Jets second-year defensive finish Will McDonald is aware of the task.
“Get extra sacks,” McDonald stated after the Jets beat the Commanders, 20-17, Saturday. “I’ve acquired to get some sacks. That’s the one factor that’s on my thoughts. Simply being that baller and impacting the sport each time I’m on the market.”
Of the gamers who aren’t combating for roster spots, there will not be one other Jet who has extra using on this coaching camp and preseason than McDonald.
The Jets took him with the No. 15 total decide in 2023, a decide that drew complaints from followers who wished an offensive lineman or large receiver on the spot.
McDonald performed sparingly as a rookie however did present flashes of the flexibility that made him a first-round decide.
He completed the season with three sacks.
With Bryce Huff leaving for the Eagles in free company and the Jets buying and selling John Franklin-Myers to the Broncos, there may be a gap for an edge rusher that McDonald can fill.
The crew traded for Haason Reddick to assist fill that opening too, however he’s holding out, creating much more alternative for McDonald.
On Saturday, McDonald performed 12 snaps. He didn’t have a sack, however he did drill Commanders quarterback Jeff Driskel on one play after utilizing his signature spin transfer to beat deal with Mason Brooks.
McDonald ended up getting flagged on the play for roughing the passer, however it appeared like a questionable name.
The official stated McDonald landed on Driskel along with his full physique weight.
Despite the fact that it ended up in a penalty, the play confirmed simply how explosive McDonald will be off the sting. McDonald is an athletic freak with the flexibility to bend across the edge.
The Jets want he would have added extra weight to his body this offseason, however McDonald says he has gotten stronger.
“I’m larger, stronger, sooner,” McDonald stated. “I’m higher at play recognition. Final yr, I used to be a rookie. I nonetheless was making an attempt to do what I wanted to do, however this offseason, I made certain that I did what I have to.”
The query getting into 12 months 2 for the Jets and McDonald is how a lot he’ll see the sector. Jets coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich like to make use of a rotation on the line of defense.
Final season, the breakdown of snaps went like this: Jermaine Johnson 66 p.c, Franklin-Myers 55 p.c, Huff 42 p.c, Micheal Clemons 33 p.c and McDonald 16 p.c.
Johnson and Reddick determine to be the highest two edge rushers this season, however can McDonald stand up to Huff’s degree of taking part in time?
Many have talked about McDonald making a leap this season. He feels he simply wants an opportunity.
“I don’t actually assume I want a leap; I simply want some extra alternatives,” McDonald stated. “I’ve all the time been this kind of participant. Final yr, we had a variety of good guys within the room, I simply wasn’t in a position to get as a lot alternatives, however now this yr, I’m hoping to get these alternatives extra and simply make the most of these. Folks all the time say leap this and leap that, I don’t actually assume I wanted to take a leap as a result of for one, I wasn’t a foul participant. I simply wanted extra alternatives so I may make the most of these.”
The Jets journey to Charlotte, N.C., this week for a joint observe Thursday with the Panthers earlier than taking part in them in a preseason sport on Saturday.
It will likely be one other large week for McDonald.
The Jets posted video of his efficiency in a joint observe in opposition to the Commanders final week, highlighting how nicely he performed.
McDonald now is aware of he wants to indicate that in a sport.
“It was cool, however that’s observe,” McDonald stated. “Relating to sport time, that’s if you actually need to go loopy. When the sport comes, that’s when you must be a baller.”
