Jets vs. Dolphins: 3 X-factors on defense for 'Monday Night Football' in Week 4

Identifying some potential X-factors for the New York Jets' defense in Week 4 versus the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.

The New York Jets defense is off to a terrible start in 2025. Aaron Glenn's unit ranks 28th in points (31.0) and 22nd in yards (340.3) allowed per contest.

It's been a historically poor performance through three outputs. Monday Night's Week 4 opponent, the Miami Dolphins (0-3), are scoring the eighth-fewest points in the league. Something's gotta' give.

Jets Wire has identified three Jets (0-3) defenders who need to be X-factors in Week 4:

Jowon Briggs, DT

Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (91) after the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs was excellent against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. He was significantly less effective versus the Buccaneers in Week 3. Glenn's defense needs Briggs to keep ascending, and getting back on track against the Dolphins would be a positive development.

Will McDonald IV, EDGE

Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after being sacked by New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Jets did not impact the pocket enough against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. The collective defense currently ranks 20th in pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Analytics. If anyone is going to place pressure on Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from the edges, it's Will McDonald IV.

Jamien Sherwood, LB

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) tries to prevent New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) from tackling him, Sunday, September 14, 2025, in East Rutherford.

Jets starting linebacker Quincy Williams was placed on IR earlier this week. That places even more importance on the performance of linebacker Jamien Sherwood. Mike McDaniel's Dolphins offense is at its most effective when De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II are running the football effectively. Sherwood has to meet them in the hole.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 3 potential X-factors on defense for the Jets vs. Dolphins in Week 4

Category: Football