Jets may have uncovered a new defensive cornerstone after stellar debut

The New York Jets limped to the finish line in what was an ugly and, in many ways, undeserved 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 6, but lost in the shadow of a putrid offensive performance was a stellar showing by the team's defense.

A Jets defense that entered the week ranked 31st in overall DVOA and points allowed per game put together what was easily its best performance of the season — a performance that undoubtedly deserved a victory.

The Jets made a few schematic changes that contributed to the defense's strong showing, one of which was the insertion of cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. into the starting lineup.

While Sunday's game wasn't technically Jarvis Brownlee's first as a member of the Jets — he played seven defensive snaps the week prior — it was his first full introduction to the defense, and he made an immediate impact that instantly energized the entire unit.

Jarvis Brownlee's debut as a Jets starter was fantastic in Week 6

Brownlee didn't actually "start" the game, as that honor went to Isaiah Oliver, who played the team's first two defensive snaps before the ex-Titans cornerback checked in on third down. It looked like the Jets were preparing for somewhat of a split between the two at slot corner for the day.

But Brownlee instantly made an impact, forcing a fumble on his very first play. The Jets essentially didn't take him off the field the remainder of the game.

Preliminary Pro Football Focus grades have Brownlee as the team's highest-graded overall player, with a stellar 90.1 mark. That includes a 90.4 coverage grade, a team-high six solo tackles, and two run stops on just 12 run-defense snaps.

But his impact was felt beyond the raw numbers. Brownlee's energy and intensity brought life to a previously stagnant defense, with his teammates feeding off his enthusiasm. This is the kind of player the Jets need more of on defense.

It will be interesting to see what the Jets do when Michael Carter II (concussion) returns from injury, but it feels impossible to justify giving him his starting job back, given his performance this season.

Carter's 35.9 PFF coverage grade ranks 112th out of 113 cornerbacks to play at least 50 coverage snaps this season. The only qualified cornerback with a lower grade is Xavien Howard, who literally retired earlier this month due in large part to his poor play.

Brownlee is a much better scheme fit in Steve Wilks' aggressive man-heavy defense — though it has leaned more zone-reliant in recent weeks — and brings a level of physicality the Jets simply don't get from Carter.

The Jets' defense looked transformed on Sunday, and while Brownlee wasn’t solely responsible for all the positive trends, he made one of the biggest impacts on the unit. The Jets may have just uncovered a hidden gem in the former Titans cornerback.