Steve Wilks identifies reason, solution for NY Jets’ tackling woes

Three games into the 2025 season, the New York Jets are facing a familiar problem: missed tackles.

Despite an entirely new defensive coaching staff, the issue has carried over from last year. The Jets have missed 34 tackles this season, including 16 in last Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, which included Jets X-Factor’s Nick Faria, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said addressed his unit’s tackling concerns. Cute Jets’ defensive coordinator does not question his players’ effort, but pointed instead to over-pursuit as the primary cause.

“I’d never question our guys’ effort. We’re running to the ball, but we’ve gotta run to the ball with a purpose,” said Wilks. You see guys running to the ball and overrunning. That’s something I’ve gotta do a better job of coaching.”

Safety Andre Cisco, a free-agent addition this offseason, leads the Jets with five missed tackles, while defensive end Will McDonald owns the team’s highest missed-tackle rate at 60%, the worst mark among defensive ends who have played at least half of their team’s defensive snaps this season.

As the Jets enter Week 4 still searching for their first win, limiting missed tackles will be critical against the Miami Dolphins. Miami is also winless, but it has some of the league’s most elusive playmakers in running back De’Von Achane and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If the Jets fail to finish tackles, the Dolphins have the speed to break open the game early.

If the Jets don’t minimize their missed tackles, the Dolphins’ speed could turn Week 4 into another long game for New York.