Heading into the 2024 regular season, the New York Jets look to have arguably the best defense in the league. They have multiple units at the top of PFF rankings and should have a dominant unit to lean on.
The New York Jets defense has been excellent for the last few seasons. But, the abysmal performance by the offense has dragged their numbers down and worn them out.
There is optimism surrounding the team heading into the season with Aaron Rodgers healthy and back in the mix. If he can stay on the field, many people believe they are legitimate contenders in the AFC.
Even if Rodgers is forced to miss time, the New York Jets made an upgrade to the quarterback depth chart by signing Tyrod Taylor in free agency. A solid veteran, he can keep the team afloat.
Alas, the success of the team this season will be driven by their defense. If they can live up to the expectations being placed on them, they are going to lead the New York Jets to plenty of victories.
One player who has placed high expectations on himself is Jermaine Johnson II. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Florida State, he had a coming-out party in Year 2 of his career.
Making his first Pro Bowl team, Johnson recorded 7.5 sacks with 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits and 25 pressures. Heading into Year 3, his numbers should take another jump, as he sent a scary warning to the rest of the league about what is on the horizon.
“Just really trying to be an apex predator,” Johnson said on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast. “Do power at an extremely high level, finesse at an extremely high level, and really put [offensive] tackles in a bind. Just all-around dominating everything is where my head is.” (H/T New York Post)
Only scratching the surface of his potential, big things are coming for Johnson and the New York Jets. If the team can get Haason Reddick into camp, they will have as fearsome of a pass rush as any team in the NFL.
