Highlighting Three Individual Winners from Jets' Preseason Victory over Carolina
The New York Jets were winners across the board throughout Saturday's NFL Preseason affair against the Carolina Panthers.
As part of our Jets Country game breakdown, let's examine the performances of three particular players who were key to the dominant team effort. Although all three men appear guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, each player is still on his rookie contract and has something to prove this summer.
After the Jets declined to exercise his fifth-year option, offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is attempting to show both durability and confidence. Second-round edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, the team's third of three first-round picks in 2022, came to training camp in fantastic physical condition, looking ready for a larger role in the defensive line rotation. Fifth-round rookie running back Israel Abanikanda, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing last year, is in the mix for backup duties behind Breece Hall.
Here's more on the three men who deserve game balls for their effort in Preseason Game No. 2.
Israel Abanikanda, RB
After Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight shared starter duties for the first couple series, the Jets gave Abanikanda a chance at a featured role and the rookie responded.
The fifth-round draft pick, known for his speed, led all players with 87 scrimmage yards in the preseason road win. Abanikanda rushed 12 times for 56 yards, including a 26-yard burst that set the Jets up at the Panthers' 1-yard line.
"Most runs you got to stick your foot in the ground and go get dirty, so he is learning that style," said Saleh following the Hall of Fame Game in Canton.
Abanikanda showed the willingness to play that way on Saturday in Carolina.
"While Ban [Abanikanda] ran hard, obviously we’re always looking for more ball security, but, overall, I thought he ran his tail off," said Saleh after Preseason Game No. 2.
The Brooklyn-born running back also displayed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, recording 31 yards and two first downs on three receptions.
Abanikanda reached the front left pylon on an electric 10-yard touchdown run in the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, but totaled only 35 yards on 10 touches during his debut. He played a more significant role in the offense his second time out.
Jets' RB Israel Abanikanda (25) reaches for the end zone
© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Mekhi Becton, LT
The massive offensive tackle lost 50 pounds through his offseason regimen and has been slowly ramping up during training camp after a two-year absence.
Becton, the No. 11 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, logged only seven snaps in the Hall of Fame Game, but saw a substantial increase in action against Carolina. Replacing starter Billy Turner at left tackle, the 6-foot-7 Becton took 27 reps on Saturday.
"He got in a lot of reps and played a heckuva lot more than what we were planning," said Saleh. "He wanted to go more which is promising. I am proud of him and I thought he took a really, really big step today."
Becton, who has shown the ability to protect effectively, is testing the durability of his twice surgically-repaired right knee.
"Mekhi's been doing really good," said running back Michael Carter from his locker. "I wanna give him a quick shoutout. I think he deserves the spotlight."
Jermaine Johnson, DE
After averaging 22 snaps per game as a rookie rotational edge rusher, Johnson has been a star of Jets' Training Camp thus far by multiple accounts. It was no different during live game action on Saturday.
"We talk about on defense all the time that we go as they go, and so I’m just really pumped for them," said Saleh about the Johnson-led defensive line.
Donning his patented No. 11 jersey, Johnson spearheaded a fierce effort from Gang Green's front four in a 27-0 preseason shutout. Whether using guile or sheer power, he consistently won his one-on-one matchups and finished with three tackles, two QB hurries and one-half sack.
"Today, I left some stuff out there that I’d like to have back. My mindset is to dominate every man across from me," said Johnson. "I want to be the greatest at my position and I know that comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of consistency."
With his physique and mental approach reportedly in prime condition, the first-round talent is vying for more work in Year 2 and he's on track to get it.
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