Jets’ Offensive Line Holds Strong Despite Injury
For a week, the Jets managed surprisingly well without Aliya Vera Tucker.
The offensive line stood out in a narrow 34-32 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.
In Vera Tucker’s absence, starting center Joe Tippman shifted to right guard while Josh Myers stepped up as the center after recovering from a triceps injury.
The performance was impressive, with the team rushing for 182 yards and not punting at all in the first half.
Young tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou handled the challenge posed by the Steelers’ TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith quite well.
“I think it shows the guys in our room that Tipp can really help defend plays and create opportunities,” Myers mentioned, remarking on the support from their coaching staff. “I’ll make sure everyone involved knows how to keep that momentum going.”
Membou, the No. 7 overall pick from Missouri this year, excelled, preventing seven Pro Bowl defenders from sacking the quarterback. It’s noteworthy that the line didn’t allow any quarterback hits during 25 pass attempts.
“He’s got all the qualities you look for in a tackle—his agility, athleticism, and movement are really something to see,” Myers said, adding that Membou’s debut performance was especially commendable.
Coach Aaron Glenn noted good intentions from left guard John Simpson who intervened when quarterback Justin Fields took a hard hit from the Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey. Though I guess Simpson’s method drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness.
“There are definitely ways to protect your quarterback without incurring penalties like that. I believe Simpson will improve in that area,” Glenn commented.
Glenn also shared that the decision to hold back receiver Allen Lazard was due to him missing training camp with a shoulder injury. “We want to ensure he’s catching up with the team’s pace,” Glenn explained. “We’ll see what unfolds this week.”
Additionally, the Jets updated their roster by signing wide receiver Tyler Johnson and bringing offensive lineman Liam Fornadel onto the practice squad. Johnson made an impact, catching two passes for 31 yards on Sunday.
