Haason Reddick is set to make his New York Jets debut this Sunday against the New England Patriots, as announced by interim coach Jeff Ulbrich on Friday. Reddick, a star edge rusher, ended his contract holdout by reporting to the team earlier in the week and impressing during practice sessions.
Ulbrich expressed excitement about Reddick's addition to the team's pass rush group, highlighting his experience and adaptability to different defensive systems. Reddick, known for his double-digit sack totals in recent seasons, will not have a specific snap count limit in his first game, with the coaching staff planning to assess his performance on game day.
The 30-year-old Reddick joins a Jets pass rush that ranks sixth in the NFL with 20 sacks, led by second-year edge rusher Will McDonald. Ulbrich emphasized the importance of a strong pass rush for the team's defensive success and believes Reddick will enhance their capabilities in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Despite previous criticisms of Reddick's run defense, Ulbrich commended his efforts in practice this week, noting his improvement in playing the run and setting edges. The Jets' defensive line coach also praised Reddick's dedication to learning the team's defensive schemes and terminologies.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner expressed anticipation about Reddick's impact on the field, emphasizing his versatility in both pass rushing and run defense. Reddick's last game was in the playoffs with the Philadelphia Eagles in January, and he requested a trade during the offseason, leading to his acquisition by the Jets in March.
In terms of injuries, the Jets will be without several key players for the upcoming game, including RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, DT Leki Fotu, and S Ashtyn Davis. S Tony Adams and WR Allen Lazard are listed as doubtful, while RT Morgan Moses is questionable but showing positive progress. The team will have CBs D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II back in the secondary after missing recent games.
Overall, Reddick's debut adds a significant boost to the Jets' defense, and his performance on Sunday will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
