The Pro Bowl Games are almost upon us and the New York Jets have plenty of stars (on the defensive side at least) to take part.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson are all in Orlando, Florida to take part in this week's event. For Gardner and Williams, it's their second straight trip to the All-Star games. Johnson, on the other hand, is heading to the games for the first time.
The Pro Bowl Games feature a Skills Showdown Thursday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN, and Sunday's Championship from 3-6 p.m.
How did each get to the games this season? Let's break it down here:
Sauce Gardner
There hasn't been a cornerback that has gone through as dominant a stretch to start their career as Sauce Gardner has with the Jets.
Gardner recorded just 11 pass defenses this season despite being targeted far less than he was in his rookie year. In 583 coverage snaps, he allowed 31 completions for 251 yards (0.4 yards allowed per coverage snap).
The former Cincinnati product has been the face of Gang Green's secondary for two years. As he develops, he is already on the cusp of playing at an all-time great pace that even another Jets' corner like Darrelle Revis was able to accomplish.
Quinnen Williams
It wasn't the same 13-sack season as his breakout in 2022, but Quinnen Williams showed why he is still one of the league's best defensive stars in 2023.
While being double-teamed more than anyone else on the defensive line, Williams was still able to record 5.5 sacks and a career-high 62 tackles. As the top player on the front line, Williams has drawn the most attention but has been able to be the best combination of run-stuffing phenom and pass-rushing dynamo.
It's a no-brainer reason why he's back in the games again.
Jermaine Johnson
Johnson's first Pro Bowl visit comes as an alternate. That was thanks to Los Angeles Chargers' edge rusher Khalil Mack being unable to participate due to an injury.
In 17 games played this season, the Florida State product tallied 7.5 sacks, 11 TFL, and seven passes defended. He also ran back an interception for a TD to add to his career year.
The third first-round selection by the Jets made in 2022, Johnson struggled to see the field in his rookie year, but had a massive improvement in his first full offseason with the team.
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