Jowon Briggs off to underwhelming start after breakout 2025 season

Writer Matt O'Leary argues that New York Jets defensive lineman Jowon Briggs is experiencing an underwhelming start to the 2026 season following a breakout 2025 campaign. Despite logging two sacks through six games, Briggs' underlying metrics have seen a steep decline, posting a 6.5 win percentage that ranks 77th among 129 qualifiers, while pacing for only 23 total pressures.

The Jets currently blitz at the NFL's fourth-highest rate at 40.1 percent due to struggles generating pressure with four rushers. O'Leary notes that while other linemen like Will McDonald, T'Vondre Sweat, and Harrison Phillips are also underperforming, Briggs must elevate his personal standard to help relieve pressure on rookie David Bailey.