One of the most exciting additions the New York Jets made in this big offseason was the signing of cornerback D.J. Reed. He has recently expressed his excitement about a multitude of things related to the Jets. Reed spoke on new running mate Sauce Gardner, second-year wide receiver Elijah Moore, the potential of the new-look secondary, and the Jets’ potential as a team.
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Reed on Sauce
The Jets invested significant resources into both Reed and Gardner this offseason. They will be expected to be an elite cornerback duo on the outside. Reed recently had this to say about the fourth overall pick, “He’s everything that the media is saying he is, he’s a lockdown cornerback.” Pretty high praises from someone in Reed who produced at a high-level last year. With Reed being 25-years-old and Gardner 21, the two have the potential over time to be the best tandem in football.
Moore’s versatile skillset
For the Jets offense and Zach Wilson to take off in 2022, Moore is as crucial as anyone. The fifth-year corner had this to say today about what he sees going against Moore, “Personally, like Elijah Moore is the real deal. I like how he runs his routes. I like how he switches up he’s not really a traditional type of receiver like he mixes it up and is kind of unorthodox with his route-running, which is good because it throws corners off.”
Moore and Reed will continue to have the opportunity to make one another better on the practice field.
Outlook on the revamped secondary
Along with Reed and Gardner, the Jets signed a talented young, strong safety in Jordan Whitehead. The defensive backfield also has a slot cornerback in Michael Carter II, who had an encouraging rookie year. Today, Reed had this to say about the potential of the group, “I’m excited. I think it’s special. I think we have the guys to do more than just get the job done, but I think we could dominate.” As far as the corner group headlined by him, Gardner, and Carter II, Reed stated it is “the best group that I’ve been a part of.”
Team expectations
Reed was asked why Super Bowl expectations are not far-fetched during his press conference. He said, “It’s not. It’s kind of like deja-vu. Like my rookie year in San Fran, we went 4-12. Got some guys in the draft, got some guys in free agency, and we were in the Super Bowl up by 10 in the fourth.” He finished with, “We went to the Super Bowl from being 4-12 the year before, so I don’t think it’s far-fetched, especially with the additions that we brought upon.”
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