In a devastating blow last Sunday, Jermaine Johnson suffered a torn Achilles, sparking concerns that the Jets would need to amp up efforts to bring in Haason Reddick to bolster their defense. With Johnson sidelined, the need for reinforcements on the edge became more pressing.
However, 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald has stepped up to the plate and delivered impressive performances to ease some of the worries. In a stellar Week Two showing against the Titans, McDonald notched three sacks. He then followed up with another standout performance in the recent win over the Patriots, tallying two sacks, four quarterback hits, and six pressures.
Despite seeing limited action in his rookie season, McDonald’s emergence has been a silver lining in the Jets’ defensive woes. Head coach Robert Saleh praised McDonald’s progress, attributing it to the increased opportunities he’s had in Reddick’s absence.
“Will’s done a great job taking advantage,” Saleh remarked. “He’s been doing it since training camp. For him, it’s kind of a blessing without Haason being here, it’s given him a lot more reps than he would’ve taken had he been here. Credit to Will, he’s worked on it. He’s getting better and better, and he’s only going to get better.”
While additional depth on the defensive front remains a desired asset for the Jets, McDonald’s breakout year continues to instill confidence in the team’s prospects. Should he maintain his impressive form, the Jets could navigate through challenges more smoothly, regardless of the circumstances.
