When Quincy Williams stepped onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium on November 23, 2025, he wasn’t just playing football—he was carrying the weight of a defense that had lost its bite. The New York Jets fell 23-10 to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, dropping to 2-9, while the Ravens improved to 6-5. What made the loss sting more wasn’t just the score. It was the fact that the Jets’ defense, led by Williams’ six tackles, held Lamar Jackson to 153 passing yards and Derrick Henry to 64 rushing yards… yet still lost. And they didn’t get a single interception. Not one. For the 11th straight game. An NFL record. And it’s not just bad luck. It’s a pattern.
Inside the Huddle: Quincy Williams’ Pre-Game Mindset
Just hours before kickoff, the Jets released an all-access video titled "Inside the Team Huddle with Quincy Williams Before Jets at Ravens," showing the 28-year-old linebacker calmly reviewing film, clapping in the locker room, and telling teammates, "It’s not about being Superman. It’s about doing your job." That line stuck. Because it was true. Williams, who returned from injury in Week 8, has been one of the few consistent forces on a defense that’s otherwise fraying at the seams. Since his return, he’s racked up 23 tackles, 1.0 sack, and two passes defended in three games. In Week 11, he even sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel. But against Baltimore, the spotlight wasn’t just on his stats—it was on his leadership.
The Defense That Could, But Didn’t
The numbers tell a story of near-misses. Jamien Sherwood led both teams with 13 tackles. The Jets’ front seven pressured Jackson relentlessly. They forced three punts in the first half. They held the Ravens to 3-of-12 on third down. But every time the Jets got close to a turnover, the ball slipped through fingers. Or bounced off a helmet. Or sailed just out of reach. ESPN Stats & Information confirmed it: this was the longest interception drought in NFL history. Eleven games. No picks. Not even a tipped pass that turned into a gift. Meanwhile, the Ravens capitalized on every Jets miscue—a 15-yard penalty on third-and-long here, a missed tackle there. The game turned not on big plays, but on small failures.
Scoring First, Losing Always
Here’s the cruel twist: the Jets scored first. For the 10th straight loss. They’ve now lost nine consecutive games where they’ve taken the lead. That’s not a fluke. That’s a systemic collapse. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown to John Metchie III, and for a moment, it felt like the Jets might finally break the curse. But the offense stalled. The defense couldn’t close. And by the fourth quarter, the Ravens were running clock like it owed them money. "We got to get off the field on third down," Williams said postgame. "And we can’t have costly penalties at those times where we got to get off the field." Simple. Brutal. True.
Brotherhood Broken, Leadership Grown
For the first time since 2022, Quincy Williams suited up without his brother, Quinnen Williams, beside him. The All-Pro defensive tackle was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October after a contract dispute. It was a seismic shift. Quinnen was the emotional anchor. Quincy, once the quieter sibling, is now the voice. "We are continuing to grow as a defense," he told reporters on November 24. That line, played on the Jets’ official site, wasn’t just PR. It was a mission statement. And it’s the only thing keeping this team from falling apart entirely.
What’s Next? Falcons, Finances, and Fallout
Next up: the Atlanta Falcons on December 1. The Falcons are 3-8, but they’ve won two of their last three, and their offense—led by quarterback Kirk Cousins—can move the ball. If the Jets can’t generate turnovers, they’ll lose again. And if they lose again, they’ll be officially eliminated from playoff contention. The front office is quietly evaluating coaching changes. The players? They’re still showing up. Williams is still tackling. Sherwood is still leading. But without a turnover, without a spark, without a moment where someone makes the impossible play… this season is just a countdown to the draft.
Behind the Numbers: The Stats That Tell the Real Story
- 11 straight games without an interception — NFL record
- 10 consecutive losses despite scoring first
- Quincy Williams: 23 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 PDs in last 3 games
- Jamien Sherwood: 13 tackles vs. Ravens — most in Week 12
- Lamar Jackson: 153 passing yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs — his lowest output since Week 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t the Jets’ defense gotten an interception in 11 games?
The Jets haven’t had a turnover since Week 2 against the Patriots, and their secondary has struggled with coverage discipline. Opponents have noticed—teams are throwing short, quick passes to avoid deep throws, knowing the Jets’ corners lack the speed to recover. They’ve also been lucky: at least three passes this season have hit receivers in the hands only to bounce off. It’s not just bad luck—it’s a lack of ball-hawking instincts, something the team hasn’t drafted or signed for years.
How has Quincy Williams performed since returning from injury?
Since returning in Week 8 against the Bengals, Williams has been the Jets’ most reliable defender. He’s recorded 23 tackles, 1.0 sack, and two passes defended in three games, including a sack of Dillon Gabriel in Week 11. His tackle total in Week 12 (six) was his lowest since returning, but his leadership and awareness have elevated the entire linebacking corps. He’s become the de facto defensive captain in the absence of Quinnen Williams.
Why do the Jets keep losing even when they score first?
The Jets have lost nine straight games after scoring first because their offense can’t sustain drives, and their defense can’t close out quarters. In 10 of these losses, the opposing team has scored 17+ points in the second half. The Jets’ offensive line has struggled with pass protection, and their running game has been inconsistent. When they get ahead, they stop playing aggressively—instead of attacking, they try to protect the lead, and opponents exploit that hesitation.
What does this loss mean for the Jets’ coaching staff?
Head coach Robert Saleh’s job security is now in serious jeopardy. With a 2-9 record and no signs of improvement, the front office is evaluating whether to make changes before the season ends. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is under fire for the lack of turnovers and inconsistent third-down stops. A loss to the Falcons next week could trigger a mid-season coaching shakeup, especially if the team’s morale continues to erode.
Is Quincy Williams a long-term solution for the Jets’ defense?
Yes—if the Jets commit to building around him. Williams is a high-effort, high-IQ linebacker who thrives in coverage and against the run. He’s not a star, but he’s a perfect fit for a system that needs consistency over flash. With Quinnen gone, Quincy is now the defensive leader. If the Jets draft a top-tier cornerback or safety in the 2026 offseason and surround him with better talent, he could anchor a top-10 defense. But without that support, even his best efforts won’t be enough.
What’s the historical context of the Jets’ interception drought?
The previous NFL record for most games without an interception was nine, set by the 2013 San Diego Chargers. The Jets have now surpassed that. The last time a team had a longer drought was in 1970, before the AFL-NFL merger. This isn’t just bad luck—it’s a systemic failure in pass rush, coverage schemes, and ball awareness. Even the 2008 Buffalo Bills, who lost 13 games, had six interceptions that season. The Jets haven’t had one since October 13.
Author
Xander Fairholm
Hi, I'm Xander Fairholm, a passionate blogger and expert in all things related to blogging. For years, I have been honing my craft and helping others improve their blogs by sharing my knowledge and experience. I enjoy writing about various topics, from blog design to content strategy, and I always stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the blogging world. My goal is to inspire and educate my readers, helping them create successful blogs that they can be proud of.