New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn hoped a coaching change would galvanize his defense prior to Week 16.
Glenn replaced defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with interim Chris Harris. It made no difference, as the Jets (3-11) were downed 29-6 by the New Orleans Saints (5-10) on Sunday.
The Jets entered the showdown with the Saints missing several defensive backs due to injury. Cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee, Azareye’h Thomas, and Isaiah Oliver are all on IR. As are safeties Tony Adams and Andre Cisco.
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave took full advantage of a shorthanded Jets defensive backfield. It turns out replacing Wilks with Harris wasn’t a magic pill for the defense. New York lack talent at cornerback, and injuries have made the situation even worse.
New Orleans rookie quarterback Tyler Shough peppered Olave with targets. The former Ohio State standout converted 16 targets into 10 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
No Jets defender was within yards of Olave on his first touchdown catch, a critical 3rd-and-5 conversion that blew the game wide open for the Saints.
It was the most catches and receiving yards Olave has registered in a game this season.
Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens was totally outmatched.
The Sauce Gardner trade has really exposed the Jets’ need to upgrade the cornerback position this coming offseason.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2025 season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets had absolutely no answer for Saints WR Chris Olave in Week 16
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
