Brandon Stephens, New York Jets
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New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens trying to make a tackle during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Calls have grown louder for the New York Jets to bench starting cornerback Brandon Stephens.
Midway through the second quarter, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook sliced and diced through the Jets’ defense by way of a 44-yard score, putting the team up 20-0.
The instant replay appeared to show Stephens lollygagging at the 20-yard line instead of going full force to prevent Cook from scoring.
“Brandon Stephens’ effort on this touchdown run could best be described as poor,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic posted on social media.
Brandon Stephens’ effort on this touchdown run could best be described as poor. https://t.co/KV34BtVwc2
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 14, 2025
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NFL analyst Will Parkinson responded, “Play AZ.” Parkinson was referencing rookie cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, Stephens’ primary backup.
Play AZ. https://t.co/gT7gMEMEkt
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) September 14, 2025
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The Jets signed Stephens to a three-year $36 million contract with $23 million of that guaranteed this offseason.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn Aggressively Pushes Back on Effort Questions
“Watching this live, I could see that Brandon Stephens gave up on the play, but I honestly thought it was just the last few strides. Re-watching it now, this is just insane. He starts jogging at around the twenty. How do the @nyjets sign this guy for $36 million?,” Jets analyst Glenn Naughton openly questioned.
Watching this live I could see that Brandon Stephens gave up on the play, but I honestly thought it was just the last few strides.
Re-watching it now, this is just insane. He starts jogging at around the twenty.
How do the @nyjets sign this guy for $36 million? https://t.co/tI6SVqsZvf
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 15, 2025
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“Brandon Stephens was already on notice with Jets fans after week one. The lack of effort here…. Should Brandon Stephens be benched,” Jets content creator Harrison Glaser asked on social media.
Brandon Stephens was already on notice with #Jets fans after week one
The lack of effort here….
Should Brandon Stephens be benched❓ pic.twitter.com/g5UzV2umtN
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) September 14, 2025
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Shortly after the game on Sunday, September 14, head coach Aaron Glenn said he had to watch the tape when asked for his thoughts on the run defense issues.
The next day, Coach Glenn emphatically defended his guys regarding the outside noise about hustle and effort questions.
“Over pursuit for the most part & just playing leverage football because the effort was absolutely there. Our guys were running their [expletive] off trying to get to the ball. But man, when you have two or three guys running outside the ball, and this is a cutback league, man, we can’t allow it to happen. That is something we can fix, like quickly, and our guys will understand that. So I look forward to making sure that when we get into the meeting, we address that,” Glenn said.
#Jets HC Aaron Glenn reviewed the #Bills tape & was asked what wasn’t working in run defense?
‘Over pursuit for the most part & just playing leverage football because the effort was absolutely there. Our guys were running their ass off trying to get to the ball.’
NYJ allowed… pic.twitter.com/82m3ITLNR4
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) September 15, 2025
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Jets Have a Capable Body Waiting in the Wings
You can take a player not performing up to snuff. It happens every week in the NFL. However, a player not putting out effort and not hustling is unacceptable behavior for any player, let alone someone you just paid a bag of money.
The eye in the sky never lies. Fans and analysts noticed Stephens’ lack of effort, even if Coach Glenn didn’t on tape.
If the Jets decided to yank the plug on Stephens, they have a capable replacement at the ready.
Thomas, 21, entered the league this offseason as the No. 73 overall pick in the third round. NFL draft analyst Drew Beatty told me on “Boy Green Daily” that he had a first-round grade on Thomas. He said the Jets getting him in the third round was one of the best steals of April’s draft.