Jets Dc Pushes Back On Ashton Jeanty's Pointed Criticism Of Defense: 'i Got Confidence In Our Guys'

The Jets didn't need more motivation for Sunday's matchup with the Raiders, but running back Ashton Jeanty may have provided some bulletin board material for Gang Green's defense.

The second-year back criticized the Jets' run defense Wednesday, even going as far as suggesting some Jets players don't want to make tackles.

"Yeah. I think we can definitely get the run game going. Get back on track," Jeanty said. "Just really get after these guys. A couple guys out there that don't really want to tackle, but I'm not going to say names."

Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker said during his media availability Thursday that he was aware of Jeanty's comments, but played it coy when asked for his thoughts.

"I got plenty of confidence in our guys," Duker said with a smile.

Duker said he hadn't shown the players the comments, but is just as confident that his defense has already seen them, saying, "I’m sure they’re aware. Those guys know what’s going on." 

Following their Week 7 loss to the Dolphins, the Jets' defense, while ranked ninth overall in the NFL, is just 24th in stopping the run. Against a winless Dolphins team, the Jets allowed 28 points, with Miami putting up 156 rushing yards on 41 carries, including a career-best 103 yards by second-year back Ollie Gordon. 

"This past game, there were a couple of technique things I wasn’t happy with," Duker said of his run defense. "I would keep more schematically-specific for how we fit runs that I felt like we weren’t great at this week. Look forward to doing a better job of that this week." 

Duker added that he'd like the run defense to be better: "There’s certainly room for improvement. I’m always going to want more in that area, as well. That’s how I feel about it." 

Following his 102-yard performance in Week 1, Jeanty has not hit 60 yards in any of his last six games, including rushing for just 15 yards on eight carries in the Raiders' loss to the Rams. 

Gang Green (2-5) is looking to keep their season alive, and holding Jeanty in check could help lead to a much-needed win this week.

Jets DC Brian Duker saw Ashton Jeanty's comments about facing the Jets Duker: "I've got plenty of confidence in our guys" https://t.co/LPvu2BXU2q

— SNY Jets (@snyjets) October 29, 2026