For first-year team captain and middle linebacker Jamien Sherwood, getting the Jets' defense back on track this season is an important part of his job description.

"I take all of it [on], because I'm put in that position," he said of correcting mistakes. "I feel like, where am I not doing my job? Where am I not communicating enough to my teammates for them to understand? So, this week we stayed after practice more, we've met more, and we're going to continue to do that so we're all on the same page."

Getting on the same page has been a point of emphasis for a unit that has started the season slower than anticipated. The Jets have surrendered an average of 31.4 points per game, the second most in the league, and the team has struggled to defend the run -- allowing an average of 140.4 yards per game on the ground, which is the sixth most in the NFL.

For Sherwood and HC Aaron Glenn, correcting these mistakes will begin with focusing on the details.

"When you look at it, when you see guys that are running open, when you see missed tackles, when you see angles of pursuit, when you see all those things -- it's just the little details of understanding how to play together, how to coordinate everything together as a unit," Glenn said. "And, listen, that's not one person. That's us collectively, as a team, making sure that we get on the same page."

Though it may not be the job of one person, Sherwood -- who leads the Jets with 47 total tackles -- believes he must play a role in fixing the early-season mistakes. After signing a contract extension and being named team captain during the offseason, Glenn said it can be natural for players in Sherwood's position to feel like they have to do more -- but Glenn's goal for the quarterback of the defense is simply for him to continue playing his part.

"All you got to do is just do your job and make sure you coordinate the defense like it should be coordinated when it comes to you guys on the field," Glenn said. "So, I like where he's at. I mean, obviously, he can do some things better, along with a lot of us. But I think you're going to see a guy that's going to continue to improve because of where his mindset is right now."

Sherwood said he knows what type of player he is, and he wants to play to those expectations. But he also stressed "it's about me doing my job consistently" -- and part of that job is making sure his unit communicates effectively.

"Just being on the same page, speaking the same language, understanding it's not where they line up, it's where they wind up," he said. "Knowing our adjustments as a defense. Our coaches are doing a great job but it's about us players going out and speaking the same language and alerting it instead of as it happens, start talking again. It's about pre-snap motions, pre-snap movement, being on the same page."

While Sherwood believes improving communication will be a difference-maker, he also emphasized the need to generate turnovers. The Jets are the only team in the league that has not taken the ball away through Week 5 of the season.

"It can't just be go in there and make the tackle," Sherwood said. "You have to go in there with the mindset -- I'm going to make the tackle and punch the ball out. When the ball goes up in the air, I'm going to go up and get it. … It's about a mindset, having it on your mind 24/7 and going out there and doing it."

The unit will continue to search for its first takeaway on Sunday as it also aims to tighten up against a Denver offense that ranks just below the Jets in average rushing yards per game (140.6). With a week spent preparing across the pond away from outside noise, Sherwood believes the Green & White have a perfect opportunity to turn the tide.

"I feel like this was a great opportunity, and it happened at the right time," he said. "Obviously with our record, most people would try and drift off from each other. Most people start pointing fingers at each other. … This is a great time for us to bond together. This is a great time for us to get to know the man beside us and why we need to play harder, myself included."