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Rich Cimini
BALTIMORE — Here’s a glance at happenings concerning the New York Jets:
1. Vastly Awaited: Consider it odd. Consider it surprising. Before long, you may regard it as unprecedented.
The Jets haven’t yet secured an interception. Ten contests, 302 attempted passes, zero interceptions.
Should this trend persist Sunday when they face the Baltimore Ravens, they will become the first team in NFL history to lack an interception through their initial 11 games, and intercepting passes from Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may present a challenge — given that he has only committed three interceptions in seven appearances.
The lengthiest stretch without an interception at any point in a season since 1960 stands at 14 consecutive games (San Francisco 49ers, 2024).
“That’s — goodness, I’m not sure how to respond to that,” remarked Bill Baird, 86, the Jets’ all-time interception leader, via telephone from Fresno, California. “It appears to align with their challenges.”
Baird, a starting safety for the Jets’ Super Bowl III-winning team in 1969, possesses significant knowledge regarding interceptions. He accumulated 34 interceptions during his career and served as the Jets’ defensive backs coach from 1981 to 1984. He honed his abilities as a rookie with the Baltimore Colts, guarding players such as Raymond Berry and John Mackey while Johnny Unitas delivered the throws — all of whom are future Hall of Famers.
“The primary reason for being a defensive back,” Baird asserted, “is to achieve interceptions.”
Present Jets players and coaches acknowledge the current drought. They engage in discussions about interceptions during team meetings. They analyze video footage of other teams, observing how they pursue the ball and transform deflections into significant plays. Each week, they witness other teams benefiting from fortuitous interceptions.
Why are the Jets unable to experience a favorable turn?
“I don’t have faith in chance,” declared defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. “We must cultivate our own good fortune.”
The paradox lies in the fact that the Jets are guided by a coach who was one of the team’s most successful interceptors. Aaron Glenn recorded 24 interceptions during his Jets tenure, ranking fourth on the all-time list. Glenn conveyed that it is “difficult to fathom” the absence of interceptions and the presence of only one takeaway (fumble recovery).
The Jets’ interception drought is further perplexing when considering the following:
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They have competed against six of the 13 quarterbacks most susceptible to interceptions — Tua Tagovailoa (13), Joe Flacco (nine), Josh Allen (nine), Bo Nix (eight), Aaron Rodgers (seven) and Bryce Young (seven).
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They share sixth place in pass break-ups (39), implying that they are making contact with the ball. ESPN Research indicates that they have been charged with two dropped interceptions. Intriguingly, both occurred on first-and-10 plays with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter — Nov. 9 versus the Cleveland Browns (Jarvis Brownlee Jr.) and Nov. 13 versus the New England Patriots (Tony Adams-Qwan’tez Stiggers collision).
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They have been surpassed in interceptions by 148 individual players, including six defensive linemen. Even Dexter Lawrence II, listed at 340 pounds, has secured an interception. Sixteen rookies possess at least one interception, including RJ Mickens (two), son of former Jets cornerback Ray Mickens (11).
Since 1960, the year the Jets became a franchise, the record for the fewest interceptions in a season is two (49ers, 2018). The Jets’ lowest interception total is six (2014), Rex Ryan’s final year as head coach.
2. Quarterback on Borrowed Time? Glenn avoided directly addressing questions about Justin Fields’ future with the team; however, it is a matter that warrants consideration now that he has been replaced in the starting lineup by Tyrod Taylor.
It appears evident that they will seek a new starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Will they retain Fields as a backup option? If so, his contract will require renegotiation. He is scheduled to receive $20 million, which exceeds the market value for a backup quarterback. Half of that amount is guaranteed.
They might retain Fields as a backup if they acquire a well-established starting quarterback; however, it is uncertain whether a player of that caliber will be available. Releasing him — the probable outcome — would result in a $22 million cap charge and a $10 million cash payment. They have the flexibility to absorb the entire cap hit in 2026 or distribute it over a two-year period.
