Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick has been in the spotlight this season, though not for the best reasons. The two-time Pro Bowler finally made his long-awaited debut with the team during Week 8 in their loss to the New England Patriots.
After months on the sidelines, Reddick has returned, but he’s still drawing attention. On Monday, he responded on social media to Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who recently criticized the Jets and commented on Reddick’s performance on *The Pat McAfee Show*. Belichick said Reddick “just ran by the quarterback multiple times,” which didn’t sit well with Reddick.
Reddick fired back, implying that Belichick, who’s not currently coaching, must be “home bored.” Jets fans, however, were quick to point out the irony, given Reddick’s own extended absence. Surprisingly, some even defended Belichick.
Reddick had 26 snaps in his debut, creating three pressures on 17 pass-rush plays, yet his run defense fell short, as Belichick noted. With a poor Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 52.1 and no recorded tackles, he ranked low among the Jets’ defensive linemen, only above Will McDonald.
While pass rushing has always been Reddick’s strength, the lack of run-defense incentives in his contract raises concerns about his commitment in that area. In a different scenario, he might be responding to Belichick with a winning record and no off-field drama. But given his recent return and absence of strong performance, his comments appear more like venting than a substantial statement.
Rather than striking a blow at Belichick, Reddick’s words highlight his own absence, doing little to win over a frustrated fan base.
