Jordan Whitehead’s Week 1 performance was lost in the chaos of Aaron Rodgers’ injury — and the New York Jets’ thrilling overtime win. Typically, three interception plays aren’t ignored, but Whitehead’s performance flew under the radar.
The veteran safety recorded a career-best three interceptions in the Jets’ 22-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, earning a $250,000 bonus in his contract. Whitehead needed three interceptions in 2023 to receive the $250,000 incentive. according to ESPNand he achieved this feat in Week 1.
“I just watched the tape from last year,” Whitehead said, referring to last season’s win over the Bills at MetLife Stadium, where he beat Allen once. “He threw me a second interception toward the end of the game and I dropped it. This offseason my whole thing was to do extra ball drills. I couldn’t have had a better start to this season.”
“I worked all offseason, my teammates pushed me. So it’s no surprise,” Whitehead said (via the New York Post). “Deep balls, just every day at practice.” [Safeties coach Marquand Manuel] throws me the ball, various exercises. When i am free [in practice]Special teams drills, I catch balls.
Jordan Whitehead
NYJ • FS • #3
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Whitehead became the 14th player ever to record three interceptions in a game in Week 1, the first since Sammy Knight in 2001 and just the fourth player to achieve the feat since 1980.
Whitehead had more interceptions when he was targeted in coverage because he was not the primary defender on one of his interceptions. He was targeted twice and had two interceptions on those attempts as Josh Allen finished with a 0.0 passer rating against him.
“He was outstanding. He was outstanding,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said after Whitehead’s performance. “Last year he was four dropped interceptions shy of making All-Pro. He caught them all today and he’s going to catch a lot more.”
“He has great instincts at the back. He has great instincts in the penalty area. His range is better this year, believe it or not. His ability to get from one red line to another. Our trust in him, he is an outstanding safety.” . An outstanding safety, and that’s what he was.”
The performance bonus for Whitehead came after one game. In a Jets defense with Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed at cornerback, there are sure to be more interceptions.