As the Jets' secondary continues to undergo changes, CB Brandon Stephens remains a stable presence in the evolving unit.
"Just a consistent, steady veteran," DC Steve Wilks said of Stephens. "We knew that coming into the season, that he was going to be that guy for us."
Stephens, who joined the Green & White in March, has played all but 1 defensive snap this season. He leads the Jets with 7 pass defenses, and his 52 total tackles are the second most on the team. Defensive backs/pass game coordinator Chris Harris, who described Stephens as a "grinder," said the extra work put in behind the scenes has allowed Stephens to elevate his game in recent weeks.
"He's the definition of a pro," Harris said. "He comes to work every single day. That's what we thought when we got him in the offseason. I'm happy for his success and hopefully we can continue that trend."
Stephens will look to continue that trend as he faces some familiar faces in Week 12. A third-round pick of the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, Stephens spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Baltimore. He appeared in 65 regular-season games (48 starts, including 17 last season), and he started 4 postseason games from 2023-24.
"I had a lot of vets in my career when I was there that really showed me the ropes, and so that's something I'll be forever grateful for," Stephens said Wednesday. "To get me to the point where I am here now -- here I am in Year 5. So, truly grateful for them."
Check out the best photos from the Wednesday's practice at 1JD.
He added of his time in Baltimore: "It taught me a lot. Not only things just on the field, but off the field, that I still carry to today."
While Stephens was hesitant to share details on how to contain former teammates Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews & Co., he acknowledged the challenge the Jets' defensive unit will face this week. The Ravens are currently on a 4-game winning streak, and their 142.0 rushing yards per game rank fourth in the league. Henry has 807 rushing yards (sixth in the league), Andrews just set the Ravens' franchise record for receiving yards and two-time MVP Jackson is known for his ability to extend plays and pick up yards running.
"We have a good game plan for that," Stephens said of defending Jackson. "But, it's going to take everybody doing their job and all hats to the football. That's what we preach every week. We just have to play our technique, play our keys, have good eyes, first and foremost, and that should take care of it."
Stephens, who said M&T Bank Stadium is "a hell of an environment" to play in, acknowledged that facing his former team will be a unique opportunity. But his "main focus is being here and being a Jet" -- and the priority remains going 1 and 0 each week.
"It's just onto the next opponent," Stephens said. "We've got to take care of the next opponent, and it happens to be Baltimore. So, I'm excited for that."
