Jets star expands on 'Super Bowl or bust' mentality

New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II confidently declared during springtime workouts he and his teammates were once again embracing Super Bowl expectations following what became a disappointing season for the franchise.

Johnson expanded on that take during a recent NFL Network appearance.

"We’ve got Super Bowl or bust, that’s kind of how we’re looking at it," Johnson explained, as shared by Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "That’s how I’m definitely looking at it. With that being said, it’s 1-0 every week, 1-0 every practice, 1-0 every rep."

The Jets became a trendy Super Bowl LVIII pick after they officially landed quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. However, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the regular-season opener, and New York's offense routinely failed its defense with the future Hall of Famer sidelined.

According to ESPN stats, the Jets defense finished the regular season ranked third in the league in yards allowed (292.3) and No. 12 in points surrendered per game (20.9). To compare, Gang Green was 31st with an average of 268.6 offensive yards per game and 29th with an average of 15.8 points scored per contest.

By all accounts, Rodgers is on track to be good to go for the Jets' Week 1 game at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9. Some will expect Rodgers to want to deliver quite the statement during his return to the lineup, but Johnson indicated to NFL Network he's first focusing on getting better leading up to that matchup at Levi's Stadium.

"1-0 every week," Johnson said about his mindset. "1-0 every practice. 1-0 every rep. I mean, just take it slow, handle what’s on the plate in front of you. Chop wood, carry water – it’s corny, it’s cliche but it couldn’t be more than the truth. Just look at that. Don’t make things bigger than it is, don’t let the moment be bigger than you. Be bigger than the moment."

Former Jets quarterback and current NFL analyst Boomer Esiason has said on multiple occasions since this past winter that team owner Woody Johnson could move on from Rodgers, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh if the club misses the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.

As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2024 Jets at -160 betting odds to qualify for the postseason tournament.