After leading the New York Jets in sacks last season, Will McDonald has undergone a significant physical transformation, adding a remarkable fifteen pounds of muscle to his powerful frame. This strategic bulk-up is poised to revolutionize his already formidable game, as the third-year NFL edge rusher now combines raw strength with his renowned speed and agility, creating an unpredictable threat for opposing offensive linemen.
McDonald’s dedication to his craft is evident in his rigorous diet, where he “pounded food” by consuming six meals a day to reach his current weight of close to 250 pounds. This meticulous approach to nutrition highlights his commitment to maximizing his physical potential and ensuring he can sustain the demands of an elite Defensive Line player in the league.
Historically, Will McDonald has been celebrated for his explosive quickness, his ability to bend around the edge, and a signature spin move that consistently leaves offensive tackles off balance. However, his new focus involves seamlessly integrating a power game, allowing him to overwhelm blockers with sheer strength. Early reports from Jets Training Camp suggest this new dimension is already yielding impressive results on the field.
His impressive leap in performance during the last season saw him record 10.5 sacks, making him the leader among the New York Jets’ Defensive Line in snaps played. This was a substantial improvement from his rookie year, where he managed three sacks and was eighth in snaps, underscoring his rapid development and increasing impact within the team’s defensive scheme.
McDonald demonstrated this potent combination in a recent practice, where he initially beat an offensive tackle with his lightning-fast spin move for a would-be sack. A few plays later, he showcased his newfound power by running the same blocker over, knocking him to the ground. This duality is a deliberate strategy for the Edge Rusher, aimed at keeping opponents guessing, a “chess match” where McDonald dictates the terms.
The strategic evolution of his game is rooted in a desire to manipulate the opposition. McDonald acknowledges that the scouting report on him has traditionally emphasized his speed. However, he now relishes the advantage of forcing offensive linemen to constantly adapt. “I want to put the pieces on the board for myself,” he stated, highlighting his proactive approach to controlling the flow of the game.
Jets coach Glenn has credited “coaching” for Will McDonald’s ability to win with power. Glenn later clarified that his comments were not a dig at the previous staff but rather a testament to McDonald’s inherent desire to be coached rigorously and correctly, underscoring the collaborative effort in his development.
Glenn expressed immense confidence in McDonald’s potential, stating, “The player wants to be really, really good, and, to me, that was the number one thing.” This eagerness to learn and improve, coupled with his enhanced physical capabilities, has Glenn believing that Will McDonald is destined to “do a lot of damage in this league” with his versatile ability to rush with both speed and power off the edge.
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