In a year of heartbreak for the New York Jets, few things topped the list like Week 2. Despite leaving Tennessee with a victory over the Titans, the team lost far more than the game. At the cost of a 24-17 victory, beloved edge rusher Jermaine Johnson suffered a torn Achilles. The injury couldn’t come at a worse time as the edge rusher looked to build off a great 2023 season. Now, healthy and ready to contribute, the edge rusher’s return has the fan base excited. In need of a defensive boost, head coach Aaron Glenn knows Johnson’s return to form is a great benefit to the front seven. If all goes well, Johnson’s return can be a big turning point for the team’s long-term core. Especially if he can help make things easier for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and edge rusher Will McDonald.
Edge Rusher’s Return Is a Welcome Addition for Jets
Although his tenure with the team ended, former general manager Joe Douglas had a tremendous 2022 NFL Draft. Three major first-round picks all within the top 30. Of course, cornerback Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson are the faces of it, but fans often overlook their fellow first-round pick. Selected with the 26th pick, former Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson was a great move by the team. The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American at the time, Johnson oozed potential. That potential was on full display in 2023.
In his second season in the league, Johnson started all 17 games for New York. During that time, he recorded seven-&-a-half sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a 37-yard pick-six. Along with his 55 total tackles, Johnson was named to his first Pro Bowl appearance. After selecting Will McDonald in the first round that year, New York wanted Johnson and McDonald to be their primary pass-rushing duo off the edge long term. Unfortunately, that would have to wait til after the 2024 season.
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The Jets lost Jermaine Johnson to a Torn Achilles in Week 2
Entering 2024, Jets fans were eager to see the team compete for a playoff push for the first time in years. Unfortunately, the team’s expectations took a hit after a week one loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Following that, the Jets were on the road to take a trip to face the Tennessee Titans. During that game, Jermaine Johnson would pay a terrible price. The 25-year-old suffered a torn Achilles before the end of the game. Watching Johnson get taken off the field was a gutpunch to the entire sideline. After his injury, the Jets defense took a noticeable hit. Relying on Will McDonald without having Haason Reddick there due to contract disputes, the Jets defensive line looked much weaker in 2024. However, Will McDonald more than held his own, recording 10.5 sacks.
Johnson’s Return is a Great Benefit to Aaron Glenn’s defense
As Aaron Glenn enters the uncharted waters of the head coach world, he must identify his building blocks early. Fortunately for him, he has some of the same core pieces intact that allowed the defense to shine during Robert Salah’s tenure. This includes Jermaine Johnson, whom the team believes can still contribute after accepting his fifth-year option this offseason. While Johnson’s injury could have led to apprehension, it bodes well that Darren Mougey believes in him enough to accept the option. Aaron Glenn expressed his support for Johnson being ready before the season.
Johnson’s return to form will be crucial for the Jets defense. Another strong year from him and a productive year for McDonald should entrench them as the primary edge rushers long term. In addition, it will also be beneficial to the coaching staff to have two reliable rushers with a lot of experience behind them. Despite praise for Tyler Baron’s potential as a pass rusher, it’s unfair to put the weight of the second unit edge rushing on the shoulders of a fifth-round pick.
Thankfully, Johnson will be working with an experienced mind in defensive line coach Eric Washington. With 18 years of experience working on NFL defensive staffs, Washington has a tremendous amount of experience he can lend to this defense. During his tenure, Washington worked for the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and the Carolina Panthers. This includes working alongside current defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Combining the experience of Wilks and Washington with his newly restored health, the opportunity is there for Jermaine Johnson to have a major comeback.
Main Photo: [David Gonzales] – USA Today Sports
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