnovers, however we’ve nonetheless obtained extra ball to play.”

Whether or not that’s a optimistic or not stays to be seen, because the Jets play out the string, with the opportunity of being formally eradicated from playoff competition on the desk this weekend.

However the protection hasn’t given up and so they’d like to alter the narrative across the lack of turnovers

“Each man on protection is hungry to get one,’’ mentioned the fifth-year participant in his first season with the Jets. “We simply must be extra intentional about it, whether or not that’s forcing a fumble and getting on it or making a play if the ball is thrown to us.”

It’s one thing Stephens — who had a pair of picks in 2023 with the Ravens — mentioned the protection is engaged on a substantial quantity throughout apply, even when it hasn’t proven up in video games.

“We emphasize it day-after-day,’’ Stephens mentioned. “We’ve simply obtained to make the drills come to life on sport day. We’ve obtained to capitalize and create alternatives.”

On Sunday, they’ll see Kirk Cousins at quarterback after they host the Falcons and that would present the alternatives Stephens is referring to. Nobody within the NFL threw extra interceptions than the 16 Cousins threw with Atlanta a 12 months in the past, regardless of taking part in simply 14 video games for the Falcons, as he misplaced the beginning job to Michael Penix Jr.

With Penix out for the season with a torn ACL, Cousins will get one other shot, which suggests the Jets get a shot at him. 

“I need to see our protection construct on what they did final week,’’ Aaron Glenn mentioned. “It was not good, by any means, [but there were] promising issues we are able to construct on.”

Glenn mentioned he’s been impressed with Armand Membou at proper sort out.

“I’m not shocked how properly he’s taking part in,” Glenn mentioned. “I feel he’s doing a rattling good job for us.”

Membou, the No. 7 decide in final 12 months’s draft, has began all 11 video games this season. 

“He does some rookie issues he has to proceed to wash up,” the coach mentioned. “However for a proper sort out to return in and be placed on an island, with the conditions we put him in, I’ve thought he’s performed a hell of a job.”

And Glenn is assured different facets of Membou’s sport will enhance.

“As he continues to progress, I see him turning into a real chief of this crew,’’ the top coach mentioned. “He’s a very quiet man, however he’s beginning to open up extra to his teammates and open up extra to me and the teaching employees. I’m glad we have now that participant. There’s a ton of expertise there that’s nonetheless untapped and we need to get it out.”

One other rookie, tight finish Mason Taylor, hasn’t had greater than 34 yards receiving in a sport because the fifth sport of the season.

“We attempt to get Mason the ball as usually as attainable,’’ Tyrod Taylor mentioned. “He’s a really dynamic cross catcher.’’