Will McDonald IV Joins Rare Jets Company with Four-Sack Breakout
Will McDonald IV sent a clear message to Aaron Glenn during the week. Speaking with Brian Costello, who delivers the latest Jets insights for Sports+ subscribers, McDonald shared his mindset leading into the game.
“I just told him I was gonna keep being relentless. Move forward with that, from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Simple.”
McDonald’s relentless effort paid off with four sacks in the Jets' 27-20 win over the Browns, earning him a game ball. Only John Abraham (2001) and Mark Gastineau (1983 and ’84) have reached similar sack numbers in a game for the franchise.
Aaron Glenn praised McDonald’s determination and fulfillment of his promise.
“He’s very relentless and he’s actually said that to the players in there ’cause he had said something to me during the week. I have a lot of belief in that player, and for him to come out and do exactly what he said he’s gonna do during the week is be relentless and go make plays, he went out there and he did that.”
Before Sunday, McDonald had recorded two sacks in the season opener but only one more since. He emphasized his consistent approach:
“I’ve been relentless since the beginning of the season. Don’t nothing want to stand in front of you when you just keep being relentless the whole time. Eventually they’re gonna move up out of the way.”
McDonald described this performance as capitalizing on rare opportunities.
“I was just taking advantage of those opportunities that I had. You gotta take advantage of that one rep. Maybe that one rep is gonna change the game. For me, like I said, just keep being relentless.”
Summary: Will McDonald IV's determined and relentless play has placed him among elite Jets defenders, highlighted by his dominant four-sack game that reflected his consistent mindset and seizing key moments.