The New York Jets were prepared to hit the ground running this season with a win-now roster, but their plans have been derailed by the absence of Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick. Reddick, who is holding out for a new contract, has yet to report to the team, forcing head coach Robert Saleh to acknowledge that it is too late for Reddick to be activated for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Reddick’s holdout has taken an ugly turn, with the player even going as far as requesting a trade on August 12th. Despite the escalating situation, Coach Saleh has taken a diplomatic approach, refusing to criticize Reddick for his stance. However, the team’s game preparation has now been completed, and there seems to be no end in sight to the contract dispute.
As a result of his holdout, Haason Reddick has incurred significant fines for skipping training camp and will now forfeit game checks of approximately $800,000 per week. In addition, he will miss out on having his entire salary guaranteed, which would have been the case if he had been on the Week 1 roster as a vested veteran.
Despite the absence of Haason Reddick, the Jets’ players remain confident in their abilities. While acknowledging Reddick’s talent and the void he leaves, defensive end Jermaine Johnson expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well without him. There seems to be a sense of unity and determination among the players to make the most of the situation.
With Haason Reddick out of the lineup, third-year backup Micheal Clemons is expected to step up and replace him. The team plans to utilize a nine-man rotation on the defensive line to ensure that there is no drop-off in performance despite the absence of key players. Linebacker C.J. Mosley emphasized the team’s ability to adjust and rotate seamlessly even with missing pieces.
The New York Jets, who ranked third in yards allowed last season, have high expectations for their defense this year. Despite the absence of key players like Reddick, the team remains optimistic about their ability to play at an elite level. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well and play hard.
The New York Jets are facing challenges at the start of the season due to Haason Reddick’s absence. While the situation is less than ideal, the team remains focused and determined to overcome this hurdle. With a strong roster and a resilient mindset, the Jets are ready to face the San Francisco 49ers and make a statement in their season opener.
Leave a Reply