David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 20, 2023
Posted in
This year’s Hard Knocks darlings come with a host of colorful storylines surrounding the team. From the Dalvin Cook signing, Breece Hall’s ACL recovery and the addition of Aaron Rodgers.
However, hidden beneath the surface is another interesting storyline for their season.
If the Jets hope to crack the postseason, the team will have to keep Rodgers healthy. That responsibility falls to the offensive line – which was middle-of-the-pack in sacks allowed last season with 42.
Quarterback injuries typically happen outside the pocket, as was the case with Rodgers’ thumb injury last season.
In its current state, the Jets’ offensive stacks up like this: Duane Brown or Billy Turner, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Max Mitchell or Mekhi Becton at right tackle.
Becton missed all last season after undergoing surgery to remedy a right knee injury he suffered during training camp ahead of the 2022 season.
While the fourth-year tackle has now missed two straight seasons, he may be moving to right tackle because his left leg is the more secure leg at this point.
Becton began taking snaps at right tackle recently and should be a reliable option as long as a team doesn’t rely on him at left tackle.
Brown, who played 12 games at left tackle for the Jets last season, has had a host of shoulder issues in his career and will be 38 when the season starts. He had a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 57.8 last season, with a pass blocking score of 72.3 and a run blocking score of 44.4.
Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a right ankle injury early in camp that has caused him to miss practice time. His injury should not be a concern for the regular season.
New York drafted edge rusher Will McDonald IV in the first round after missing out on tackles Paris Johnson Jr., Darnell Wright and Broderick Jones.
Rodgers did not have a consistent left tackle last season – as David Bakhtiari played in just 11 games – but the former Green Bay passer was sacked 32 times, which ranked seventh fewest in the league.
New York’s quarterbacks had a host of injury issues last season, including a torn meniscus and bone bruise for Zach Wilson along with broken ribs for Mike White.
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Written by David Chao, MD
