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Jets Star Quinnen Williams Assigns Blame Amid 0-5 Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 4:57 PM ET

The New York Jets are having a disastrous start to the 2025 season. They fell to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, losing 37-22, giving them a 0-5 record. The Jets are the only winless team in the NFL through five weeks.

There was hope that first-year head coach Aaron Glenn would provide stability, but the franchise looks poised to extend their 14-year playoff drought.

When a team performs this poorly, there are several different areas that can be pointed to. However, if team captain and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams were to assign blame, it's clear what he believes is at fault.

New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (95).Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Williams called out the defense as the reason the Jets have started 0-5.

“We’re 0-5 and the defense has been the problem, the reason why we’re 0-5," Williams said, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Quinnen Williams keeping it real in London, telling reporters: “We’re 0-5 and the defense has been the problem, the reason why we’re 0-5.” He also said they have “probably the worst defense in the league.” (Actually, Baltimore is worse, based on ppg)

Williams said the coaches…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 9, 2025

Through five games, the Jets rank 22nd in total yards per game allowed (347.4) and 31st in points per game allowed (31.4). Their defensive unit is also the only one in the NFL yet to record a turnover.

Williams specifically called out the pass rush, saying, "We just have to find a way to get to the quarterback and affect the quarterback because I think that's the No. 1 thing that's going to help this defense."

However, Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been effective so far, recording 20 tackles, one sack, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and five pressures. His Pro Football Focus overall grade of 81.1 ranks 10th among defensive linemen.

He and the Jets can secure their first win of the season with a Week 6 matchup against the 3-2 Denver Broncos. However, the Broncos are hot, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.

It provides an opportunity for the Jets to take down a team coming off an impressive win and stay competitive amid a disappointing start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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