But the Jets’ case is different, at least on paper.
The continuity of the defensive line that characterized 2023 has disappeared.
John Franklin-Myers is gone. Bryce Huff is gone.
Carl Rollson left the team after his playing time was drastically reduced.
Veterans Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson, who signed one-year contracts ahead of last season, also left the team.
That leaves Jermaine Johnson, Quinnen Williams, several other returning rotation players (Will McDonald IV, Solomon Thomas, Michael Clemons) and three newcomers (Hason Reddick, Lekki Fotu, Javon Kinlaw) to replace the 20.5 sacks that are no longer on the roster.
The Jets can count on a player like McDonald, last year’s first-round pick, to fill that void with a breakout campaign.
Redick, who had not played a game while waiting for a long-term contract, has recorded at least 11 sacks in each of the last four seasons.
But the next step in Johnson’s evolution, adding five sacks from Year 1 to Year 2, will be a key component in replacing lost production and continuing to keep the Jets line one of the NFL’s best units.
“I mean, every year, the expectation is to score zero runs every game,” Johnson said Thursday. “I’m excited to get in this new car and run it, like I always say. It’s definitely something.”
In his second season, Johnson has increased his sacks and total tackles (from 29 to 55) and, perhaps most importantly, has increased his defensive snaps from 34% to 66%.
He has been a key pass rusher under head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbich, allowing the offense to more than quadruple the pressure on quarterbacks (from six to 25).
Johnson said he wants to play a full role for Gang Green this year, mixing speed and strength, blocking tackles and tight ends and even playing inside on snaps when needed.
“Just throw the ball and dominate,” Johnson said. “It’s that simple.”
It may take time for that to come true.
Johnson sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 1 last year but didn’t record another quarterback hit until Week 5.
After having three hits and 1.5 sacks in Week 12, Johnson has had just three hits and one sack in each of his last five games.
All offseason, the 25-year-old Johnson has been picking the brains of 33-year-old offensive lineman and offseason acquisition Tyron Smith, who he calls the league’s best pass protector and a “very valuable” matchup, to gain insight into how he can improve.
However, it would be impossible for the Jets to completely block all opponents.
That part of Johnson’s goal is unrealistic.
But it’s possible they could squeeze in 20.5 sacks, some of which will inevitably be taken by other linemen, but if Johnson’s sacks increase again, it would help close that gap.
“I’m not worried about where those 20 people will come from,” Saleh said.
