Jets’ feeble run defense shredded in worrying issue: ‘Not OK’

From the start of training camp, the Jets have emphasized the need to stop the run. 

Returning players talked about having to improve in the area, after taking a step back last season. 

Despite allowing a ton of points in a Week 1 loss to the Steelers, the Jets were strong against the run.

Sunday afternoon was very different. 

The Jets were hammered on the ground by the Bills in a 30-10 beatdown at MetLife Stadium, allowing 224 rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry.

James Cook runs with the ball during the Bills-Jets game on Sept. 14, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

They couldn’t slow down Josh Allen or James Cook.

So even on a day when Allen didn’t do much through the air, completing 14-of-25 passes for 148 yards, it didn’t matter. 

The Bills’ 224 rushing yards were the most allowed by the Jets since they gave up 260 yards on the ground to the Colts on Nov. 5, 2021. 

“I would say there wasn’t a challenge. There was a struggle,” linebacker Jamien Sherwood said. “Again, self-inflicted wounds. We have to stay in our gaps. We need to get downhill faster. We need to use our hand techniques. We have to rely on all of our preparation. We have to see formations. We have to adjust on the sidelines.” 

The low point of the day for the defense came in the second quarter, when Cook went 44 yards for a score, breaking several tackles along the way.

He made Quincy Williams miss at the point of attack, and then was off to the races.

Josh Allen runs with the ball during the Bills-Jets game on Sept. 14, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

It made it 20-3 in favor of the Bills, and the Jets failed to threaten them again. 

“I think it was more over-pursuit,” coach Aaron Glenn said. “But again, I don’t want to really stamp that until I get ready to watch it. But, missed tackles did happen on that play.” 

Overall, it has been a poor start for the defense.

The Jets have allowed 64 points through two weeks, and actually got worse from the first to second game. 

“It’s not OK,” safety Andre Cisco said. “[A] hard look in the mirror, I think, is the best way to go about it.”