The Jets just can’t seem to get off the runway this season. Another week, another L. And it’s starting to feel like the Gang Green is stuck on repeat. In Week 7, the Steelers stat-padded their way to a 37-15 win. Same story for the Jets: an offense that struggles to stay in gear and a defense that’s folding like a lawn chair. You know things are bad when even your injured $13 million linebacker has to weigh in.

Sidelined with a torn Achilles (for the rest of the season), Jermaine Johnson couldn’t help but express his frustration. He took to Instagram, writing, “I jus wish I can help man… This injury shii for tha birds.” Tough words, but can you blame him? Losing Johnson in Week 2 was a gut punch for a defense already low on depth. And it’s been showing.

The Jets’ once-vaunted D-line has been getting gashed on the ground, giving up 112 rushing yards per game. And that was before their Sunday night clash. Then came the Steelers game. Russell Wilson dropped 37 on them, and while the Jets committed just five penalties and even jumped out to an early lead, it all fell apart. Talk about going from bad to worse.

Sure, there have been bright spots. Will McDonald stepped up with a sack and a tackle for loss. But the absence of Johnson is glaring. And let’s not even get started on the offense. Even Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams’ reunion couldn’t save them from their fourth straight loss.

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday—it’s starting to feel like the Jets are crash-landing into a very long season. One, where they could have surely done a lot with Jermaine Johnson in the room. Instead of rehabbing and nursing the injury that has ended not only his season but what appears to be the end of New York’s hope for playoffs this season.

The Jets must find a way without Jermaine Johnson

The Jets are in a tough spot without Jermaine Johnson. But there might be a silver lining in Haason Reddick‘s arrival. Two-time Pro Bowler Reddick will join the Jets, bringing much-needed firepower to the defensive line. He brings good, consistent numbers. But you’ve got to trust us when we say, ‘It’s going to take more than just numbers to fill the void left by Johnson’s injury’.

Johnson wasn’t just another body on the line. Nope! He had become a leader in that locker room. You remember his performance against the Niners in week 1, right? Johnson struggled to make an impact, but instead of hiding, he stood up in front of his teammates and took responsibility.

That’s the kind of mentality the Jets need more of (and are lacking currently). A player who’s accountable and driven to prove himself. And let’s not forget his rookie year. While other first-rounders like Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson were racking up awards and recognition. Johnson quietly worked on his craft, determined not to be left behind.

His offseason transformation was no accident. Johnson returned to camp as a different player, leading the defense and setting a high standard for the entire unit. “Just really trying to be an apex predator,” he said. That helped him earn a Pro Bowl spot and made him a key piece of this Jets defense. And not just of the D-line, but he breathes Gang Green as well.

See his IG story, for example, man’s rehabbing, but his team’s poor run of form still affects him. But guess what? He has decided to stay close to the team and mentor young guys like Will McDonald. And boy did Will channel his inner Jermaine, well. The boy played well against Pittsburgh. And it was a sign in a positive direction.

The Jets will miss Johnson’s impact on the field, but with Reddick stepping in and the culture Johnson helped build, they’ve got the foundation to keep fighting.