Jets defense proves skeptics wrong after locker room leaders take charge

The New York Jets' 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos lies squarely at the foot of Justin Fields, as the quarterback was so pathetic in this game that it's not hyperbole to suggest that 50 other quarterbacks in this league likely would have been able to lead this team to a win.

The worst part of Fields' play was the fact that it overshadowed Steve Wilks' defense coming to play in the best possible way. After a players-only meeting seemingly spelled doom, this unit put together a masterful showing against a Broncos offense that was constructed to beat teams like New York.

Bo Nix threw for just 174 yards and didn't complete a pass in the third quarter, all while he was constantly under pressure from a reinvigorated Jets defense. Wilks finally forced a turnover thanks to a fumble, and the team looked better at both avoiding penalties and tackling in the open field.

The Jets may have found something they can use to build their defense back into a respectable unit, but it was unable to get them a win because Fields proved incapable of even being able to read the defense.

Jets proving haters wrong on defense after strong showing vs. Broncos

The Jets have two clear upgrades over their first five games that need to stick for the remainder of the year. The return of Jermaine Johnson to the lineup and the addition of new cornerback Jarvis Brownlee seem to be tremendous changes to the fold.

Brownlee forced a turnover on the first series of the game, jarring loose a fumble that the Jets turned into three points. Moving inside to the nickel corner spot seemed to work wonders for him, as he was arguably New York's best defensive player against a Denver offense that was one week removed from an upset win against the Eagles.

Johnson is never going to be Myles Garrett as a sack compiler, but his combination of getting pressure with power, quality edge-setting in run defense, and palpable energy as a leader should help make him. Even against a terrific Broncos offensive line, Johnson was noticeably disruptive.

Just when the Jets get their defense figured out, their offense regressed to an infantile state thanks to Fields' untenable performance. Time will tell if these trends will stick or if they are the same flash in the pan the offense saw during their Week 1 matchup against the Steelers.