Green Bay, WI – The Packers’ preseason matchup with the New York Jets was meant to be an opportunity for young players to prove their worth. Instead, it became a harsh spotlight for one rookie fighting to stay afloat.
Mistakes piled up early. Missed tackles turned short gains into first downs, and lapses in coverage gave the Jets easy completions. The defense’s struggles fed into the narrative that depth remains a serious concern heading into the season.
At the center of that storm was undrafted linebacker Jamon Johnson, a former Kentucky standout with 192 career tackles and 13 sacks in college. This was his first major test, and the numbers were unforgiving.
"I thought the pressure would stay between the lines, but here, it follows you everywhere. One bad game and your name’s exploding online. It wears you down — to the point I’m questioning if I can keep going in this league," Johnson said afterward.
Statistically, the performance was tough to overlook: four missed tackles, two completions allowed for 27 yards, and a PFF grade of just 25.3 — the lowest among Packers defenders. Each error fueled the online backlash in real time.
On X, @PGpackersnews labeled his outing “disastrous,” adding that he “has a mountain to climb” to secure a roster spot. Other fans voiced disappointment, recalling the excitement around his UDFA signing just months ago.
The ripple effect extended beyond one player. Green Bay’s defense missed 17 tackles overall, and Johnson’s miscues highlighted the need for better discipline in open space — a flaw that could haunt them when the regular season begins.
With two preseason games left, Johnson’s path is clear but unforgiving. Every snap will be a test, every play a chance to silence the critics. Redemption is possible, but in Green Bay, opportunities are running out fast.
