One of the New York Jets’ best surprises in 2023 was the emergence of Jermaine Johnson. After a quiet rookie season in which he played just 32% of the Jets’ defensive snaps, Johnson burst onto the scene in 2023, posting 56 pressures, 7.5 sacks, and 31 defensive stops en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini asked Johnson about his favorite play from 2023, referring to his tip-drill pick-six against Joe Flacco as the most dynamic play Johnson made.
Visit our New York Jets News page to stay updated on the latest happenings.
Johnson’s response, though, was different.
“Probably that forced interception I had against the Eagles because that was a close game,” he said. “I’m pretty sure the Eagles were undefeated if not maybe only one loss when they came to play us. So nobody was expecting us to win that game, and change of possession is everything.
“I think that was one of my favorite plays I made for the team. I don’t really get a crazy stat on that, I think it was like a pass deflection, but it was definitely one of those plays that helped change the momentum in that game and helped us take that victory.”
The play Johnson talked about was a tipped screen pass intended for Dallas Goedert that landed in the arms of Quinnen Williams. The stat might have gone to Williams, but Johnson made the wow play.
The Quinnen Williams interception. Still not sure how that ball got out. 👇 pic.twitter.com/E8VxAQZvYy
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) October 15, 2023
Cimini pointed out that Johnson’s play against Flacco had the stat and the change of possession. But Johnson reiterated, “Yeah, I mean, but we didn’t win, so…”
This showcases how Johnson’s mindset is team-first. It’s not that he doesn’t care about accolades, but ultimately, they mean little if the team doesn’t win. That’s a widespread mindset on a Jets team that has far more individual accolades than team ones over the past two seasons.
Johnson also addressed the natural comparison between him and Will McDonald. McDonald seeks a similar Year 2 leap after a quiet rookie year as a first-round pick.
“One of the things I tell him is, ‘Don’t compare yourself to me, you’re your own man, you’re running your own race. Don’t let the outside noise do the, ‘Year 2 Jermaine jump.’ Just run your race,'” Johnson remarked.
“He’s much more bendy than I am, and I’m a little more powerful than he is. I definitely offer anything I can in terms of what I’ve learned along the way and ways I can help him. I learn from him, different edge rush moves and stuff like that. Will is running his race, and he’s running it very well as far as I’m concerned.”
It’s not only McDonald looking to improve on his 2023 season, though. The Jets have even higher expectations for Johnson, too. If he can take another jump, their defense will reach a different level of excellence in 2024.
