How bad is the Jets offensive line in 2016?
Smack. Jab. Chop block. These are the techniques that all offensive line men need to use. Where does the Jets line stand for the upcoming season?
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New York Jets’ offensive line hopes to answer critics – New York Jets Blog- ESPN The New York Jets are hoping to squeeze another year out of this offensive line group, which needs an infusion of young talent. |
| Source: espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/61322/minus-brick-in-the-wall-jets-offensive-line-hopes-to-answer-critics | |
Trust. Small word with huge impact. Looking over this roster, there is not many players you can associate that word with. Obviously, you can forget about right tackle Breno Giacomini, who kept on getting obliterated by the opposing defenses in 2015. Letting defensive ends and tackles get by him put the pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick, making Breno a liability in pass protection. The only thing Giacomini was good at was run blocking but even that was suspect. It would be no surprise if this team doesn’t bring him back next season if he has another terrible year.
Ryan Clady is a huge question mark for Gang Green. This left tackle has been an elite player for the Denver Broncos since 2008 and has been selected to several Pro Bowls. His talents is one of the reasons why the Jets traded for him, giving up a 5th round draft pick in the 2016 draft to the Broncos. However, his recent leg injuries are a huge concern, causing him to play only 2 of 16 games in 2013 and missing all 16 games in 2015. If he can stay healthy on the field, this veteran can take over for the recently retired D’Brickashaw Ferguson and provide protection for Fitzpatrick’s blindside.
The only player on the offensive line who can be trusted is center Nick Mangold, who has a huge load on his shoulders. Not only is he a great run blocker and pass blocker but he is a commanding leader. He calls out the blitzes for the rest of the offensive line and the quarterback and also mentors guards James Carpenter, Brian Winters and Giacomini. This year Mangold will have to get Clady up to speed on the scheme of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey along with rookie tackle Brandon Shell. Nick is the glue that keeps the line in order and improves the chemistry of his team mates.
If Clady can stay healthy… If Giacomini doesn’t play awful in 2016… If Mangold does not hit the wall at age 32… That is just too many Ifs entering into the season. All these uncertainties come at a terrible time for New York, as this year the OL will face 7 of the top defenses in the NFL on their schedule including the Seahawks, Cardinals, Bengals and Chiefs. With not much time for Mangold and Co. to gel together, the stability of the line is up in the air. Old age, health issues and inadequate play makes these offensive linemen one of the worst in the league.
