New York Jets Shine in Pro Bowl Selections: Gardner, Williams, and Johnson Set to Impress
The Pro Bowl Games are approaching, and the New York Jets boast a plethora of stars, particularly on the defensive side, set to participate. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson are all currently in Orlando, Florida, gearing up for this week’s event. While Gardner and Williams are making their second consecutive appearances at the All-Star games, Johnson is experiencing his debut. The Pro Bowl Games include a Skills Showdown on Thursday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN, followed by Sunday’s Championship from 3-6 p.m.
So, how did each player earn their spot in the games this season? Let’s delve into the details:
Sauce Gardner:
Sauce Gardner has displayed an unmatched level of dominance for a cornerback in the early stages of his career with the Jets. Despite facing fewer targets compared to his rookie season, Gardner managed to record 11 pass defenses this season. Across 583 coverage snaps, he allowed just 31 completions for 251 yards, translating to a remarkable 0.4 yards allowed per coverage snap. Garnering attention as the cornerstone of Gang Green’s secondary for two seasons now, Gardner’s trajectory suggests he’s on the verge of achieving greatness, reminiscent of Jets’ legend Darrelle Revis.
Quinnen Williams:
While Quinnen Williams didn’t replicate his stellar 13-sack season from his breakout year in 2022, he reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s premier defensive talents in 2023. Despite facing double-teams more frequently than any other defensive lineman, Williams still managed to tally 5.5 sacks and a career-high 62 tackles. Serving as the linchpin of the Jets’ defensive front, Williams adeptly combines stout run defense with relentless pass-rushing abilities, making his return to the Pro Bowl Games a logical outcome.
Jermaine Johnson:
Jermaine Johnson’s inaugural Pro Bowl selection comes as an alternate, filling in for Los Angeles Chargers’ edge rusher Khalil Mack, who was sidelined due to injury. Throughout 17 games this season, the Florida State alum amassed 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by returning an interception for a touchdown, marking a standout year in his career. While Johnson faced challenges in earning playing time during his rookie campaign, he demonstrated significant improvement following his first full offseason with the Jets, ultimately earning his spot in the Pro Bowl roster.
