Jets defensive line dominates Panthers— even without starters

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The depth of the Jets’ line of defense was on show Saturday and it was scary.

Taking part in with out 4 of their high defensive linemen, the Jets nonetheless have been camped out within the Panthers’ backfield all day lengthy.

It appeared like one participant after one other made performs in opposition to Carolina’s offense.

“These guys love the sport of soccer they usually play their absolute tails off they usually feed off each other,” head coach Robert Saleh mentioned after the Jets’ 27-0 preseason win over the Panthers. “They cheer for each other they usually take satisfaction. We speak about it on protection on a regular basis, we go as they go.”

Starters Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and Al Woods didn’t even play, however the Jets managed eight quarterback hits and 5 sacks.

Quinton Jefferson, Will McDonald, Bruce Hector, Deslin Alexandre all had sacks and Jermaine Johnson and Bryce Huff break up one.

Johnson mentioned they’ve embraced their position because the unit that makes the protection go.

“We take that as an honor,” Johnson, who had two quarterback hits, mentioned. “We look ahead to doing that each sport, setting the tone. As you noticed at this time, we are able to do this.”

Jets backup quarterback Zach Wilson, who practices in opposition to the line of defense every single day, marveled at their depth.

“These guys are psychos,” Wilson mentioned. “The way in which they prepare them and educate them, they’re psychos up there. They do a extremely good job. That’s a place that they’re coaching to be violent and you’ll undoubtedly see it on the sphere. I agree with coach Saleh. The toughest factor for a quarterback to play effectively whenever you’re getting strain, particularly strain whenever you’re not even bringing further guys, when you’ve gotten 4 guys up entrance that may get strain on the quarterback it’s going to be an extended day. I feel these guys are doing an superior job. It’s huge for our workforce to have that.”

OT Mekhi Becton made an enormous leap in enjoying time this week.

Becton performed 27 snaps after he was on the sphere for simply seven within the Corridor of Fame Recreation.

Becton didn’t begin Saturday, however entered the sport within the second quarter and performed into the third.

“I’m pleased with him,” Saleh mentioned. “He fought by means of. Clearly, acquired in plenty of reps. He truly performed a heck of much more than we have been planning. He needed to go extra, which is promising. I’m pleased with him. He took a extremely, actually huge step at this time. I actually don’t care what the movie appears to be like like. For him to construct that confidence with the knee, like I’ve mentioned, that’s necessary. It appears like he took that proper step at this time.”

TE Jeremy Ruckert injured his left shoulder. Saleh mentioned it was an AC joint harm and he was optimistic that Ruckert could be OK.