How worried should we be about the Offensive Tackle situation?

Edition #448

Good morning. ☕

The Jets took part in their final practice before we get some actual football tomorrow night against the Cleveland Browns. We’ll have the practice report a little later.

First I want to address a growing concern with the Jets fanbase, and considering we’ve got a Hall of Fame QB, it’s certainly a legitimate concern, at least for now.

Despite Joe Douglas’s best efforts, the Jets are facing serious questions about the tackle position, but while it’s a concern, it’s also important not to jump too early.

During camp we all like hearing about sacks, sacks are exciting, and if you’ve been following the Jets camp reports, you’ll have heard a lot about sacks.

The combination of Jermaine Johnson, Bryce Huff, Carl Lawson, JFM, Micheal Clemons Will McDonald and even UDFA Deslin Alexandre have been too hot to handle for the Jet’s tackles.

Let’s just add some context there. That DE lineup would and will give plenty of offensive lines in this league issues over the coming months. If the Jets don’t have the best defensive end group at season’s end, it’ll certainly be a top-five unit.

The Jets are also working without their #1 tackle in Duane Brown, who’s still working his way back to full health. Their projected starting RT is on a pitch count after missing multiple years through injury, and by all accounts, the offensive line is opening up some real holes in the run game.

Saleh confirmed that Becton would play 20-25 snaps on Thursday. Keeping Rodgers out of that game is a fine decision.

Undoubtedly, there is work to do in pass protection. After all, Aaron Rodgers will only be able to operate at his maximum potential if we can keep him upright. That certainly isn’t happening thus far, and fortunately for AR and the Jets, the red jersey offers maximum protection.

But here's the thing. Mekhi Becton has always been the X-Factor for this unit, and while it hasn't been perfect, he's been improving day by day and he's now putting together consistent practices with positive performances. He's also changed his tune on his position, saying yesterday that he's willing to play wherever the Jets need him to play, and that includes as a right tackle.

He also made quite an admission saying that in 2021 he elected for the wrong kind of surgery, the one that would get him back on the field quicker, rather than the one that would result in better long-term results. You can’t categorically prove that it led to the injury sustained in 2022, but it would be quite a coincidence. Becton said that he never felt fully healthy last year, but this year is completely different. He feels good, his weight is under control and multiple people who attended a recent practice said he looked back to his best.