Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets

The 2025 NFL season began with a series of frustrating setbacks for the New York Jets: a 2-4 start, season-ending injuries to two offensive linemen, and a struggling special teams unit that cost them three close games. Yet as the season entered its final two months, the Jets have emerged as a surprising playoff contender—fueled by unexpected boosts that turned their fortunes around. Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets examines these pivotal turning points, from the breakout of a rookie defender to the revival of a veteran quarterback, and how the team transformed adversity into momentum. For Jets fans, these boosts aren’t just lucky breaks—they’re testaments to the team’s resilience and strategic adaptability.

Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets starts with the most impactful reversal: the Jets’ defensive line, which went from one of the league’s worst pass-rushing units (6 sacks in the first 6 games) to a top-10 force (21 sacks in the next 8 games). The catalyst was the midseason addition of defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, a former practice squad player who was signed after starter Quinnen Williams suffered a knee sprain. Briggs, who had just 2 career tackles before joining the Jets, quickly emerged as a disruptive force: he recorded 6 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles in his first 10 games, while also anchoring a run defense that improved from 27th to 12th in the NFL. “Jowon wasn’t even on our radar in training camp, but he’s become the heart of our defensive line,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. The boost extended beyond Briggs: edge rusher Justin Houston, signed in Week 11, added 8 sacks in 7 games, forming a dynamic duo that has terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Together, they’ve turned a defensive liability into a strength—one of the biggest reasons the Jets have won 6 of their last 8 games.

A critical surprise in Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets is the revival of quarterback Zach Wilson, who had been written off by many analysts after a inconsistent start to the season. Through the first 6 games, Wilson threw 7 interceptions, had a 67.2 passer rating, and was benched for one game in favor of a backup. But since Week 8, he’s transformed his play: 15 touchdowns, just 3 interceptions, a 102.4 passer rating, and 4 game-winning drives. The turnaround came after the Jets adjusted their offensive scheme to play to Wilson’s strengths—emphasizing quick passes, play-action bootlegs, and more opportunities to use his mobility. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also simplified the playbook, reducing the number of pre-snap reads Wilson had to make. “We stopped trying to make Zach into something he’s not,” Hackett said. “We let him play with freedom, and he’s responded.” Wilson’s revival has been particularly evident in crunch time: he’s completed 72% of his passes in the fourth quarter since Week 8, leading the Jets to come from behind in games against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. His resurgence has not only stabilized the offense but also reignited confidence in the locker room.

Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets also highlights the unexpected improvement of the Jets’ special teams unit, which went from a liability to a game-changer after a midseason coaching adjustment. In October, the Jets promoted quality control coach Ryan Smith to assistant special teams coordinator, tasking him with fixing a punt return unit that ranked 31st in the NFL (4.2 yards per return) and a field goal block unit that had zero blocks all season. Smith implemented new return schemes that leveraged the speed of wide receiver Jalen Moore, who went on to average 12.8 yards per punt return over the next 6 games—including a 75-yard touchdown return against the New England Patriots in Week 14. He also designed a new edge stunt for field goal blocks, which led to defensive tackle Brandon Williams blocking two field goals in November. “Ryan brought fresh ideas and attention to detail that we were missing,” special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said. For the New York Jets, this special teams boost has been invaluable: the unit has directly contributed to 14 points in the last 8 games, turning losses into wins and keeping the Jets in the playoff hunt.

Another key boost in Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets is the emergence of rookie wide receiver Amari Miller, who stepped up after starter Garrett Wilson missed three games with an ankle injury in November. Miller, a third-round draft pick out of USC, had just 5 receptions in his first 7 games but exploded for 28 catches, 420 yards, and 3 touchdowns during Wilson’s absence. His standout performance came in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he caught 8 passes for 152 yards and a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. Miller’s success wasn’t just a fluke—he spent extra time with Wilson during practices, studying route-running techniques, and worked closely with Wilson to learn the nuances of the Jets’ offense. “Amari didn’t let the moment overwhelm him,” Wilson said. “He came to work every day ready to learn, and when his number was called, he delivered.” For the New York Jets, Miller’s emergence has added depth to an already talented receiving corps, giving quarterback Zach Wilson another reliable target and making the offense more unpredictable. It also signals that the Jets’ draft strategy—focusing on high-character, developmental prospects—is starting to pay off.

Looking ahead, Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets outlines how these positive changes have positioned the Jets for a potential playoff run. With the defensive line playing at an elite level, Wilson playing the best football of his career, special teams contributing, and Miller emerging as a playmaker, the Jets have the pieces to compete with the top teams in the AFC. The team’s recent success has also fostered a sense of unity in the locker room—something that was missing early in the season. “We’ve been through a lot this year, but those setbacks brought us closer together,” defensive captain C.J. Mosley said. “We trust each other, we trust the plan, and we know we can beat anyone on any given Sunday.” For the New York Jets, the road ahead won’t be easy—they face the Bills and Patriots in their final two games—but the boosts they’ve received after early setbacks have given them a fighting chance. If they can maintain this momentum, they could end their 12-year playoff drought and make a deep run in the postseason.

Revealed Boosts After Setbacks for the New York Jets is ultimately a story of resilience, adaptation, and unexpected success. The Jets didn’t let early losses and injuries define their season—they used those setbacks as motivation to improve, making strategic adjustments and relying on players who stepped up when it mattered most. From Briggs’ breakout to Wilson’s revival, from special teams’ turnaround to Miller’s emergence, each boost has built on the last, creating a team that’s far stronger than anyone predicted in September. For Jets fans, this season has been a rollercoaster—but the final stretch has given them hope that the team is finally on the right track. As the Jets prepare for the biggest games of the season, one thing is clear: they’ve turned adversity into opportunity, and they’re ready to compete for something meaningful.