Jets' Aaron Glenn faces scrutiny after loss to winless Dolphins

Key points

• Aaron Glenn’s Jets lost 28-25 to the winless Miami Dolphins, with the defense missing tackles and failing to contain Willis’s long drives.
• Star receiver Garrett Wilson did not record his first reception until the third quarter, highlighting offensive struggles for New York.
• The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3, allowing the fewest points and yards in Patrick Mahomes’ career starts.
• Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw five second-half touchdowns to overcome a 13-0 halftime deficit against the Baltimore Ravens.
• The Carolina Panthers suffered a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking their worst performance of the season.

Background

The Jets began the 2026 season with a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, signaling a cultural shift under Glenn. However, subsequent games revealed offensive limitations, including a 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 4 where Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns. In Week 5, rookie pass rusher David Bailey recorded three sacks, but the offense remained constrained by injuries to key starters. This Week 7 loss to the Dolphins, who had scored only 26 points in the first half of the season, marks a significant regression for New York.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today emphasizes that Glenn’s insistence on the team’s positive trajectory has become a 'faith-based proposition' following the loss, noting that he may struggle to find support after recently backing offensive coordinator Frank Reich. CBS Sports highlights the broader context of the NFL’s surprising standings, noting that the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are leading their divisions, while the Baltimore Ravens are last in the AFC North after blowing a 13-point lead. NFL.com focuses on the tactical failures of the Jets, pointing out that the Dolphins scored 21 points in the first half alone, a stark contrast to their season-long offensive struggles. ESPN’s source was inaccessible due to a server error, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that outlet.

Why it matters

The loss to a winless team raises serious questions about the Jets' coaching stability and offensive execution. Glenn’s ability to manage player development and strategic adjustments will be tested as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ collapse and the Panthers’ blowout loss highlight the volatility of NFL teams that rely heavily on specific offensive or defensive schemes, suggesting that consistency remains a major challenge for several franchises in 2026.

What to watch

The Jets will face continued scrutiny as they attempt to stabilize their offense and defense. Glenn may need to make significant adjustments to his coaching staff or game plans to regain confidence. The Ravens must address their second-half meltdowns, while the Panthers need to recover from their worst performance of the season. The Seahawks will look to maintain their defensive dominance, and the Bengals will aim to sustain their second-half offensive surge.