Brandin Echols Wasn’t Only Jets Rookie Defender to Play Well vs Dolphins

There weren’t many bright spots up front on defense for the Jets last week as they were gashed on the ground by the Miami Dolphins for a total of 183 yards despite starting the day with the NFL’s 31st-ranked rushing attack.  However, there was one bright spot up front that has been understandably overlooked.

Rookie D-Lineman Jonathan Marshall quietly had himself a nice day vs Miami. Narrowly misses a sack on Tua here after fighting through the blocker and finished with highest pass rush grade on the roster 76.6 per PFF. pic.twitter.com/MeF9YJDea5

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) December 23, 2021

A virtual wrecking ball at Arkansas, Marshall narrowly missed out on his first NFL sack as seen above, and held his own at times against the run.  In the end, he would finish with the highest pass rushing grade on the roster according to pro football focus, logging an impressive 76.6

Jets rookie D-lineman Jonathan Marshall does as nice job of getting back in to position to make the tackle near the LOS after being moved off of his spot by the double team. Not a bad game for the rookie in a season-high 29 snaps. pic.twitter.com/Xw08DMV0DK

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) December 24, 2021

Perhaps making Marshall’s effort that much easier to miss was the outstanding performance from cornerback Brandin Echols, who was named Pepsi Zero’s rookie of the week, picking up a pick-six and a total of three passes defended.  Echols became the third rookie to earn the honor this season, joining Zach Wilson (twice) and Elijah Moore.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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