The NY Jets' defensive line was one of the biggest disappointments in the team's Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Just days later, Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson is already looking ahead to the team's next opponent, the Tennessee Titans.
Johnson isn't just looking ahead, either. You could argue he's looking past them, at least as far as quarterback Will Levis is concerned.
The former Florida State star spoke to reporters on Wednesday and offered a less-than-flattering scouting report for the Titans' starting quarterback. And in doing so, he unintentionally gave Levis and the Titans ample bulletin board material ahead of Sunday's matchup.
Johnson was initially complimentary of his soon-to-be opponent before taking a shot at Levis's ability to handle pressure. In particular, Johnson noted that Levis has a tendency to "panic."
"[Will Levis is] a talented athlete and can throw the ball pretty well, but just watching film and just understanding some things about him, especially when he comes out, he's one of those guys that, when things aren't going his way, he kind of can panic a little early."
- Jermaine Johnson
The NY Jets need a bounce-back game from Jermaine Johnson against the Titans
Johnson isn't inherently wrong with his comments. Levis struggled mightily in Tennessee's first game of the season, throwing for just 127 yards and two interceptions, including a costly game-sealing pick-six in the fourth quarter. The Titans lost to a Bears team that didn't score a single offensive touchdown despite their 24 points.
Still, this probably isn't the time to be overlooking your opponent, especially given the performance Johnson and the Jets put forth in Week 1. It was likely the worst game of Johnson's NFL career.
The former first-round pick finished with an abysmal Pro Football Focus grade of 30.1, easily the worst of his career. Johnson missed two tackles and earned a horrific PFF run-defense grade of 30.1, offering little as a pass rusher as well.
The entire Jets defensive line was an issue on Monday night, but Johnson's poor performance was particularly notable. The Jets are relying on Johnson to be a focal point of their defensive line, especially with Haason Reddick still away from the team.
Johnson took accountability for his lackluster showing when speaking to reporters on Wednesday, insisting that he and the Jets will be better moving forward. It's time to back up that talk.
The Jets will have a golden opportunity at a bounce-back game against a Titans offensive line that lacks experience. If the Jets are going to win this game, they're going to need a vintage performance from the best edge defender on their roster at the moment.
Jermaine Johnson isn't wrong about Will Levis, but he has to support his claim with his play on Sunday.
