Haason Reddick posts defiant message ahead of Jets debut

It’s the New York version of asking for forgiveness. “Hate me now, love me later … I’m still gone be me ” Hasson Reddick, 30, wrote on Instagram Thursday evening. The caption accompanied a photo of the linebacker participating in a Jets practice ahead of their Week 8 divisional showdown against the Patriots in Foxboro. Reddick is finally set to make his Jets debut in the clash. The image, which featured Reddick decked out in a green practice jersey and team-issued shorts, is one Gang Green has been waiting on for quite some time.For as long as this Jets season has felt, Reddick’s holdout has felt longer. The two-time Pro Bowler was traded to New York in March but a lengthy contract holdout kept him off the gridiron through the mandatory three-day minicamp in June.

And the start of training camp in July.And the start of preseason play in August.

And the start of the regular season in September. None of that matters now.Reddick is very much needed. The Jets — with a 2-5 record, 3rd place in the AFC East — are reeling.

They’ve lost four straight and given up more than 20 points in three of those contests.New York’s defense already stacks up as a top-10 unit in the league in terms of average yards allowed per game, though that mark only tells half the story. The Jets’ pass defense ranks second in the NFL, allowing an average of 164.7 yards per game through the air.

But on the ground, the defensive unit is allowing an average of 127.7 yards per game, which ranks 16th. Reddick — who’s racked up 410 tackles and 58 sacks across seven seasons with the Cardinals, Panthers and Eagles — is expected to come in and immediately plug the hole. ...