Without key players like Aaron Rodgers, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols, Justin Hardee, and Joe Tippmann for most of the game, the New York Jets faced a daunting challenge against the undefeated defending NFC champions. However, it was the unlikely hero, Jermaine Johnson, who stepped up and delivered a dominant performance, leading the Jets to an impressive victory.
Although the Jets had a full defensive line, they needed contributions from every defensive position to make up for the absence of Gardner and Reed. Jermaine Johnson answered the call and showcased his exceptional skills on the field.
In this game, the second-year edge rusher displayed his prowess by recording four total pressures, marking the second-best performance of his career. Johnson's relentless pursuit and tenacity were evident, as he disrupted the opposing team's offense time and time again. Additionally, he surprised everyone with three passes defended, a remarkable feat considering he had none in his first 19 career games.
While Johnson didn't directly secure any takeaways, his impact was undeniable. On one play, he astutely read a screen pass to Dallas Goedert, tipping the ball into the air for Quinnen Williams to intercept. Later in the game, Johnson's well-timed hit on Jalen Hurts forced an errant pass that fell into the waiting arms of Bryce Hall, resulting in another Jets interception.
Not only did Johnson excel in disrupting the passing game, but he also made significant contributions in containing Philadelphia's formidable rushing attack. He effectively set the edge, preventing the opposing team from gaining momentum on the ground. Though he may not have tallied notable tackles, Johnson's presence on the edge was felt throughout the game.
After a slow start to the season as a pass rusher, Johnson has shown remarkable progress in the past two games. Over his first four games, he managed five pressures on 107 pass-rush snaps, translating to a pressure rate of 4.7%. However, in the recent two games, his performance has skyrocketed, with nine pressures on 63 pass-rush snaps, resulting in an impressive pressure rate of 14.3%.
Jermaine Johnson's exceptional performance against the defending NFC champions not only secured a crucial victory for the New York Jets but also showcased his immense potential and growth as a player. As the Jets look ahead to future matchups, Johnson's impact on the field will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.
