Jets Offense Helping Cornerback D.J. Reed ‘Get Better Every Day’

For the past two seasons, the Jets defense, which is littered with Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, has been the better unit in training camp.

Four days into 2024 training camp, the script appears to have been flipped. The Jets’ offense, led by QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Garrett Wilson, has been putting stress on the Green & White’s defense, and CB D.J. Reed said he is grateful.

“There have been real battles out here,” Reed said after practice Saturday. “Today [Wilson] ran a sluggo route and he got me. Eight [Rodgers] and Garrett and the whole offense, they are definitely on in a different zone right now. What we are being asked to do, they are making it hard. They are getting us the work on hard downs, which is ultimately going to prepare us for Game 1one and the season.”

Over the past two regular seasons, the Jets defense has statistically been one of the best in the NFL. In 2022 and 2023, the unit ranked in the top-12 in total yards allowed (fourth and third) and total points (fourth and 4th & 12th).

In 2023, the Jets defense sent three players to the Pro Bowl – DT Quinnen Williams, CB Sauce Gardner and pass rusher Jermaine Johnson – and two players were named a first-team All-Pro – Gardner and LB Quincy Williams.

Despite 8 of those 11 defensive starters back from 2023 back for 2024, the Jets’ offense has been a force early in camp. Passes have rarely been hitting the ground and the 8-to-5 connection has led the way.

“Looking at that team, I honestly feel like our offense is way better,” Reed said. “Especially with how Aaron and Garrett are going, and we still don’t even have Mike Williams yet, that will make things even better. Then with our defense, we have guys. It is self-explanatory what we have done the last two years. Hopefully, we can keep building on that and we will have a chance to win it all.”