As word began to spread about Will McDonald's sack numbers, linebacker Sam Eguavoen yelled to his teammates in the Jets locker room, “Those are Haason's numbers!”
Indeed, McDonald's progress makes it easy for Gang Green to forget about Haason Reddick's decision to opt out of an indefinite contract and Jermaine Johnson's torn Achilles.
In Thursday night's 24-3 blowout win over the Patriots, McDonald added two more sacks, bringing his total to five in his past two games (both wins).
“His jump from year one to year two was incredible,” Eguavoen told the Post. “He went from 8 to 14 in training camp. [a.m.] Up to 6 [p.m]Will is the first here and the last to leave.
“I don't know what he was doing out there, but he was always working on his craft. From the film room to the field, you could tell he was a completely different person.”
McDonald, the 15th overall pick in 2023, struggled in limited opportunities as a rookie, recording just three sacks on the season.
But with Redick nowhere to be seen and fellow pass rusher Johnson also out for the season, he's been the center of attention.
McDonald's five sacks are currently second in the NFL with most teams yet to play their third game.
“Will is still a good friend. It's just a little thing. [he’s doing better]”Not having a sharp center edge, not running up the field behind the quarterback, etc. He's always been a great talent, it's just a change in mindset. Everybody has to think in their mind, 'I'm him. I'm that guy.' He found a way to bring out that guy this year.”
Added McDonald: “I'm not impressed yet. I need to finish the season to be impressed with my play. And like I said, it doesn't mean much unless I get to the championship game and win a ring.”
“Just keep working hard. Keep winning the one-on-ones. Keep getting the ball to our offense. And keep working hard.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh hinted that McDonald's work is just getting started.
“You'll have to be patient,” he said. “He's already here.”
The Patriots (1-2) lack talent on offense and were held to a halt by the Jets, who were awful defensively in Week 1 against the 49ers and allowed just 139 yards on Thursday.
It was quite impressive that the Patriots, with their running-heavy attack, managed just 78 yards on the ground.
“It's a mindset thing. It's one-on-one. 'I've got to win one-on-one. I've got to dominate,'” Eguavoen said. “I want to run the ball, but there's not much of a plan there. Running the ball is a man's sport. Which family is tougher? My family eats or your family eats? It's that simple. That's the football I like. There's no plan, no 'I'm gonna dominate you.'”
“It's about whose family is tougher.”
