The New York Jets are hoping to improve their defense in a variety of categories in 2025. The defense was typically a strength of Robert Saleh’s Jets, but a midseason coaching change threw that into flux. All in all, the Jets allowed a 13th-worst 23.8 points per contest throughout 2024.

The Jets defense ranked 17th versus the run (121.1/game) and fourth against the pass (192.6). They recorded an 11th-best 43.0 sacks. While the metrics versus the pass were impressive, there’s wiggle-room for improvement in most statistical departments.

Bleacher Report recently highlighted the best and worst case scenarios for all 32 defenses in the NFL. The best-case scenario sees first-year head coach Aaron Glenn ignite the young defensive core.

“Everything about the Jets 2025 season is about building a strong foundation with Aaron Glenn as the new head coach,” Alex Ballentine wrote. “That includes a defense that has two stars in Quinnen Williams and a few developing difference-makers. Bringing back Jamien Sherwood gives them familiarity in the middle. He pairs well with Quincy Williams.

“Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV haven’t quite lived up to their billing as former first-round picks, but they’ve shown flashes. If they can become consistent then Glenn has an interesting group that could flirt with the top 10.”

The worst-case scenario sees Glenn’s defense require an acclimation period to adjust to his defensive scheme.

“This feels like a good time to remember that the Lions were 31st and 28th in scoring defense in Aaron Glenn’s first two seasons at defensive coordinator,” Ballentine continues. “It wasn’t until the Lions got serious about upgrading their cornerback room that Glenn was able to run his defense. Making an investment at the cornerback position allowed him to run more man defense and be more aggressive.”

Thankfully, Glenn inherits one of the best cornerbacks in football in Sauce Gardner. The Lions didn’t roster a cover-man anywhere near Gardner’s talent when Glenn first became their DC, so that could help hasten the overall defense’s ramp-up period. There are a number of outcomes for the Jets’ 2025 defense. Hopefully Glenn’s unit takes the league by surprise.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Bleacher Report: Best, worst case scenarios for 2025 Jets defense