Their quarterback strategy should begin to unfold in March, coinciding with the start of free agency and trading activities.
3. Point of Origin: Taylor, 36, described facing the team that drafted him in 2011 as a “full-circle experience.” His longevity — and his overall career path — is a significant source of pride for him. He expressed a sense of nostalgia this week, mentioning that he had engaged in reminiscing with former Ravens teammate Torrey Smith.
“I recall when I was drafted, there were individuals who wanted to transition me to the wide receiver position,” Taylor stated, having served as Flacco’s backup on the Ravens’ 2012 Super Bowl championship team. “I resisted that idea and steadfastly maintained my position as a quarterback. That’s what I had played throughout my life, and I believed that, given the opportunity, I could demonstrate my abilities. Fifteen years later, I continue to prove myself.”
4. Select Group of Five: Taylor, a sixth-round selection, is one of only five players from the 2011 draft class who remain active in the league. The others are Von Miller (Washington Commanders), Cameron Jordan (New Orleans Saints), Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Andy Dalton (Carolina Panthers).
5. Plans in Motion? Numerous fans have expressed interest in knowing whether rookie quarterback Brady Cook, a member of the practice squad, will participate in game action this season. It appears to be a possibility, albeit not in the immediate future.
Glenn indicated that they have a strategic plan for Cook, adding, “And who can say? We’ll see how things unfold as the season progresses. I’m not making any promises, but he is fully aware of his role within the team.”
Cook, an undrafted player from Missouri, participated in 77 snaps during the preseason, outperforming Adrian Martinez to secure a spot on the practice squad. He is recognized for his rapid decision-making abilities and good mobility but possesses limited arm strength.
Fans are invariably captivated by the unknown, and their yearning for a quarterback has elevated Cook’s popularity in recent times. He certainly benefits from a name — “Brady” — that inspires belief that anything is achievable.
6. Evaluating Mendoza: With the draft still five months away, there is already considerable discussion regarding the Jets and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, potentially the top quarterback prospect. The question is whether he warrants a top-10 selection.
“When there’s a sense of desperation, it’s possible to create a narrative around a player,” a seasoned personnel executive observed. “Mendoza possesses sufficient qualities to support such a narrative.”
In his most recent mock draft, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller projects the Jets trading up to secure Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The Jets’ scouts are closely monitoring Mendoza; general manager Darren Mougey has personally observed him in action on at least one occasion — but the evaluation process is in its initial phases.
7. Avoiding Sugary Beverages: Jermaine Johnson aims to shed some weight and enhance his speed, so he is “abstaining from sugary drinks” throughout the season. He is in pursuit of that slight boost that can convert a quarterback pressure into a sack. It may be proving effective; he has recorded sacks in consecutive games.
8. Insightful Fact: The Jets have $101 million in “dead” money impacting this year’s salary cap, according to Spotrac. This figure represents the second-highest total in the league and accounts for nearly 40% of their overall cap allocation. It serves as an illustration of the financial consequences of past errors.
9. For Enthusiasts of History: Sunday marks the 30th anniversary of Leon Hess’ renowned “horses’ asses” speech. On Nov. 23, 1995 — Thanksgiving Day — the late Jets owner gathered the team on the practice field and delivered a passionate motivational speech. At the time, the Jets held a 2-9 record.
“Now, let’s go out there and demonstrate that we are not a collection of horses’ asses,” Hess, then 81 years old, declared to the players.
Remarkably, the Jets traveled to Seattle that weekend and secured a victory, their sole win during a 3-13 season. Subsequently, they endured a 12-game losing streak, not achieving another victory until the following Oct. 27, representing a period of almost a full year between wins.
10. Closing Thought: “The drops do occur sporadically; however, what I observe is separation. I see separation, and that excites and energizes me regarding that player and his future trajectory. We have not yet witnessed his full potential. We haven’t even begun to explore what that player is capable of achieving.” – offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand commenting on wide receiver Adonai Mitchell
