NY Jets CB Brandon Stephens shrugs off Week 1 struggles

As Aaron Rodgers diced up the New York Jets’ secondary, one player in particular was picked on more than any other – the same defender who has drawn the ire of the fanbase ever since he signed a three-year deal in the offseason.

When Brandon Stephens inked his $36 million deal with the Jets in March, the fanbase quickly grew concerned about the signing. In his final season with the Baltimore Ravens, Stephens gave up 806 yards and a 107.4 passer rating, among the worst marks at the cornerback position in 2024.

His struggles last season didn’t stop the Jets, led by head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, from signing him. During training camp, it appeared that Stephens was on the precipice of a bounce-back year.

The nightmare scenario happened in Week 1.

Stephens, for all of his success, gave up two touchdowns and 60 yards on five receptions. The former Raven also had a pass interference penalty, a missed tackle, and a dropped interception.

Jets fans are concerned about Stephens’ struggles in Baltimore transferring over to his debut.

But the veteran isn’t losing confidence.

Stephens moves past struggles

Speaking to reporters following the team’s loss, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks explained just how important Stephens is to the team – even after his struggles on Sunday.

“He’s had an outstanding offseason, OTAs, minicamp,” Wilks said of the veteran corner. “I’m not going to make any judgements off one game. I think if you speak with him, which you probably already have, he will tell you that there are some things that he needs to improve on from that game, and number one is just really with his eyes.

“So, I’m still a big Brandon Stephens fan, and he’s going to do a great job for us as we progress and win football games this year.”

In a sit-down with Jets X-Factor after practice, Stephens detailed why he believes Sunday will go down as nothing more than an aberration in his career with the team.

“One thing I never do is lose confidence,” Stephens said. “One game doesn’t define you as a player.

“I’m looking forward to this week. It’s a week for not only myself, but as a group to bounce back.”

The cornerback position is one of the hardest to play in the NFL. Players have to have short-term memories in order to come back and play at a high level. It’s why Stephens is only focusing on what he can improve on going into a key contest against Buffalo.

“Just getting back to what I was doing all camp,” Stephens told X-Factor. “Finishing plays that need to be finished and playing our style of football.”

New York doesn’t believe third-round rookie Azareye’h Thomas is ready to get on the field as a starter just yet. Until that time, Stephens is the Jets’ best chance to find competency at the cornerback position.

The Jets have all the confidence in Stephens. He has all the confidence in himself. All that’s left is for the cornerback to prove he can be a quality starter on the field.