NFL Analyst: New York Jets' Defense Is AFC East Biggest 'Difference'

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger offered a bold prediction for the New York Jets. The former pro offensive lineman suggested the Jets' elite defense will carry the franchise to the AFC East title.

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed (4) / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Defense wins division titles.

The New York Jets hope to prove that statement true and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger predicts that they will.

While appearing on NFL Total Access this past week, Baldinger, a former NFL offensive lineman, showered praise onto the Jets' vaunted defense while declaring it superior to AFC East rival units from Buffalo and Miami.

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed (4) / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

"Right now, on paper, the Jets have a better defense than the Bills or the Dolphins. That's really where the difference lies," said Baldinger while speaking to show host Mike Yam.

Posting a Top 4 rank for the second year in a row, the Jets' defense allowed the fewest yards per play (4.57) in the NFL. The unit, which was third overall in total defense (292.3), remains mostly intact heading into the 2024 season. Despite the defensive success, New York posted a 7-10 record that resulted in a third-place finish behind Miami (11-6) and Buffalo (11-6), which captured its fourth consecutive division crown.

"I think this defense is the reason why I would take the Jets, on April 5, to win the AFC East. A lot of things can happen," said Baldinger. "This looks like maybe the best defense in football to me right now."

The Jets experienced modest turnover on the defensive front, but Pro Bowl interior lineman Quinnen Williams remains the centerpiece. Gang Green cycled out two interior role players in favor of free agent signees Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu. General manager Joe Douglas subsequently added accomplished edge rusher Haason Reddick through a trade with Philadelphia.

"This should be the best defensive line in football. They're nine deep. They have six former first-round picks. in their rotation on the defensive front," said Baldinger.

All three starting cornerbacks - Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and slot option Michael Carter II - return to a pass defense (168.3) that ranked second amongst NFL team leaders in 2023. Meanwhile, linebackers CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams both carry All-Pro credentials.

"They are stacked at linebacker, and their secondary is basically a net where the ball just doesn't go over their head," said Baldinger.