Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets

The New York Jets’ recent roster and strategic moves have not just filled gaps—they’ve transformed key areas of the team, turning early-season weaknesses into strengths that now fuel their AFC wild-card contention. From shoring up a leaky offensive line to revitalizing a struggling special teams unit, each move has been laser-focused on addressing critical needs, with measurable results: a 4-2 record since early November, a jump in rushing yards, and a dramatic improvement in run defense. These changes aren’t just surface-level tweaks; they’re foundational shifts that have made the Jets a more balanced, resilient team. Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets breaks down how each move has impacted the offensive line, defensive interior, special teams, quarterback play, and roster depth—five areas that were once question marks but now stand as competitive advantages.

Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets first examines how the signing of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler transformed the offensive line, a unit that ranked 26th in the NFL in sacks allowed (28) through the first eight weeks. Zeitler, added off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad in early November, stepped immediately into the starting right guard role and brought stability: in his six games with the Jets, the offensive line has allowed just 7 sacks (down from 28 in the first eight weeks) and paved the way for a rushing attack that’s jumped from 102.1 to 128.3 yards per game. His ability to anchor against pass rushers and create running lanes has been a game-changer, particularly for running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris—who have combined for 4 100-yard rushing games since Zeitler’s arrival. “Kevin has been the missing piece,” said offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. “He’s a technician—he knows how to read defenses, adjust his blocks, and keep the quarterback clean. Before he came, we were rotating guards and struggling with consistency. Now, we have a leader up front who makes everyone around him better.” The line’s improvement has also reduced pressure on quarterback Zach Wilson, who has had more time to make decisions and complete passes in the intermediate game.

Complementing the offensive line upgrade, Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets details how the addition of defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches and the activation of rookie Javon Kinlaw revitalized the defensive interior. Through the first eight weeks, the Jets’ run defense ranked 28th, allowing 142.3 rushing yards per game. But after signing Nunez-Roches (from Tampa Bay’s practice squad) and activating Kinlaw (from IR) in November, the unit has clamped down, allowing just 89.7 rushing yards per game—good for 11th in the NFL. Nunez-Roches, a 10-year veteran, has been a force in run stopping, recording 12 tackles and 2 tackles for loss that prevented opposing backs from gaining positive yardage. Kinlaw, meanwhile, has added pass-rush punch from the edge, notching 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hits that have disrupted opposing offenses. Together, they’ve complemented Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, creating a trio that now ranks 5th in the NFL in “run stop rate” (percentage of runs that fail to gain expected yards). “Before these moves, we were getting pushed around in the interior,” said defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. “Rakeem and Javon gave us size, strength, and athleticism—they can clog lanes, shed blocks, and pursue runners from the edge. Now, teams can’t just run up the middle on us. They have to earn every yard.”

Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets also explores how special teams adjustments—led by the promotion of Justin Hardee and the shift of Ashtyn Davis to gunner—turned a liability into a strength. Through Week 8, the Jets’ special teams unit ranked 25th in the NFL in “Special Teams DVOA” and had allowed 3 return touchdowns. But after coordinator Brant Boyer reshuffled personnel, the unit has become a difference-maker: no return touchdowns allowed in the past six games, 4 forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal that won the Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardee, named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 14, has been the catalyst, recording 8 special teams tackles and the game-saving blocked field goal. Davis, shifted to gunner, has used his speed to disrupt punt returns, limiting opponents to just 6.2 yards per return (down from 11.8 before the move). For the New York Jets, this turnaround has been critical in close games—three of their past four wins have been decided by 7 points or fewer, with special teams playing a decisive role. “Special teams can win or lose you games, and we were losing with them early,” Boyer said. “These moves fixed that. Now, we have a unit that can swing momentum, create turnovers, and put points on the board. That’s a huge advantage in the playoff race.”

Another layer of Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets is how coaching adjustments have stabilized quarterback play, a key area of inconsistency early in the season. Facing criticism over Zach Wilson’s decision-making (6 interceptions in Weeks 1–10) and slow pass progression, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien simplified the playbook, shifting to short, quick throws and relying more on the run game. The changes have paid off: Wilson has thrown just 2 interceptions in the past six games, completed 68.3% of his passes (up from 60.1rlier), and has focused on targeting wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tight end Tyler Conklin in high-percentage situations. O’Brien also reduced Wilson’s pre-snap responsibilities, limiting the number of reads he has to make and allowing him to play with more confidence. For the New York Jets, this stability at quarterback has reduced turnovers and kept the offense on the field—time of possession has increased from 28:12 to 31:45 per game since the adjustments. “Zach is a talented player, but he was being asked to do too much early,” O’Brien said. “We simplified things, played to his strengths, and let him grow. Now, he’s making smart decisions, moving the chains, and leading this offense. That’s the quarterback we need to make a playoff run.”

Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets also highlights how practice squad signings—like former rugby star Joe Manu and defensive tackle Tanzel Smart—have strengthened roster depth, a key area that was tested by midseason injuries. Manu, signed to the practice squad in late November, has been developing as a potential special teams contributor and tight end, providing insurance if starter Tyler Conklin or backup C.J. Uzomah gets injured. Smart, elevated to the active roster twice in December, filled in for Quinnen Williams (ankle injury) in Week 13, recording 3 tackles and a quarterback hit. The Jets also re-signed former safety Duron Harmon to the practice squad, giving them depth in the secondary when Kyle Dugger was on IR. For the New York Jets, this depth has prevented injuries from derailing their season—something that has plagued them in recent years. “Depth is everything in the NFL, especially in December,” general manager Joe Douglas said. “These practice squad moves let us develop talent while having ready-made replacements when injuries hit. We don’t have to panic when a key player goes down—we have guys who can step in and contribute. That’s the difference between a playoff team and a non-playoff team.”

The final dimension of Moves Impact Key Areas of the New York Jets is how these collective changes have positioned the team for the playoffs, should they qualify. The improved offensive line, dominant run defense, revitalized special teams, stable quarterback play, and deep roster have turned the Jets into a balanced team that can compete with anyone in the AFC. Their ability to win close games (5-3 in one-score games this season) and adapt to adversity (4-2 since mid-November injuries) speaks to the impact of these moves. As they prepare for their final two regular-season games against the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, the Jets know that the key areas strengthened by these moves will be tested—but they also know they have the tools to succeed. “Every move we made was with the playoffs in mind,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “We addressed our weaknesses, built on our strengths, and created a team that can win in different ways. Now, it’s up to us to go out there and execute. But these moves have given us the best chance to make a run.” For the New York Jets, the impact of these moves extends beyond this season—they’ve laid the foundation for a competitive, sustainable franchise that can contend for years to come.