Category: New York Jets

Jets’ Aaron Rodgers Warns: Handling Success is Our Biggest Challenge Ahead

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows a thing or two about keeping calm in the face of adversity. After a rocky start to the season, he shared his insights with Pro Football Talk, addressing the challenges that lie ahead for his team.

The Struggle with Success

Rodgers highlighted a common dilemma in sports, reflecting on a quote from former coach Mike McCarthy: “Our biggest struggle is going to be handling success.” He elaborated, noting that it’s easier for a team to bond when they face challenges, saying, “It’s us against the world, it’s us against the big bad media who are saying how bad we are.”

This season started off shaky for the Jets, with Rodgers appearing a bit rusty in the first six quarters. However, the tide turned during halftime against Tennessee, sparking a noticeable improvement in the offense. Since then, the Jets have strung together two consecutive wins, defeating a solid New England defense.

Looking Ahead to the Broncos

As the Jets prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the struggling Denver Broncos, they are 7.5-point favorites. Despite this favorable position, Rodgers emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the immediate task rather than looking ahead to the next game against the Vikings. “I think that’s the mark of a great team,” he stated. “Just, can you handle the success part, with the same focus, the same mentality, the same mindset, the same energy when you’re starting to get on a little bit of a roll?”

One Game at a Time

With the Jets having not won more than seven games in a decade, Rodgers’ message is clear: take it one game at a time. The team must remain grounded and keep pushing forward. “Stay humble. Stay hungry,” he advised, underscoring the mindset required for sustained success.

As the season progresses, the Jets will look to navigate the complexities of success while aiming for a brighter future. With leaders like Rodgers at the helm, they may just have the right strategy to rise to the occasion.

Jermaine Johnson on IR as Jets Elevate Jalyn Holmes, Call Up McCrary-Ball

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The New York Jets have placed edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on injured reserve after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Jets’ 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was injured late in the third quarter. His absence is a major blow to the team, as the standout player earned a Pro Bowl nod last season with impressive stats, including 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

As a rookie, Johnson, a product of Florida State, played 14 games and lined up for 312 defensive snaps. He contributed 2.5 sacks during his first season, and his continued development had made him a key part of the Jets’ defensive front.

In response to the injury, the Jets signed defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes from their practice squad to the active roster. Holmes, a 6-foot-5, 283-pound defender, was elevated for Week 1 and Week 2, contributing 4 tackles over 31 snaps. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Ohio State in 2018, Holmes spent three seasons with the Vikings before having stints with the Saints and Bears. He joined the Jets last season, appearing in five games and recording five tackles and a quarterback hit. Holmes re-signed with the team in March.

Additionally, the Jets have called up linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball from the practice squad for Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots. McCrary-Ball, a 6-foot, 214-pound linebacker, joined the Jets practice squad after training camp in August. He spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Jets after signing with the team in January. McCrary-Ball previously had two training camp stints with the San Francisco 49ers and joined the Jets midway through the 2023 season. He appeared in two games, taking 19 snaps on special teams.

With these roster moves, the Jets hope to fill the void left by Johnson’s injury and strengthen their defensive unit for their upcoming matchups.

Jets’ Injury Woes Deepen as Patriots Await in Crucial Week 3 Matchup

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As the New York Jets gear up for their highly anticipated Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, they find themselves grappling with a mounting list of injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. This matchup, a pivotal moment for both teams seeking to rise to 2-1 in the fiercely competitive AFC East, comes at a challenging time for the Jets, who are facing their third game in just 10 days.

The season started optimistically for the Jets, who managed to avoid major injuries during the offseason. However, the first two weeks of the regular season have told a different story. Key players on the defensive line have been sidelined, most notably Pro Bowl edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who is out for the year with a torn Achilles. His absence leaves a significant void in the Jets’ pass rush.

Key Defensive Injuries

Adding to the defensive woes, linebacker C.J. Mosley, another critical piece of the Jets’ defense, exited Sunday’s game early with a toe injury. Mosley has not practiced this week, and his status for Thursday’s game remains uncertain. Head coach Robert Saleh indicated that Mosley is “50/50” for the Patriots game, though signs are pointing toward him missing the matchup. Should Mosley be inactive, Jamien Sherwood, who filled in admirably last Sunday, will likely get the start in his place.

On a more positive note, cornerbacks Michael Carter II and D.J. Reed appear to be trending toward playing this week. Both defensive backs have moved from limited participation to full participation in Tuesday’s walkthrough, signaling their readiness to return to the field. Carter has been managing an ankle injury, which limited his Week 2 snaps, while Reed, who missed last week’s game due to knee soreness, is expected to suit up for the critical division showdown.

Veteran Rest and Offensive Injuries

Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith continues to manage his workload through scheduled rest days. This approach is part of a long-term plan to preserve his health throughout the season, and he remains on track to play against the Patriots.

Meanwhile, running back Breece Hall appeared on the injury report with a quadriceps issue earlier this week, but his full participation in practice suggests that he will be available for the Thursday night game. Hall’s presence in the backfield will be essential as the Jets try to navigate the Patriots’ stout defense.

Mixed Injury Outlook for Week 3

While the potential return of Carter and Reed brings some optimism for the Jets’ secondary, the absence of Mosley would be a significant blow to the heart of their defense. The Jets’ early defensive depth is being tested, and with their captain potentially sidelined, the team faces an uphill battle as they prepare for their long-standing rivals, the Patriots.

The Jets’ ability to overcome these setbacks will be critical in determining the outcome of their Week 3 matchup. As both teams look to make their mark in a competitive AFC East, the Jets must rally around their healthy players and find a way to navigate the injuries that are threatening to derail their promising start to the season.