Takeaways from episode 2 of Jets 'Hard Knocks'
Since joining the New York Jets this offseason, Aaron Rodgers has become the center of attention both on and off the field. But in episode two of "Hard Knocks '23: Training Camp With The New York Jets," the star quarterback took a backseat to several of his teammates.
Here are three takeaways from this episode.
The Jets will go as far as the offensive line takes them
Fans used to seeing an even-keeled Robert Saleh may have been taken aback by the head coach's expletive-filled tirade.
Following a joint practice against the Carolina Panthers in which the Jets offensive line struggled mightily to protect Rodgers, Saleh spared few words when addressing his team. Despite having a vastly improved roster from years prior, the third-year head coach argued none of it would matter unless the frontline put in maximum effort and played well.
"You can have a Hall of Fame quarterback, you can have two $10M plus receivers, you can have a reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, you can have all kinds of skill in the running back room, but none of it f—ing matters until the big boys upfront change who they f—k we are," Saleh said. "We as coaches, we as an organization can’t want it more than you."
The Jets' offensive line has raised cause for concern throughout training camp. The group has hardly been able to mesh and develop chemistry as Saleh and Co. continue to move players around in search of a cohesive starting five.
If things don't change quick, New York may learn the hard way that having a four-time MVP doesn't do any good if he's on the turf.
Quinnen Williams is well-worth the money
Williams and the Jets agreed to a four-year, $96M contract extension that includes $66M in guaranteed money last month. So far, the star defensive tackle is proving worthy of the extra green.
The towering lineman only looks to be getting better as he gears up for his fifth season in the NFL. Whether it was against Jets teammates in Florham Park or Panthers blockers in Carolina, Williams couldn't be stopped from getting to the quarterback.
Jets players on the other side of the ball clearly took notice of Williams' dominance as well. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett playfully flipped the bird at the 25-year-old after he blew up a play in practice, while Rodgers emphatically counted his alleged 11 sacks against the Panthers.
Will McDonald IV is going to make an impact sooner rather than later
The Jets drafted McDonald No. 15 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with the intent of having him develop for a season behind a stacked defensive line. After two preseason games, it seems Saleh will need to find a larger role for the rookie on defense.
McDonald described his play style as "unpredictable," and showcased why against the Panthers. The Iowa State-product made use of his incredible bend off the edge and signature spin-move, recording his first-career NFL sack in the second quarter.
His strong play earned the acclaim of the opposing team, with one Panthers offensive lineman telling McDonald midgame, "You shifty, dawg. You gonna be nice, my boy."
New York actively sports a lot of talent on their defensive front, and by the looks of it have found another difference-maker.
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- 'We go as they go': Jets defensive line shines in episode 2 of 'Hard Knocks'