Bryce Huff, John Franklin-Myers flash for New York Jets defense in loss to Colts

The New York Jets’ dormant pass-rush may have some hope in the form of young rushers John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff.

John Franklin-Myers

After posting three quarterback hits on 17 pass-rush snaps in his Jets debut against the 49ers, Franklin-Myers was efficient once again with two impactful pressures on only 11 pass-rush snaps against the Colts.

It is very early, but with five pressures on 28 pass-rush snaps this season, Franklin-Myers has a pressure rate of 17.9%, which ranks second-best among the 122 interior defensive linemen with 20-plus pass-rush snaps, behind only former Rams teammate Aaron Donald (18.9%). I would be surprised if Franklin-Myers remained that effective all season, but it’s a nice tidbit to represent just how promising he has been with his limited opportunities this season.

From the 5-technique position here, Franklin-Myers rushes inside against superstar left guard Quenton Nelson. Nelson goes for an aggressive jump-set against Franklin-Myers, and Franklin-Myers makes him pay with a club-swim move. Franklin-Myers uses his inside arm to strike Nelson’s inside shoulder and then uses his outside arm to swim over. Franklin-Myers generates pressure that forces an inaccurate throw by Philip Rivers, and in addition, Nelson is called for a holding penalty as he grabs Franklin-Myers to prevent the sack.

This is a somewhat messy play, but Franklin-Myers makes something happen with his relentlessness. From the 4i-tech position, Franklin-Myers crashes down in an apparent effort to set up Quinnen Williams for an outside loop on a stunt, but Williams does not seem to be on the same page. Regardless, Franklin-Myers keeps fighting and is able to generate some push against center Ryan Kelly while Kelly has his attention turned outside. Franklin-Myers works inside and deflects Rivers’ pass, nearly leading to an interception by Tarell Basham.

Franklin-Myers deserves a serious jump in playing time. Henry Anderson, who has done absolutely nothing of note in the passing game this season, played 23 snaps to Franklin-Myers’ 21 against the Colts. At least half of those snaps should go to Franklin-Myers – heck, even all of them would be fine. Anderson is clearly not a fit in Gregg Williams‘ defense and has produced abysmally since the start of 2019. It’s a lock that the Jets will cut him after this season. Give his snaps to Franklin-Myers and let the kid show you what he can do on a weekly basis with a starter’s diet of snaps.

Bryce Huff