LB Quincy Williams sees it daily.

In meetings and on the practice field, the physical, tough identity that HC Aaron Glenn has been building since his arrival has sparked internal belief about the team's potential.

But after falling to 0-2 and surrendering over 60 points to AFC opponents during the first two weeks of the season, Williams believes showcasing that identity on the field in Week 3 against the Buccaneers and beyond will be critical.

"Finding the answers, finding the DNA "AG" is looking for, what he's preaching," Williams said of how the team can move forward. "We believe in it, but it's like, man, I've got to see it on tape, and I've got to see it every single Sunday. … We've got to show up on Sunday and be able to showcase the DNA that he's talking about."

Glenn has spoken often about building a distinct brand of football centered around physicality, aggression and discipline, but the Jets have fallen short in what Williams described as back-to-back defensive showings that were "not up to our standard."

After limiting the Steelers to just 53 yards on the ground in Week 1, the Jets struggled to defend the run in Week 2, and Glenn pointed to over pursuit as the source. The Bills recorded 224 net rushing yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry while picking up 12 first downs on the ground.

Williams said discipline will play an important role as the Jets look to improve in this area, and Glenn believes it's something the unit "can fix quickly."

"The biggest thing is being fundamentally sound," Williams said. "Staying in our gaps, running to the ball, tackling was a big thing -- and then also getting off the field on third down."

As a veteran leader now in his seventh year with the Green & White, Williams said finding answers is a point of pride for him as "a part of the New York Jets organization, where I want to continue to be at." While Williams aims to evaluate how he can better individually contribute, he also wants to elevate those around him. His unit -- which continues to show up with a "winning every single week" mindset -- will look to adjust quickly as it prepares to face a Tampa offense that has come out on top in two close games.

"I want to see all three levels of the defense put it together man, that's the main thing," Williams said of his hopes for Sunday's road date in Tampa. "Just putting it together for real. Everything that we practice, everything that we talked about in meetings, the keys, the anticipation of the plays, everything showing up on Sunday, really, from the D-line to the linebackers to the DBs, just putting it all together."

Glenn spoke about the inevitable ups and downs of an 18-week season, describing the NFL as an "instant coffee" league that often expects immediate results, but rarely sees them. As the Jets look for ways to put things together, patience and resolve will be important pieces of the puzzle.

"It's a long season," Williams said. "That's all I can tell [the team] right now, it's a long season. Just don't listen to the outside noise, that's the main thing -- especially in the league. … With the younger guys and stuff like that, just don't waver. Keep your head on straight and continue. Every single day, every single week."