The New York Jets were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend and the final stretch of the regular season will be about developing younger players on the roster. Second-year outside linebacker and former First-Round pick Jermaine Johnson is someone who has already shown plenty of promise early in his career.
The former Florida State star has stepped into a starting role for the Jets throughout the 2023 season. That continued on Sunday afternoon with New York hosting the Washington Commanders.
On the second possession of the game, Johnson broke right through the middle of the line to block a punt near the end zone. The play led to a touchdown for the Jets as the team took an early 10-0 lead.
Later in the first half, Johnson suffered an apparent leg injury while being rolled up on by a pile of players on a running play. He stayed down before being assisted over to the sidelines by trainers. After being evaluated in the injury tent, Johnson rejoined the defense and eventually re-entered the game.
That's good news for New York with Johnson in the middle of a standout performance. He's recorded one tackle, one pass deflection, two quarterback hurries, and a blocked point. The Jets lead 27-7 in the third quarter.
On the season, Johnson has totaled 49 tackles, ten tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, five pass deflections, a blocked punt, and a forced fumble.
Johnson recorded 70 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown during his lone year at Florida State. He was named a First-Team All-American, First-Team All-ACC selection, and the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson has a brick dedicated in his honor on the Legacy Walk in Tallahassee.
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