Jets’ Pass Rush Returns at Full Strength as Glenn Defends Justin Fields vs Critics
On Tuesday, the New York Jets’ defensive line practiced at full strength for the first time this summer. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson joined in team drills after starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Johnson had been sidelined as he continued his return from Achilles surgery in 2023. During practice, Johnson reached the backfield frequently. Head coach Aaron Glenn said, “Whoa. That’s all I can say is, ‘Whoa.’” He added that Johnson rushed past him with such speed that it felt like wind, saying, “Just goes by me, and then you see Quinnen Williams. It felt good. I’ll just say that. It felt really good.”
The Jets had been without key defensive linemen during camp. Johnson had only recently been removed from the physically unable to perform list. Williams had missed time with a calf injury, and defensive end Will McDonald had been dealing with back tightness and a knee injury. Glenn described McDonald by saying, “I think we see Will has a fastball that is like elite in this league.” He described Johnson as “a bigger body — 265, 270 pounds — that’s a true power player, but he does have speed also.” Glenn explained, “A lot of times when you have that dynamic, you can have one guy from one side rush with power, when he’s running right through the tackle, now the quarterback has to have an escape lane, and you have a guy who has speed that can come from the backside and make a play. That makes a hell of a rush. I’m looking forward to seeing those guys work together.”
Glenn confirmed that “a good amount” of starters will not play in the Jets’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. The Jets had played starters in their first two preseason games. Glenn did not say which players will sit out, but explained, “It gives us a chance to look at some of our other young guys and give them plenty of playing time so we can evaluate them. It’s getting down to nut-cutting time as far as who’s going to make the 53.”
Sports betting markets adjusted during the week of the Eagles game. Odds across multiple sportsbooks listed the Jets as slight favorites between -1.5 and -2.5 points. Totals for the game ranged from 34.5 to 37.5 points. Moneyline prices generally fell in the minus-120s to minus-130s. Futures odds placed the Jets between +20,000 and +25,000 to win the Super Bowl, +10,000 to win the AFC, and about +1,800 to win the AFC East. Win totals differed across sportsbooks, with some setting 6.5 wins with plus money on the Over and others setting 5.5 wins with the Over heavily favored. For quarterback Justin Fields, sportsbooks listed props at approximately 2,550 to 2,600.5 passing yards, 14.5 passing touchdowns, 650 to 675.5 rushing yards, and 5.5 to 6.5 rushing touchdowns. MVP odds for Fields ranged from +10,000 to +20,000.
Glenn also addressed the Jets’ running backs. He said, “We have three good running backs. I keep saying that. They all have different skill sets that we’re going to utilize. That does not mean that I’m trading Breece. OK? It does not. I’m going to say that right now. I just like having three good guys. Hell, I wish I had more.”
Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets in the offseason after the team moved on from Aaron Rodgers. He has played in the Jets’ first two preseason games. In the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, Fields completed three of four passes for 42 yards and scored on a 13-yard run. In the second preseason game against the New York Giants, Fields completed one of five passes for four yards. Across the two games, Fields has completed four of nine passes for 46 yards and has run three times for 19 yards. He has not attempted a pass longer than nine air yards.
Glenn responded to criticism of Fields’ passing, saying, “I mean, you have so many people that want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys get to go out there and play. And then everything is falling down because we throw six passes [actually five, last Saturday]. Then, I mean, he’s Johnny Unitas when we throw four passes [in the first game]. So, it bothers me, and I laugh at it quite a bit. But the thing is, I understand it because that’s the noise that happens on the outside.” Glenn added that he is “very confident” in the Jets’ passing attack and said the team can lean on the rushing game if necessary. When asked about the league’s emphasis on passing, Glenn said, “Who says it’s a passing league? The team that won the Super Bowl, what were they in passing? Twenty-ninth. What were they running? First.”
Fields spoke before practice on Tuesday. He said, “We’re fine with taking 8-yard completions every play if I’m being honest with you. Of course, you want explosives, but like I said Saturday, we’re not going to force the ball downfield. If they want to get depth on the second level, we’re fine with taking the 8-, 10-yard completion, taking time off the clock, and just driving down the field and having 10-to-15-play drives. It gets the defense tired. It might not be as exciting on the offensive side of the ball for the fans, but like I said, it’s efficient ball.”
Several injured players also returned to practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who had missed time with a calf injury, joined team drills. During practice, a trainer massaged Gardner’s lower right leg after he was kicked. Glenn said, “He’s fine.”
