Latest news with #WillMcDonaldIV
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
New York Jets' Will McDonald IV's bold goal: Sacking Aaron Rodgers in Week 1 and making history with double-digit sacks
Will McDonald IV aims for a big season as the New York Jets prepare to face Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. New York Jets' pass rusher Will McDonald IV has no interest in setting public sack goals for the 2025 NFL season – but he does have one very specific target in mind: Aaron Rodgers . And in a twist of fate, McDonald, in fact, won't have to wait long to chase down the four-time MVP. The New York Jets open their season at home against Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, a matchup that gives McDonald a good chance to sack the quarterback he grew up watching in Wisconsin. McDonald, now entering his second season, is expected to start at defensive end alongside Jermaine Johnson and is coming off a 10.5-sack campaign that left everyone across the league in awe. Chasing childhood dreams and veteran quarterbacks Born and raised in Milwaukee – just a couple of hours from Green Bay – McDonald grew up during the height of Aaron Rodgers' Packers tenure. While he wasn't obsessed with football at a young age, Rodgers left a clear impression. 'I always wanted to sack [Aaron Rodgers], from a little kid,' McDonald said. 'I did watch him, though. I watched him a lot.' That wish could become reality in Week 1, when the Jets face their former quarterback for the first time since trading him in 2024. It truly feels like a full-circle moment for both sides – and McDonald knows Rodgers won't make it easy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Women Ever Today's NYC Undo 'I'm sure he's going to have a few tricks up his sleeve,' McDonald said. The Untold Story of Will McDonald IV | Iowa State Sack Leader to Jets First-Round Pick | Origins A bigger, stronger, faster version of Will McDonald IV McDonald's breakout last season was boosted by opportunity. Injuries and holdouts opened the door, and he delivered. With Jermaine Johnson sidelined early in the year by an Achilles injury and Haason Reddick holding out into October, McDonald saw his snaps spike – and he made the most of them. He earned 10.5 sacks and focused on gaining strength this offseason, bulking up with a six-meal-a-day plan that added 15 pounds to his body. He now weighs around 245 pounds and is looking to combine his signature speed and spin moves with more power off the edge. 'Obviously, everybody knows that I like to [use] speed and spin and all of that, but once I get the tackles on their heels, I'm able to get to power,' McDonald said. Will McDonald IV has a chance to make New York Jets history while helping the defense bounce back this season McDonald enters the season with a chance to accomplish something no Jets player has done in more than two decades. If he hits double-digit sacks again, he'll be the first New York Jet since Shaun Ellis (2003–04) to record back-to-back seasons with 10 or more sacks. New Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn believes that's just the beginning. 'He's going to do a lot of damage in this league,' Glenn said. Also read : Jerry Jones finally responds to Micah Parsons' trade demand with a six-word message to Cowboys fans With the season opener fast approaching, all eyes will be on Will McDonald IV as he looks to make a lasting impact for the New York Jets in 2025. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
02-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jets DC Steve Wilks heaps DE Micheal Clemons with praise
The New York Jets entered training camp searching for depth at EDGE. Third-year pro Will McDonald IV is the most reliable outside linebacker on the roster. With Jermaine Johnson II still on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, the Jets need players like Micheal Clemons to be productive. A 2022 fourth-round pick, Clemons is entering his fourth training camp with the Jets. He's seen an increased amount of reps due to Johnson's absence from the practice field. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been impressed with Clemons' form, recently claiming he's having an "outstanding camp," per Brian Costello. Clemons appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for the Jets last year. The former Texas A&M standout was a rotational defender, playing a healthy 625 snaps due to injuries elsewhere. Clemons recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks as a result, and he's looking to carry that momentum over to 2025. Clemons had 23 total pressures and a pass-rushing grade of 55.2, per Pro Football Focus. The Jets finished tied for 11th in the NFL in sacks with 43 quarterback takedowns. Clemons made his contributions to that success. New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is a defensive-minded leader. Coach Wilks is his DC. Both of them have been impressed with Clemons, who is enjoying an "outstanding" training camp while entering a fate-deciding contract year.
