Names like Burress and Mason may be getting all the attention recently at Jets camp, but it’s the big boys upfront that will have to produce and stay healthy to keep Coach Ryan’s promise of a Superbowl a reality.
With All Pro’s Nick Mangold at center and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, the Jets seem on their way to another playoff run in the tough AFC conference; however, with Damien Woody recently announcing his retirement, career backup Wayne Hunter, who has filled in nicely when needed, will take over the right tackle position.
The Jets are hoping he can play as well as Matt Slauson did last year at left guard, when he took over for the departed Alan Faneca.
With the skill set at receiver for quarterback Mark Sanchez to choose from and the “pound the rock “ style Ryan likes with running back Shonn Green and Ladainien Tomlinson, it will be the “big boys” upfront that will make it all work on all cylinders.
The Jets don’t have as much depth as they would like on the offensive line, so there is an urgency that they must stay healthy.
At Thursday’s practice, Mangold suffered a stinger“ to the neck that kept him on the field for several minutes. He ended up leaving practice under his own power and is listed as day to day.
It’s a scene quarterback Mark Sanchez and Coach Ryan don’t want to see as the Jets get ready for their first pre-season game on Monday against the Texans.
With right guard Brandon Moore just off the “PUP” list, the offensive line looks ready to elevate third year quarterback Sanchez into an elite quarterback and use their running game to pound defensive clubs into submission.
Jets notes…..
Some familiar faces at Jets camp this week…. former running back Freeman McNeal visited camp to see the Jets practice. Also at camp former Rams all-pro Isaac Bruce to help his former receivers coach Henry Ellerd work with the receivers.
Country star Kenney Chesney was also on hand checking out Jets practice since he was in town for a concert…..
Wide out Plaxico Burress will not play Monday in Houston as a precaution. He hurt his ankle last Week in practice and is listed as day to day. Coach Ryan doesn’t want to take any chances with Burress this early in camp. He should be ready to go next week.
