In these challenging times, Jermaine Johnson, the talented linebacker/edge rusher for the New York Jets, has a simple yet powerful approach. He and his teammates on the Jets' defense embrace adversity and strive to meet their standards in every game.
One of those standards is the number of sacks, and Johnson has emerged as a standout in this area. With 1.5 sacks against the Falcons' Desmond Ridder, he now leads the Green & White leaderboard with an impressive 6.5 sacks for the season. Right on his heels are Bryce Huff and Quinton Jefferson, both with six sacks.
This raises an intriguing question: When was the last time the Jets had three defenders each with six sacks in a season? The answer takes us back to 2014, when Sheldon Richardson recorded 8 sacks, Quinton Coples had 6.5 sacks, and Muhammad Wilkerson contributed 6 sacks.
If we go even further back, the last time three Jets players achieved seven sacks each in a season was in 1985. Mark Gastineau led the pack with an impressive 13.5 sacks, while Joe Klecko and Barry Bennett both had 7.5 sacks.
However, going beyond these numbers takes us all the way back to before 1981, when sacks became an official statistic in the NFL. We can explore the last time three Jets players reached double-digit sacks together, but we'll have to wait and see how the Jets' sack race unfolds in the final five games.
Despite the focus on sack records, Johnson understands that there are other statistics that matter even more at this point."I know both sides of the ball are looking for that one percent, that inch that we can get better at," he said. "The most important thing is winning."
Johnson's exceptional performance on the field and his commitment to the team's success highlight his impact on the Jets' defense. As the season progresses, fans can eagerly anticipate witnessing more spectacular plays from Johnson and his teammates, as they continue to embrace adversity and uphold their standards.
