Jets vs. Lions: What to watch in their Week 3 matchup

A Motown homecoming for Glenn

Aaron Glenn returns to Detroit for the first time since becoming the Jets’ coach last season.

Glenn spent four seasons as the Lions’ defensive coordinator, and they had two of their most successful seasons during Glenn’s last two years. Detroit won 12 games in 2023 and a franchise-best 15 the next year.

Glenn tried to downplay his emotions about going back to Ford Field.

“A place that I coached, a place that I have fond memories, a place that we want to win,” he said.

Glenn was much more open and forthcoming about Lions coach Dan Campbell.

They both went to Texas A&M, were teammates with the Cowboys and coached together in New Orleans. When Campbell got the Lions' job, he picked Glenn to lead the defense. Glenn felt “honored” and was proud to say “we actually did” all the things they talked about doing in Detroit.

“That friendship will always last,” Glenn said.

Both teams are 1-1. Knowing how Campbell operates and having familiarity with the Lions’ coaches and personnel could be an advantage for Glenn and the Jets.

“I know how that program is run, and I know that we have a challenge,” Glenn said. “I can sit back and hear [Campbell] right now saying certain things. It'll be a good challenge for us, and we'll be up for it.” 


No. 1 defense vs. high-scoring offense

Calling a defense might be Glenn’s “superpower,” as he boasted during the offseason.

The Jets went into Week 3 ranked No. 1 in total defense and No. 2 in rushing and passing defense, and allowing the sixth-fewest points. Last season, they were 31st in scoring defense, 29th in rushing defense, 25th in total defense and 17th in passing.

The Jets are the first team since 2006 to not allow 200 yards to each of their first two opponents. The Lions present an immense challenge, though. They have scored 31 points in both games and average 362.5 yards of offense.

“It's going to be an incredible test for us and our defense,” defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said.

Jared Goff’s six touchdown passes are tied for the NFL lead, and he hasn’t thrown an interception. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ 299 scrimmage yards rank second. Amon-Ra St. Brown has an NFL-best 19 catches, and his four receiving touchdowns are tied for the most.

“It's one of those things, you got a hole in the boat and you plug it and it opens up another hole,” said Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker, a former Lions assistant. “There's a lot of guys you have to cover, so every time you put resources somewhere else, it opens up an opportunity in a different place. So there's a lot of challenges to that.”

Another familiar face

Garrett Wilson looks forward to seeing and matching up against former teammate D.J. Reed, as they did during Jets training camp for three years. They were “some of the greatest battles I’ve had,” Wilson said.

“That'll be a fun matchup, just getting to go against one of my great friends from early on in my career,” Wilson said.

Wilson caught only five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in last week’s overtime loss to Green Bay. He didn’t speak to reporters afterward because he was frustrated that the Jets, up 10 in the fourth quarter, couldn’t close the game.

“We had a special chance to be 2-0,” Wilson said. “At the end of the day, we got an opportunity this week to go make it right.”

Wilson should get more touches against the Lions. They’re allowing 35.5 points and 218.5 yards to receivers. This could be a high-scoring game if the Jets can exploit Detroit’s porous defense.

"We're definitely going to have to hold our end on offense and give [our defense] some run support,” Wilson said.

Redemption time for special teams

Coordinator Chris Banjo’s group is in bounce-back mode after an uncharacteristically bad special-teams performance against Green Bay.

Returner Isaiah Williams muffed two punts. The Jets gave up 208 return yards, including a 63-yard punt return by  Skyy Moore that led to the tying score. They also were  flagged four times.

“It’s a humbling league,” Banjo said. “Last week definitely humbled us for sure.”

Special teams could be a big factor as field position will be key against the explosive Lions. Glenn said Banjo is “a huge part” of the game-planning conversation, particularly, “we got to make sure we flip the field when it comes to our punt team, when it comes to our punt return.”

In other words, a lot better than last week.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.