Cleveland Browns quarterback Kellen Mond is sacked by New York Jets linebacker Claudin Cherelus (41) during the first half of the Hall of Fame NFL football preseason game Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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FLORHAM PARK — For a group full of talented pass rushers and dominant interior rushers, the New York Jets’ most efficient edge player is one that is most often overlooked.
When Bryce Huff was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, the belief was that he could be a strong special teams player with a plus upside. Since his rookie season though, Huff has displayed a skill set that makes him one of the most underrated pass rushers in the NFL to date.
It’s also made him one of the most important players on the 2023 roster. According to Pro Football Focus’ Pass Rush Productivity measurement, Huff is solely behind Dallas Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons with a 14.5 grade. PRP is a formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to how many times the player rushes the passer. With most measurements showing that the Jets have a diamond in the rough on the edge, it’s easy to see how Huff has been so successful.
“We take it week by week. We practice at full speed in team and individual drills. Looking to come out every Sunday and just put my best foot forward,” Huff said Monday.
Huff’s importance to the team was evident in Sunday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Down 17-0 in the second quarter, Huff received his first snap and forced a safety on the play. It was the Jets’ first points of the game and completely shifted momentum.
“It was one of my first snaps of the game so I just wanted to come out and make something happen. I turned the edge and Taylor held me and gave us the safety,” Huff explained on the play. “It gave us a little momentum but I feel we were always locked in. Just trying to make the best plays we could.”
From there, the Jets gave Huff the…
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