One of the interesting notes from the Hall of Fame Game was the extended play of defensive end Bryce Huff. Huff is expected to be a key part of the Jets’ defensive pass rush again this season after posting 3.5 sacks in limited snaps last season.
Yet, Huff played into the third quarter of Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, which seemed like a head-scratcher at the time. We got some clarity on that decision Sunday from head coach Robert Saleh. There simply weren’t enough defensive ends available and the Jets “needed somebody to play.”
With Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers not playing, the Jets had six defensive ends available Thursday. In addition to Huff, the Jets played Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Will McDonald IV, Ifeadi Odenigbo and Deslin Alexandre.
Saleh added that in a “perfect world”, none of their top defensive ends would have played because they all have roles on defense, including Huff.
Some takeaways from #Jets camp:
– Aaron Rodgers remains unstoppable in the intermediate/short areas of the field. I’ll keep saying it but he’s a master at those quick passes right after the snap. Tyler Conklin and Mecole Hardman are frequent targets on those.
Separately, he…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 6, 2023
“We think the world of Huff and he’s going to be a big part of this football team moving forward,” Saleh said.
“We think the world of Huff (@Bryce55H ) and he’s gonna be a big part of this football team moving forward” – Robert Saleh pic.twitter.com/2AsYv79aRM
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) August 6, 2023
The Jets are going to field one of the deepest defensive lines in the league this season and Huff is again going to be a part of that. And sometimes, extra reps aren’t a bad thing. Huff is only going to get better.