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The New York Jets defense ranks No. 1 in total defense across the NFL through the first two weeks of the 2026 regular season, allowing an average of just 197.0 yards per game.
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They are second in yards allowed per pass play, second in opponent third-down conversion rate, and first in time of possession differential.
Now they face a Lions offense that scored 31 points in each of their first two games. Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are formidable stars that can break out on any play.
The Jets’ big hope is to rev up their own scoring machine and try to keep pace.
So far, the Jets have been efficient under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Quarterback Geno Smith has not thrown an interception in 65 attempts, and the team has just one fumble, which they recovered.
That marks only the second time in the Jets history that the team had no turnovers in the first two games of the season. But if you’re a true Jets fan, you know in your heart that they’re due. Only three NFL teams avoided a turnover in their first three games last year.
The good news for the Jets is that edge David Bailey, the No. 2 overall draft choice in the 2026 draft, is living up to his hype. Bailey has two sacks and a forced fumble in his first two games to go along with 11 pressures in his first two games.
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He is just the second player to register more than five pressures in his first two games, the last being the Chargers Joey Bosa in 2016. That’s so long ago that they were known as the San Diego Chargers.
Also performing well is edge Kingsley Enagbare, who also has two sacks and a forced fumble. Enagbare came over from the Green Bay Packers and has fit in nicely in the defensive rotation.
Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is coming on in his second year with the Jets. Thomas was a surprise starter for the Jets this year, and has been a revelation. He ended his 2025 season on injured reserve, but came on strong in the summer. He now has eight games in a row with a pass defense, the longest active streak in the NFL.
That ties him with two big names in Jets history – current head coach Aaron Glenn (in 2001) and all-time great Darrelle Revis, who had his streak in 2007-2008.
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More New York Jets Essentials
- Every QB Drafted by the Jets
- 5 Best Quarterbacks in Jets History
- 5 Best Running Backs in Jets History
- 5 Best Wide Receivers in Jets History
- NFL’s Richest Owners: Where Does the Johnson Family Rank?
More on the New York Jets
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- New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn Hopes to Tame the Detroit Lions
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This story was originally published September 23, 2026 at 11:58 AM.