This New York Jets defense needs to be significantly better than it was versus the Chicago Bears last weekend in Week 5. The opponent is the surging 3-1 Cleveland Browns. Their quarterback Deshaun Watson is playing better than anticipated.
Jets Wire has identified three potential X-factors for the defense vs. the Browns in Week 5:
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
Veteran Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick finally ended the defense's embarrassing interception drought in Week 4. Fitzpatrick has brought the maturity and experience that was desperately lacking in the secondary a year ago. He'll attempt to bait Watson into a mistake.
Jowon Briggs, DL
Last season, defensive tackle Jowon Briggs was among the Jets' biggest impact performers. His impact has been totally muted this season. Briggs' current WIN%
on pass-rushing snaps is 5.8%, according to Pro Football Focus. That's 3rd-lowest among Jets defensive lineman, trailing just David Bailey (5.4%) and Harrison Phillips (3.9%). It was a Jets-high 15.3% last year. Briggs has been a shell of his former self.
T'Vondre Sweat, NT
One Jets defender who has totally met expectations is nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. The big-bodied run stuffer is consistently pushing the pocket and generating disruption. This Browns offense will likely attempt to establish the run through Quinshon Judkins. The Jets need Sweat to be productive.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 3 potential X-factors for the Jets defense vs. Browns in Week 5
