Jets may be ready to turn to D'Angelo Ponds after painful defensive miscue

The New York Jets may have finally created a pathway for struggling rookie D'Angelo Ponds, picked No. 50 in the 2026 NFL Draft, to ascend to the starting lineup. Jarvis Brownlee's recent blunder against the New England Patriots could serve as the catalyst for the change.

One of Drake Maye's three touchdown passes came in the red zone, where a defensive miscue left tight end Hunter Henry being wide open for a quick pitch-and-catch. The broadcast view made it look like one of either Demario Davis or Dane Belton didn't cover Henry, but Aaron Glenn seems to have found the culprit for this miscue.

After the play, Brownlee did not play a single snap as the team's nickel cornerback, making way for Ponds. After weeks of leaning on Brownlee as the primary nickel defender, there could be a major change in the hierarchy coming. Even though Ponds hasn't flashed as brightly as his other rookie counterparts, extended snaps may

Jets may bench Jarvis Brownlee Jr. for D'Angelo Ponds after Patriots blunder

To say Ponds has been struggling is an understatement. Ponds has played just 17 coverage defensive snaps, and he has surrendered three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He's committed two penalties as well, one of which negated what would have been his first career interception in Week 4.

Ponds has also tried to change his position in the NFL, as he went from playing on the outside at Indiana to a slot role in the pros. At 5-foot-9 and barely over 170 pounds, the coaching staff may have concerns about how he can handle NFL size. Brandon Stephens and Azareye'h Thomas have also played well enough that Ponds isn't going to get many outside reps.

Ponds is still a supreme athlete with great ball skills, and those traits will translate no matter whether he is matched up with A.J. Brown-types on the outside or Pop Douglas-types on the inside. He just needs an opportunity.

D'Angelo Ponds could start for the New York Jets instead of Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

Brownlee is what he is at this point. He's a great tackler in the open field, remains one of the better run-defending nickel corners in the AFC, and plays with the required recklessness and energy this team lacked when they traded for him last season. However, he is an imperfect player, especially when it comes to his coverage.

Brownlee has slightly cut down on the penalties, but they remain a big part of the tapestry of him as a player. Ponds is going to be in for some rough moments as he adjusts to the physicality of the league, but with the Jets' secondary impressing beside him, they might be able to stomach one weak link.

Ponds has gotten off to a slow start, and Brownlee had not played poorly enough to warrant a benching before this game, but the Patriots misstep could be all Ponds needs to show Aaron Glenn he can be a starter in this league.

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