Despite taking the loss on Thursday night, the New York Jets and their players are happy with their performance. Rookie defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was particularly pleased with his play.
“It was amazing just to get out there and compete and go up against some guys I know nothing about, go against some great talent, and just to see everybody, the team camaraderie, so it was amazing” Williams said via the Jets official website.
The number three overall pick played with the starting defense, but was only on the field for 11 snaps. Williams notched one assisted tackle before being pulled from the game. While it wasn't exactly a star performance, it was an important showing for the former Alabama player. Any real NFL snaps for a rookie are valuable, even if it is in meaningless games.
Article Continues BelowWilliams is expected to be a big part of the Jets defense in 2019. He'll start on the defensive line along with star end Leonard Williams. If Quinnen can play up to expectations, Gang Green will have a terrifying inside rush duo. Backed by playmaking defenders like CJ Mosley and Jamal Adams, this defense has a chance to be great.
There aren't exactly high hopes for the Jets this year. But this team has plenty of talent, and an improved quarterback in Sam Darnold makes them dangerous. If Darnold plays to his potential, and Quinnen Williams and the defense step up, the Jets could surprise everyone and sneak into Wild Card contention.