The New York Jets are gearing up to face their cross-town rivals, the New York Giants, after a well-deserved bye week in Week 7. With a respectable 3-3 record, the Jets are looking to make a statement in this upcoming matchup.
In ESPN's latest power rankings, the Jets find themselves in the middle of the pack, ranked 16th. However, it's not all about the team's overall performance. ESPN has also highlighted one particular player who has been turning heads throughout the first seven weeks of the season — Jermaine Johnson.
Jermaine Johnson, a rookie with limited playing time in 2022, has quickly emerged as a key player for the Jets this season. Taking on a starting role on the edge, Johnson has showcased his skills and potential. With rumors of veteran Carl Lawson being on the trade block, Johnson has started in all six games for the Jets, making an impact on the field.
So far, Johnson has recorded 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. These statistics speak volumes about his contribution to the team's defense.
ESPN's Rich Cimini had this to say about Johnson's performance this season:
"The Jets have a handful of gifted players under 25, including Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, but they all established themselves last season as rookies. Johnson, part of the same rookie class, was buried in a deep defensive-line rotation in 2022. But not anymore. After unseating starter Carl Lawson in the preseason, Johnson has played 64% of the defensive snaps, second only to Quinnen Williams among the linemen. He has two sacks, three passes defensed and holds up well against the run. He’s a three-down player whose arrow is pointed up."
Johnson has proven himself as a formidable run defender for the Jets. As a first-round pick from last season, he ranks fourth in total pressures on the team with 14, trailing behind Bryce Huff, Quinnen Williams, and John Franklin-Myers.
After six games into the season, it is evident that the Jets possess one of the best defensive units in the league. Johnson's consistent improvement in his game is a testament to the team's success.
As the Jets prepare to take on the Giants, all eyes will be on Jermaine Johnson. His performance and impact on the field could be a deciding factor in this highly anticipated matchup. The future looks bright for Johnson, and the Jets are fortunate to have him as a key component of their defense.
