New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Three Jets rookies who have risen above the rest

By Nathaniel Griffee | Last updated Nov 8, 2022 12:39 PM ET

The Jets have their rookies to thank for Sunday's upset win over the Bills.

Playing as a depth piece on the Jets' stacked defensive line, Jermaine Johnson has shined in limited playing time. With 2.5 sacks total, he has recorded one sack every 40 snaps. Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson, the 2022 NFL Draft's second overall pick, has a sack every 106 snaps and 4.5 sacks overall.

Watch Johnson's elite closing speed as he takes down Bills QB Josh Allen from behind for a huge sack:

Special play from Jermaine Johnson, who has 2.5 sacks through his first 7 games and has been strong against the run. Expecting to see his PT pick up post bye week... #Jets pic.twitter.com/RfzeXcpYv3
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) November 8, 2022

WR Garrett Wilson's performance was even more impressive. Going against the No. 5 defense in passing yards allowed, Wilson snagged eight receptions for 92 yards.

Wilson put moves on seemingly every would-be tackler in blue:

Garrett Wilson made Kaiir Elam exit the frame with this move pic.twitter.com/yn0etwQcMK
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) November 6, 2022

Cornerback Sauce Gardner had one of the best performances of his career.

After letting WR Stefon Diggs beat him on a big play early, the rookie phenom tightened up. He didn't allow another catch for the rest of the game and recorded his second career interception. The Bills have the league's best offense statistically (416.4 ppg).

Gardner, among the favorites to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, sealed the game with a pass breakup on a deep ball to Gabe Davis.

Sauce Gardner is him.

(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/gICv21vbky
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 6, 2022

With performances like these almost weekly, head coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas may become top of mind for those who vote on NFL Coach of the Year and NFL Executive of the Year.

Nathaniel Griffee

Nathaniel Griffee is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Richmond. A former Peace Corps Albania volunteer from Northern New Jersey, he now primarily covers the New York Jets. A long-time fan of the team, he looks to provide unique perspectives on the latest happenings.

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