The Jets lost to the Broncos, 10-9, on the rain-soaked field at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Despite the loss, HC Robert Saleh said he remains confident in his defense. left the game feeling confident about the performance from defense.

"They had a couple nice plays where they did a nice job running the ball, but I thought the defense battled with the exception of the one drive in the second half," Saleh said. "I thought the defense gave us every opportunity to win the game."

Aside from a touchdown drive late in the third quarter, the Jets defense limited the Broncos offense 186 total yards, the second consecutive game surrendering fewer than 200.

The unit got off to a fast start forcing 5 straight three-and-outs to begin the game. Rookie QB Bo Nix struggled early, completing 7-of-15 pass attempts for minus-7 yards in the first half.

"We were able to come out focused on the details in the first half and play really good football," Saleh said. "We let them get two much in the running game. We obviously have the one drive that we really wish we could take back. We have ways that we can improve, we were far from playing a perfect game. We played really good defense, but it wasn't great defense."

CB D.J. Reed led the charge in the Jets' secondary, finishing the game with 3 tackles, including a tackle for loss, and 2 pass defenses. In the first quarter, Nix tested Reed (5-9, 187), throwing for rookie WR Troy Franklin (6-2, 181) deep down the left sideline. Reed deflected the ball away.

Nix finished the game 12 of 25 for 60 yards. Over the last two games, the Jets' secondary has yielded 28 completions for 180 yards.

"It was a tough game," Reed said. "If you looked at the stat sheet after the game and saw their passing stats, you'd have thought we had won. But you have to give credit both defenses, their defense played well."

Additionally, LB Quincy Williams and S Tony Adams had strong performances. Adams tied a career-high with 11 tackles and set a career-best with 2 tackles for loss. Williams, who also had 2 TFL, delivered the Jets' defense's only turnover. On a screen pass to RB Tyler Badie, Williams dissected the play perfectly and delivered a hit that jarred the ball loose. The fumble was scooped up by nickel Michael Carter II.

"This game is about finishing," Williams said. "With my philosophy, we should be able to win games 3-0. We need to be getting turnovers and getting our offense the ball more. Even if some things went well, after a loss I am always harping on what the defense could have done better."

Denver's lone TD drive came midway through the third quarter. Trailing by 6-0, Nix conducted an 11-play, 87-yard touchdown drive to take the lead. The first-year QB found WR Cortland Sutton wide open in the back of the endzone for the score on what appeared to be a bust in coverage.

"They formed a bunch, and it was just miscommunication on our end," Reed said. "We let their guy run loose and failed to be on the same page between the three of us on defense. We are going to go back and learn from it."

The apparent lapse on the touchdown, however, did not define the afternoon for the Jets defense. With a trip overseas to play the undefeated Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Sunday, the defense is determined to grow from the loss.

"We have to wipe this game," Solomon Thomas said. "We cannot be emotional about and we have to be prepared to be critical ourselves. Learn from your mistakes and then move past them. Be present and find a way to get better and be the best version of yourself. Week 5 is coming whether we want it to or not."

Reed added: "Football is an imperfect game. I would say today, though, there were a lot of penalties. A pre-snap during the play of the game and there were a lot of penalties this game, but mistakes and penalties are going to happen, but the pre-snap stuff we have to get fixed."