Jermaine Johnson, the edge rusher, addressed the New York Jets’ defensive struggles this week. Johnson, out since last season due to a torn Achilles tendon. In week 2, he returned but injured his ankle and is expected to be active for the upcoming game, adding a critical boost to a unit that has been winless. He confirmed a players-only meeting aimed at resetting their standards ahead of his return,

While speaking to the media, Jermaine Johnson said, “Just taking full accountability 100 percent. We had a players-only meeting, and just everybody’s on the same page, we have to be better. We can’t be the reason we lose; that can’t happen, and we have too much talent and Coach A.G. has had our back in terms of how he’s run this thing, instilling a certain culture in here, and we’ve got to have his back by putting a good product out there.”

Johnson’s return comes at a time when HC Aaron Glenn has stressed the importance of execution and accountability. The Jets have recorded only seven sacks and no takeaways in five games. The Jets’ defense has allowed extended drives and struggled to finish possessions, giving up crucial yardage on third downs.  

According to reports from ESPN, the Jets average 31.4 points allowed per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. And opposing teams average 192.6 passing yards per game against the Jets. The unit’s inconsistencies have forced the coaching staff to emphasize discipline and communication. The Jets allow 121.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 4th worst against the run.

He totaled 88 tackles, 10 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 7 pass deflections through 2024. During his last healthy season in 2023, he recorded 7.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the lowest-tier defensive ends in snaps and overall rating for 2024. Aaron Glenn, however, as marked him “ready to go” against the Denver Broncos with the Jets trailing at 0-5.

Jermaine Johnson to return defensive spark against the Broncos

Johnson’s comeback adds urgency and intensity to a defense that has struggled. Aaron Glenn said he brings physicality and energy that changes the tone on the field. Apart from his ability to disrupt quarterbacks and set the edge, Johnson raises the standard for the entire defense.

“He does bring the edge to him. He’s another guy that can get after the quarterback, so anytime we can bring that type of attitude, anytime we can bring that level of player on our team back from injury, it’s always good,” Aaron Glenn said ahead of the game. 

The Denver Broncos had one of the league’s most evenly distributed profiles going into the game. Their defense allows just 16.8 points per game, second-lowest in the NFL. Their pass rush leads the league with 21 sacks after five weeks, and they only allow 200.2 passing yards and 88.2 rushing yards per game. Denver leans on a strong run game, averaging 140.6 rushing and 214.6 passing yards per game, the fourth best in the league.

The New York Jets, on the other hand, have had difficulty striking that balance. With 702 yards on the ground and 1,071 yards in the air, their offense has produced 1,737 yards this season, averaging 22.4 points per game. With Johnson on the edge, New York has a vital opportunity to press Bo Nix, who has 1,103 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and 5 sacks, and disrupt Denver’s run-heavy offense in search of their first victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.