Jets' defense ready to tackle run-heavy Patriots

The Jets’ defense of the last two weeks looks nothing like the unit that took the field most of the previous 14 weeks.

Last week, the Jets held a Browns offense that entered averaging 152.6 rushing yards per game to 45 in their 23-16 victory. The week before, the Jets held the Rams to 303 total yards in their 23-20 victory. The Rams entered that contest averaging 389.4 yards and 25 points per game this season.

On Sunday, the Jets will go up against another run-heavy team in the Patriots, who rank fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (145.3) and third-to-last in passing yards per game (176.8).

"We knew we really had to stop them from what they were good at and we did a pretty good job," linebacker Neville Hewitt said of the previous two games. "This week, this team is going to try to do the same thing and we have to win on first and second down, stop the run, and if they run on third down, stop it again and force them to throw the ball."

After allowing 40 points to Seattle the week after defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was fired, the defense has improved, and the players hope to carry that into next year. Hewitt and rookie cornerback Bryce Hall credited the defensive line for setting the tone.

"I just feel like the guys up front have let loose," Hall said. "The coaches have done a good job putting players in positions to use their strengths, and that’s helped us out a lot on the back end. We’ve done a good job of just working together, covering well, giving them opportunities to make a lot of plays and getting pressure, and them being let loose has helped us a ton."

Hall, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Virginia, has played nearly every defensive snap since Week 11. He thinks the increased playing time will help him.

"I have a lot of confidence just having been able to play these last games the last half of the year," said Hall, who had his first career interception in the win over the Rams. "So it’s been one of huge growth, opportunity and just seeing what the NFL is about, and I’m excited for the future."

Notes & quotes: CB Bless Austin missed practice Friday and is questionable because of a non-COVID illness . . . RG Greg Van Roten is expected to be activated Sunday, Adam Gase said. He started the first 13 games for the Jets before suffering a toe injury.