As the Jets look ahead to their next challenge, against the Carolina Panthers, OC Tanner Engstrand said the offense is poised to bounce back after a performance that "wasn't good enough" in Week 6.
"I really like the way our guys have come back and remain focused on our process," he said. "Whether it was the run game, pass game, protection or myself, there are all those different things that we've got to continue to get better, which I believe we are as we continue to follow our process."
The Jets were held to their fewest net yards in Week 6, and the team was unable to find the end zone for the first time this season. Though Justin Fields said the offense "came up short" against the Broncos, he has kept his composure and returned to work ready to fix mistakes and execute at a higher level on Sunday.
"I think what it helps with is to eliminate any rollercoaster," Engstrand said of Fields' demeanor. "You never want to get too high, and you never want to get too low. And I think one of the best things about his mentality is he stays pretty even keeled the whole time, so I think that could be a benefit in a situation like that."
Engstrand said Fields is "going about his business with an intensity that I would expect him to have," and he's not the only one -- after Fields was sacked 9 times in last week's loss, the O-line is preparing for a bounce-back performance in Week 7.
"I don't think that they're going to show up hanging their heads low," Engstrand said. "I think they're going to show up with their chest out and their head high and accept the challenge and move forward. I know that they can get the job done, because they've done it in the past."
Can the Defense Do It Again?
Defensively, the Jets will look to build on a season-best performance in Week 6.
The unit recorded its first takeaway of 2025 and allowed just 13 points while limiting Denver to 246 yards, the team's lowest output of the season. For DC Steve Wilks, the next challenge is finding ways to replicate the performance.
"I think it's our approach in practice and I think it really starts with our players," Wilks said of finding consistency. "[There's] tremendous character in that room and how those guys come to work regardless of the record. The record is what it is, but you wouldn't know that based off how we operate within the building."
DL Quinnen Williams -- who acknowledged the defense's role in the Jets' slow start to the season ahead of Week 6 -- was encouraged by the improvement he saw against Denver.
"I think we did the necessary things to take a step forward and become the defense that we know we can become," he said. "We've got a lot of stuff to work on like eyes, cleaning up our coverages, cleaning up our pass rush and being better at pass rushing. … It's going to be great to build on last week and to go forward."
Wilks said despite the improvement, it's important for his unit to keep its foot on the gas and find ways to make the plays that close out games and lead to wins.
"The one thing that we have to do is, and I talked to the guys about this and they all agree -- we have to find that one or two more plays. … We are still finding ways within ourselves, even though, quote-un-quote, It was a good performance. We've got to do better, and that's the thing that's intriguing with these guys -- they want to."
'They've Embraced That Wholeheartedly'
From a blocked FG returned for a TD in Week 3 to a downed punt on the 3-yard line in Week 6 that led to a safety, the Jets' special teams unit has embraced the opportunity to make game-altering plays.
"We've talked about that, having a service mindset and just our room, it being bigger than me," special teams coordinator Chris Banjo said. "They've embraced that wholeheartedly."
The Jets excelled on special teams in Week 6 -- RB Kene Nwangwu returned a kick 72 yards to set up a FG and rookie WR Arian Smith teamed with Nwangwu to down the aforementioned 42-yard punt. Ahead of Week 7, the unit continues to embrace every opportunity to positively impact the game.
"We talk about earning it every week -- earning the right to believe every week," STC Chris Banjo said. "They've done a great job of that throughout the week because they bust their asses in practice. It's good that they've been able to put some good things on tape in the game to continue to build that momentum and that confidence in the group."
