Getty Image / Brooke Sutton
New York Jets fans had to be feeling optimistic about their team in the first quarter of Monday night’s eventual 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. A 7-0 first-quarter lead evaporated, and the 49ers spoiled Aaron Rodgers true Jets debut in a big way.
Now, the team heads into what is probably a must-win Week 2 against a team they should beat easily in the Tennessee Titans. But, if they’re going to do that, a lot of players need to play better, starting with star edge Jermaine Johnson.
The normally dominant pass rusher was stymied repeatedly by superstar 49ers LT Trent Williams and RT Colton Mckivitz. He finished with just two tackles and no sacks. He had just three pressures on the night and never hit Brock Purdy. That’s not the kind of game the Jets were hoping for out of their top pass-rusher while they sort out the Haason Reddick contract situation.
Luckily for Jets fans, Jermaine Johnson took responsibility for his uninspiring play Sunday night, according to team beat writer Rich Cimini. Apparently, Johnson stood up in the team’s film session and apologized for not setting the edge better on a day the 49ers ran outside zone efficiently.
On Wednesday at his media availability, Johnson also had something to say about Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Will Levis, who struggled mightily against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
“He’s a talented athlete and can throw the ball pretty well, but just watching film and just understanding some things about him, especially when he comes out, he’s one of those guys that, when things aren’t going his way, he kind of can panic a little early,” Johnson said.
Those words are certainly going to get the attention of Will Levis and his Titans teammates ahead of Sunday’s game as both teams will look to avoid going 0-2.