Aaron Glenn answers for Jets' invisible pass rush despite Patriots OL injuries

A win against the New England Patriots in Week 6 would've gone a long way in scoring points with the New York Jets fanbase for a coach like Aaron Glenn, who routinely feels like his back is against the wall in terms of job security.

Sunday's 26-19 loss in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was a frustrating one. It felt like the Jets had a few chances to turn the game in their favor, but New England seemed way more prepared, despite dealing with multiple prominent injuries.

Throughout the game, Patriots offensive linemen were dropping like flies. It started with right tackle Morgan Moses, who exited the game in the first half with an ankle injury. Then another ex-Jet, Alijah Vera-Tucker, was ruled out with a hamstring. New England would then suffer another blow with guard Ben Brown exiting the game with a knee ailment.

Despite the obvious advantage, the Jets were unable to capitalize with their pass rush. Coming off an eight-sack performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, how could the Jets' defensive front fall off so dramatically?

Aaron Glenn pinpoints what went wrong with New York Jets pass rush

Following the loss, Glenn was asked how the Jets were unable to record a single sack despite the Patriots dealing with a makeshift offensive line, and the embattled head coach did his best to explain why.

"It's tough to explain, to be honest with you. Because I have all the confidence in the world in our front and being able to cause havoc. And I give them (Patriots) credit. They did a good job of chipping, thumping...to our edge guys, and that was their deal. We just gotta do a better job of now getting some interior pressure."

What Glenn points to is the lack of help the Jets are getting from their interior defensive line in pass-rushing situations. It's something The Jet Press' Mike Luciano singled out several weeks ago, blaming Darren Mougey's roster construction.

The Jets have some really talented edge rushers on the roster in David Bailey and Will McDonald IV. Both are very capable of getting after the quarterback, but can be pushed around by opposing offensive lines. That's where your defensive linemen are supposed to step up and push the middle of the pocket.

New York employs several run-stuffing defensive linemen who are really good at what they do. But no one is ever going to mistake Harrison Phillips, T'Vondre Sweat, or even Jowon Briggs for vaunted pass-rushing threats.

It's a problem that can't just be fixed overnight, and Glenn and his defensive staff are going to need to find different ways of getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow