New York Jets fans had a glimmer of hope early in Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, with the Jets leading 7-0 in the first quarter. However, their optimism soon faded as the 49ers took control and dealt Aaron Rodgers a frustrating Jets debut, securing a 32-19 victory.
Looking ahead, the Jets face a crucial Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, a team they are favored to beat. To secure a win, several players need to step up, starting with star edge rusher Jermaine Johnson.
Johnson, who is usually a dominant presence, was effectively contained by the 49ers’ standout tackles, Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. He finished the game with just two tackles, no sacks, and three pressures, failing to make a significant impact on quarterback Brock Purdy. This performance was disappointing, especially as the team continues to address the Haason Reddick contract situation.
On a positive note, Jermaine Johnson has taken responsibility for his lackluster performance. According to team beat writer Rich Cimini, Johnson admitted his shortcomings during a film session and apologized for not effectively setting the edge against the 49ers’ outside zone runs.
In his media availability on Wednesday, Johnson also commented on the struggles of Tennessee Titans’ second-year quarterback Will Levis, who had a tough game against the Chicago Bears.