Charlotte – Jets undrafted free agent defensive end Braiden McGregor made a statement in their 15-12 win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night.
Some of the best defensive plays don’t show up on the stat sheet, and McGregor’s contribution to Panthers RB Mike Boone losing four yards on a run in the first quarter is a perfect example.
Boone attempted to run off left tackle, but could not turn the corner because McGregor did such a good job setting the edge. The former Michigan Wolverine pushed the left tackle toward the left sideline, not allowing the runner to take the edge. Jets cornerback Brandon Echols tackled Boone for a four-yard loss, but it was McGregor’s work setting a hard edge that blew up this play.
In the second quarter, McGregor had a QB pressure on Panthers QB Jack Plummer leading to a near pick by Jets safety Al Blades.
In the third quarter, McGregor beat Panthers left tackle Ricky Lee pressuring Plummer to flip the ball to running back Dillon Johnson, who was stopped way short of the first down, and Carolina had to punt.
McGregor was one of the more highly-rated undrafted free-agent additions in 2024, and he showed why at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night.
He’s a smart player with a great motor.
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