The Jets (3-11) will march into New Orleans and aim to end the Saints' (4-10) two game-winning streak at the Caesars Superdome in Week 16. It will be a clash of two rookie QBs as Tyler Shough is set to make his seventh start for New Orleans, while Brady Cook will start his second consecutive game for the Green & White. With QBs Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields returning from injury, HC Aaron Glenn said the backup is soon to be decided.
"I definitely thought he did some really good things as far as operating the offense," OC Tanner Engstrand said of Cook's Week 15 performance. "But then, there's some rookie moments that he'll learn from as we keep going. And I'm looking forward to seeing his growth here this week."
'Similar to Us'
With three games remaining on the 2025 schedule, HC Aaron Glenn said the 4-win Saints and 3-win Jets have seen their seasons unfold in similar ways. Ahead of the Week 16 matchup, the teams -- led by first-year head coaches Glenn and Kellen Moore -- could be looking to accomplish parallel goals.
"They let some players go from that team, some veterans go," said Glenn. "And I think they're actually trying to build their core of young guys and get those guys a lot of playing time to see exactly how they're going to operate for the future of that team."
The Saints traded WR Rashid Shaheed and OL Trevor Penning at the deadline, while QB Tyler Shough and OT Kelvin Banks Jr. -- a 2025 first-round pick -- continue to lead a rookie class that has shown promise.
Alongside QB Brady Cook in Week 15, the Jets were led offensively by three young receivers who were all in-season additions. Isaiah Williams, John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell -- who led the team in receiving yards last week -- continue to develop chemistry with Cook.
"He works really, really hard," Cook said of Mitchell. "I've been impressed by just how he's supported me and he's constantly in my ear since that Miami game. We watch film together, we're always getting extra reps together and it's something he loves to do."
Second-Half Adjustments
Brady Cook & Co. will take on a challenging Saints defense that has limited opponents to an average of 180.6 passing yards per game, the sixth fewest in the league.
"I think their defense has been doing a hell of a job," HC Aaron Glenn said.
The Jets will have to apply steady pressure to gain an edge on Sunday. New Orleans' defense has limited opponents to an average of 7.5 points in the second half, the fewest by any team in the league.
"You watch them in the first half, and they seem like they have some issues," Glenn said. "But man, that coach does a really good job of adjusting and they do a hell of a job in the second half. The point differential is amazing."
Cook, who said he is eager for the opportunity "to lead this team once again and try to get a win on the road" said his priority will be ball security. In 2 game appearances this season, Cook has thrown 5 INTs.
"I don't want turning the ball over to be a habit for me," he said. "That's not something that's been part of my game in the past, and that's something I want to clean up this week."
'Looking Forward to See How These Guys Respond'
After surrendering 34 and 48 points to the Dolphins and the Jaguars, respectively, HC Aaron Glenn will be looking for a bounce back performance from the defense as it operates under new leadership in Week 16.
"Looking forward to see how these guys respond from these two back-to-back performances that weren't really up to standard," Glenn said. "The players are not happy with it, and you can tell they're not."
With Chris Harris taking over play-calling responsibilities in Week 16, the interim DC said he will be looking for grit and toughness as the unit takes on the Tyler Shough led Saints. The second-round draft pick out of Louisville is averaging 226.0 passing yards per game, and his 69.0 completion percentage ranks 3 third in the NFL since Week 9.
WR Chris Olave leads New Orleans with 82 receptions -- the seventh most in the league -- and his late game-tying TD reception propelled the Saints to an upset win over Carolina in Week 15.
"Their quarterback has been doing a really good job," Harris said. "He's a tough guy, he's been pretty accurate, he's got some mobility. They've been doing well as of late, the past few games, so we're going to have our hands full."
The Saints, however, are averaging 16.1 points per game -- which is tied for the second fewest in the league. Against a unit that has turned the ball over 20 times this season, the Jets defense will look to get back on track.
"The biggest thing is just that pride factor," LB Quincy Williams said. "Having this mindset these last three games, putting it all on tape. … Having all 11 on the same page."
