Jets’ Jermaine Johnson Set to Return Against Broncos After Missing Three Games

October 10, 2025

The New York Jets are confronting a deepening crisis on the defensive side of the ball, as the team continues to grapple with an 0-5 start to the National Football League season. Star Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams publicly assessed the team’s defense as “probably the worst in the league,” prompting a candid self-assessment from players and coaches alike.

Players-Only Meeting and Key Return

Ahead of their game against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Jets’ defensive players held a team meeting Monday night to address the issues plaguing their performance. Jermaine Johnson, an edge rusher returning from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, revealed that the discussion was focused on accountability and the need for improvement.

“Everybody was on the same page,” Johnson stated to reporters Friday. “we have to be better. We can’t be the reason we lose. that can’t happen. We have too much talent.” He emphasized the importance of supporting Head Coach Aaron Glenn and his vision for the team’s culture.

Defensive Struggles Highlighted by Statistics

Williams’s blunt assessment followed the Jets’ fifth consecutive defeat and was backed up by troubling statistics. The team has yet to force a single turnover through the first five games of the season-an unprecedented feat in NFL history. They are currently allowing an average of 31.4 points per game, second-highest in the league only to the Baltimore Ravens, who concede 35.4 points.

The team’s pass rush, once a strength, has considerably diminished. While they recorded four sacks in the opening week, they have managed only three in the subsequent four games. A notable statistic is that their only sack last week against the Dallas Cowboys came on a play where Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott intentionally took a sack.

accountability and Coaching Under Scrutiny

Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks, in his inaugural season with the Jets, has faced increasing criticism for the unit’s underperformance, stemming from missed tackles, coverage errors, and penalties.Wilks accepted full obligation for the defensive issues.

Johnson’s return is expected to provide a boost, but he acknowledges he might potentially be initially affected by rust after missing time with an Achilles injury last season and then re-injuring his ankle in week 2. coach Glenn expressed optimism about Johnson’s impact, noting his ability to pressure the quarterback.

Looking Ahead: Broncos Challenge and Glenn’s Vision

The Denver Broncos present a challenge for the Jets’ pass rush, with Quarterback Bo Nix having been sacked only five times this season. Despite the team’s struggles, Coach Glenn remains confident in his vision for the Jets.

“There’s some foundational things that I see us building right now that no one else sees,” Glenn said. “And that’s OK because everybody sees 0-5.But I do know this: That’s going to change and the foundation’s going to be stable. We’re going to start winning and everything will be just fine.”

Injury Updates

Kickoff returner Kene Nwangwu has been cleared to return after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. The Jets have cycled through several returners in his absence, including Xavier Gipson and Isaiah Williams, both of whom have been released, and Braelon allen, who suffered an injury.

Player	injury	Status
Jermaine Johnson	Ankle	Active
Kene Nwangwu	Hamstring	Cleared to Return

NFL Defensive Trends in 2024-2025

The 2024-2025 NFL season has seen a league-wide emphasis on offensive strategies designed to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. According to data from NFL.com, passing offenses are averaging 250 yards per game, up from 235 yards in the previous season.This trend puts increased pressure on defensive lines to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks.

Did You Know? The average NFL team spends approximately 40% of its salary cap on defensive players.

Frequently asked Questions about the Jets’ Defense

• What is causing the Jets’ defensive struggles? the Jets’ defense is struggling due to a combination of factors including a lack of turnovers, a diminished pass rush, missed tackles, and blown coverages.
• Is Coach Wilks under pressure? Yes, as the defensive coordinator, Coach wilks is facing scrutiny for the team’s defensive performance.
• Will Jermaine Johnson’s return fix the defense? While Johnson’s return is a positive step, it is unlikely to be a sole solution to the team’s defensive problems.
• what is the Jets’ record so far this season? The Jets currently have a record of 0-5, the only winless team in the NFL.
• How does the Jets’ defense compare to the league average? The Jets’ defense is currently performing below league average in key statistical categories, such as points allowed and turnovers forced.

What do you think the Jets need to do to turn their season around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific date did Jermaine Johnson sustain his hamstring injury?

