The NY Jets enter the 2025 preseason with a new doctrine from coach Aaron Glenn. Can Justin Fields & Breece Hall lead a disciplined team past their 2024 woes?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the 2025 NFL preseason got underway, the New York Jets were hard at work, not under stadium lights, but under the watchful eye of a new regime. Forget the chaos of seasons past; new head coach Aaron Glenn is installing a new core principle for Gang Green: discipline. After a 2024 season that saw them lead the league in penalties, Glenn is making it crystal clear that the era of self-inflicted wounds is over.
'You cannot win games in this league with an undisciplined team, so all the penalties that we had last year — we’re knocking those things out.' - Head Coach Aaron Glenn
The message from the top is trickling down, and the players are buying in. Running back Breece Hall summed up the new standard perfectly: 'He wants a football player that’s smart, that’s going to give 110 [%] every play, and someone he can rely on.' This isn't just coach-speak; it's a fundamental culture shift aimed at correcting the mental errors that plagued the team during their 5-12 campaign last year. Glenn's focus is on building a team that won't beat itself, a change that fans have been desperate to see.
This cultural reset extends far beyond the coaching philosophy. With new GM Darren Mougey and new starting quarterback Justin Fields, the post-Aaron Rodgers era is officially in full swing. The roster has been significantly overhauled, with new faces like Tyrod Taylor, Braelon Allen, and Donovan Edwards joining Fields in a revamped offensive backfield. The commitment to a fresh start is so complete, it's even reflected in the facilities. Quinnen Williams called the team's brand-new, high-tech locker room 'super dope,' a physical symbol of the new chapter the franchise is writing.
On the other side of the ball, Glenn, a former defensive coordinator, is putting his stamp on the defense. The plan is to implement more aggressive man-to-man coverage, a scheme designed to let the team's stars shine. This means fans can expect to see All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner shadowing the opponent's top receiver, a challenge he is built for. The confidence is palpable, with Quinnen Williams stating, 'I think it's super high expectation for this team... and what we want to achieve and where we want to go.' The defense is ready to be unleashed.
While the NFL preseason officially kicked off Thursday, the Jets remained on the practice field, fine-tuning this new approach. The real test is yet to come. All eyes will be on their first preseason matchup later this week to see if this new, disciplined brand of football translates from the practice field to game day. For the first time in a while, the buzz around the Jets isn't just about talent, but about building a smart, reliable team from the ground up.