New York Post
30-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Jets' Will McDonald IV hungry for more after breakout 2024 season
Will McDonald IV's breakout 2024 season with the Jets didn't leave him satisfied or content. It actually instilled a hunger — literally — for him to get better. A big part of that was his food intake. McDonald dedicated his offseason to putting on weight. The first-round pick added 15 pounds in an effort to add versatility to his speed-centric game. 'About six meals a day,' the on-the-rise defensive end said after practice Tuesday. 'Eating the right foods, all of that. I was able to gain a couple of pounds from doing that. Now I'm out here ballin'. That's what I'm going to keep doing.' In his second year in the league, McDonald, 26, led the Jets with 10.5 sacks, mostly the result of his elite athleticism on the edge. But thanks to that newfound strength, McDonald now has a power component he previously lacked. It's like a pitcher with a big fastball who can't locate his off-speed pitches. Eventually, hitters will catch up to the heater. Now, McDonald believes he doesn't have to just rely on running — or his forte, spinning — past offensive linemen. If they play him for his patented speed rush, he has another move in his back pocket. Will McDonald IV talks with reporters during Jets training camp on July 29, 2025. Bill Kostroun / New York Post 'It was already added, I just never really utilized it as well as I should,' the 6-foot-4, 245-pound McDonald said. 'I had to change my approach with everything. Obviously everybody knows that I like to [use my] speed, my spin, all of that. But once I get tackles on their heels, I'm able to use that power and strength.' He added: 'One thing that I was missing last year was my consistency. If you're not changing your game, you're not being consistent with what you're doing.' After proving himself in 2024, McDonald will be counted on as a linchpin to a defense that fell off a cliff. The unit was 19th in points allowed (23.8) and forced just 17 turnovers — only six teams forced fewer. Will McDonald IV pressures Geno Smith during the Jets' loss to the Seahawks on Dec. 1, 2024. Bill Kostroun / New York Post There is hope the group can bounce back, particularly if McDonald further emerges as a force. New coach Aaron Glenn has raved about his work ethic, describing him as someone who 'wants to be coached hard' and is 'a damn good player, and I expect big things out of him.' McDonald, in turn, said he feels comfortable with the new boss. 'Real down to earth, man,' McDonald said. 'He treats me like his own son. Can't say too much, but I know he's got my back.' There is potential for the Jets to have a stout front four. Along with star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, fellow first-round pick and defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who was lost to a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 2, is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Steelers. Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters In 2023, Johnson was a Pro Bowl performer, producing 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. McDonald envisions the two terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. 'Me and Jermaine are going to be ballers this season, that's all I've got to tell you,' McDonald said. 'Me and him are going to ball out, we're going to do our thing. I trust him, he trusts me. 'Once we get on the field, we trust each other enough to get the job done.'
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
5 most important players on the Jets defense in 2025
The New York Jets are attempting to improve a defense that finished 20th in points allowed (23.8) despite allowing the third-fewest yards per game (313.8). That responsibility belongs to new head coach Aaron Glenn and his hand-picked defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Notable changes have been made to the defensive scheme. Jets Wire identified the five-most important players on the Jets' defense heading into 2025. CB Sauce Gardner Sauce Gardner is among the game's premier cornerbacks, but critics largely agree 2024 wasn't his best season. The former Cincinnati standout will continue being relied on to eliminate half the field. Gardner is a legitimate shutdown cornerback, but game-to-game consistency will be a bigger focus in 2025. EDGE Will McDonald IV Will McDonald IV broke out as a sophomore in 2024, totaling a team-high 10.5 sacks. He justified the Jets' once-controversial decision to select him at No. 15 overall. With injuries and depth questions at EDGE, the Jets require a repeat performance from McDonald. DT Quinnen Williams Quinnen Williams wasn't as effective in 2024. The typically dominant three-tech recorded his fewest tackles (37) since his 2019 rookie season (28). Williams' pass-rush-win-rate also dropped roughly five points, per Pro Football Focus. Coach Glenn will attempt to fully unlock his abilities. LB Jamien Sherwood Linebacker Jamien Sherwood was among the Jets' biggest pleasant surprises in 2024. The 2021 fifth-round pick recorded a workhorse 158 tackles, tying for third in the NFL in that department. The Jets signed Sherwood to a three-year extension worth $45 million earlier this offseason, so it's fair to say they bought into his breakout season. EDGE Jermaine Johnson Jermaine Johnson is attempting to recover from a brutal season-ending Achilles injury suffered in Week 2. New general manager Darren Mougey made the decision to exercise his fifth-year option despite the uncertainty. Johnson has been rehabbing vigorously this offseason and hopes to bounce back in 2025.