Johnson’s Injury & Absence: A Timeline

New York Jets fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of defensive end Jermaine Johnson. After missing the last three games due to a hamstring injury sustained during practice on September 24th, the team has confirmed he’s expected to be back on the field against the Denver Broncos on October 13th. This is a critically important boost for a Jets defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistent pass rush in his absence.

Here’s a breakdown of his absence:

* September 24th: Suffers hamstring injury in practice.

* September 29th (vs. Patriots): Officially ruled out.

* October 6th (vs. Bills): Remains sidelined, impacting the Jets’ defensive line rotation.

* October 12th (vs.Eagles): Continues recovery, limiting defensive options.

Impact on the Jets’ Pass Rush

Jermaine johnson’s presence is crucial for the jets’ ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. before the injury, Johnson was demonstrating significant growth in his second NFL season. His quickness and power make him a tough matchup for offensive tackles.

* Sack Numbers: In the two games played this season, Johnson recorded 1.5 sacks and 5 quarterback hits.

* Pressure Rate: Pro Football Focus (PFF) data showed Johnson with a pressure rate of 12.5% before the injury – a key indicator of his effectiveness.

* Run Defense: Johnson’s strength also contributes to stopping the run, forcing offenses to account for him on every play.

The Jets’ pass rush noticeably suffered in his absence.While players like Bryce Huff and Carl Lawson stepped up,they couldn’t fully compensate for Johnson’s disruptive ability. The team managed only 4 sacks in the three games he missed, highlighting the void left by the young defensive end. Analyzing the jets defensive line performance without Johnson reveals a clear need for his return to bolster their ability to consistently pressure the quarterback.

What to Expect from Johnson Against the Broncos

Expect the jets to ease Johnson back into the lineup, potentially limiting his snap count initially. However, his impact should be felt instantly. The Broncos’ offensive line has been vulnerable this season, allowing a high number of pressures.

here’s what Jets fans can anticipate:

1. Increased Pass Rush: Johnson’s return will provide a much-needed boost to the Jets’ pass rush, forcing Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to make quicker decisions.
2. Strategic Rotations: Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will likely rotate Johnson with other defensive ends to keep him fresh and prevent re-injury.
3. Focus on Containment: The Jets will likely utilize Johnson’s speed and agility to contain Wilson and prevent him from extending plays outside the pocket.
4. Potential for Blitzes: Expect to see Johnson utilized in strategic blitz packages to exploit matchups and create confusion for the Broncos’ offensive line.

Broncos Offensive Line Matchups: A Key Area to Watch

The Denver Broncos’ offensive line has struggled this season,allowing 25 sacks through the first six games. This presents a favorable matchup for the Jets’ revitalized pass rush, led by Johnson.

* Left tackle Garett Bolles: A veteran presence, but has shown vulnerability in pass protection.

* Right Tackle Mike mcglinchey: Signed in the offseason, McGlinchey has been inconsistent.

* Interior Pressure: The Broncos’ interior offensive line has been particularly susceptible to pressure,creating opportunities for Johnson to exploit.

The Jets will likely target these weaknesses, utilizing Johnson’s versatility to line up against different offensive linemen and create mismatches. The success of the Jets’ pass rush will heavily depend on their ability to exploit these vulnerabilities.

Hamstring Injury Recovery: Best Practices & Prevention

Hamstring injuries are common in football, and proper recovery is crucial to prevent re-injury. The Jets’ training staff will have implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation program for Johnson, focusing on:

* Gradual Return to Activity: Starting with light cardio and progressing to more intense drills.

* Strength Training: Strengthening the hamstring muscles and surrounding areas.

* Flexibility Exercises: Improving hamstring flexibility to increase range of motion.

* Proprioceptive Training: Enhancing body awareness and balance to improve stability.

Preventative measures, such as dynamic stretching before practice and games, and consistent strength and conditioning, are also essential for minimizing the risk of future hamstring injuries.

Looking Ahead: Johnson’s Role in the Jets’ playoff Push

With the Jets aiming for a playoff berth, Johnson’s return couldn’t come at a better time. his ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be vital as the team faces increasingly challenging opponents. The Jets’ success this season hinges on the performance of their defense, and Jermaine Johnson is a key component of that unit. His continued development and consistent performance will be crucial for the Jets’ playoff aspirations.