Joe Benigno rips 'overrated' Jets defense: 'Tell me how this defense is so great'

Joe Benigno joined Evan and Tiki on Tuesday, resuming his weekly spot on the show to react to each Jets game, and while he tried to stay measured after just one loss to a potent 49ers team, he has had enough of the talk around the Gang Green defense.

After New York was gashed by backup running back Jordan Mason and the Niners offense, Joe didn’t want to hear any more talk about the Jets being a top defensive unit in the league, or any other hype and praise that has been thrown their way since the start of last season.

“This defense is overrated,” Joe said of his main takeaway from Monday’s loss. “I’m tired of hearing about how good the defense is. They never force turnovers, they don’t get after the quarterback, they can’t stop the run. Tell me how this defense is so great. They got gouged in this game.”

DJ Reed opened eyes before the start of last season, when he mentioned the 1985 Bears as aspirations that the Jets D were shooting for, and while New York’s defensive unit was exceptional by many statistical categories in 2023, Joe never fully bought into the hype.

Monday’s loss only heightened his scepticism.

“Let’s tell it like it is. That defense stunk,” Joe said. “They got destroyed...there were guys wide open everywhere. And this kid Mason looked like Jim Brown.

“What is going on with this defense, bro?”