Jets' Jermaine Johnson using unique method for preparing to face Ravens' Lamar Jackson

Things will get no easier for the 2-9 New York Jets this coming Sunday, as they have to play at a 5-5 Baltimore Ravens side that features dynamic quarterback and two-time regular-season MVP Lamar Jackson.

On Thursday, Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson explained the unique way he's preparing to deal with Jackson at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium. 

Could leaner Jermaine Johnson make things difficult for Lamar Jackson?

"I've been doing extra running, staying off sugary drinks and stuff like that, getting ready for him," Johnson said about the upcoming matchup versus Jackson, per Randy Lange of the Jets' website. "That's more of a personal thing. I'm chasing after a lot of guys as the season's going on. I just want to shed any kind of weight that's slowing me down so that I can turn those hurries or hits or pressures into sacks. Especially a guy like we've been talking about this week. It's very important."

Jackson may still be shaking off some rust after he missed three games because of a lingering right hamstring injury. While he guided the Ravens to victories in three straight starts coming off that setback, he was sacked five times in Baltimore's 23-16 win over the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 16. Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett was responsible for four of those sacks. 

"Myles is very generational," Johnson said. "He does things at an elite level. Just being able to watch that and see how he approaches those guys, yeah, you always want to take what you can from a performance like that and apply it to you."

Jets will be ready for a fully healthy Lamar Jackson

Jackson practiced in full on Thursday after a Wednesday injury report revealed he was dealing with an ankle issue. Johnson indicated the Jets will be ready to see Jackson at his best this Sunday. 

"When you get back there with a mobile quarterback, especially like Lamar, it's all about changing your stride, coming under control," Johnson added during his comments. "A lot of times when he's shaking those guys, they're a little out of control, not great pad level. It's really just fundamental things like that that are on my mind."

As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had the Jets as massive 13.5-point underdogs against the Ravens. If Johnson and Co. can keep Jackson from getting into a rhythm early on Sunday, Gang Green could at least keep things interesting for over three quarters of play.