Jets' Edge Rusher Leads Team in Sacks during Sophomore Surge

There was certainly plenty of preseason hype, and Jermaine Johnson has lived up to it thus far as a second-year pro.

Initially a peripheral member of the edge rusher rotation, he totaled 312 defensive snaps and 2.5 sacks as a rookie. The 2022 first-round draft pick has already logged 549 plays on defense through 12 games in 2023.

The increase in opportunities have correlated with a boost in production by the 24-year-old edge rusher. Johnson has nearly tripled his sacks and quarterback hits output from last year. He has accounted for a team-high 6.5 sacks and ranks third amongst Jets' leaders with 13 QB hits.

Johnson totaled 29 tackles over 14 appearances in 2022 after the Jets drafted the Florida State product at No. 26 overall.

"I didn't see the Jermaine I know on film last year to be quite honest," said Johnson in a summertime self assessment. "It's pretty simple — work your butt off this offseason, be consistent. Work hard and make sure that's not the case next season."

All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was one of the first passengers aboard the Jermaine Johnson hype train.

"He's bigger, stronger, faster. That young guy right there took the initiative this offseason to get way better. I for sure know he's going to have a breakout year," said Williams on the first day of training camp.

Johnson showed up to his second NFL camp in prime physical condition and proceeded to wow throughout the preseason.

"I don’t know if you guys have noticed, he looks massive in a good way. He looks explosive, he’s very powerful," said Saleh back in July.

Johnson, who has played 65 percent of the snaps while starting all 12 games, has recorded 41 stops and four pass deflections thus far as a sophomore.

As a unit, the Jets' defense ranks second overall in the NFL for yards per play (4.67) allowed. Their 8.29 percent sack rate ranks ninth on the circuit.

Johnson and the Jets will face the NFL's second-best pass offense (275.2 ypg) when C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans visit MetLife Stadium on December 10.

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