Jets Deploy Fifth Different Starting Offensive Line Configuration to No Avail

Rookie starts at center for first time, veteran tackle struggles on right side vs. Chargers

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Nov 7, 2023 11:16 AM EST

In this story:

The New York Jets are way beyond Plan B when it comes to the offensive line.

Facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in Week 9, the Jets were four versions removed from their Week 1 configuration up front.

The latest combination included backups at right guard and right tackle with rookie Joe Tippmann starting at center for the first time. The results were less than ideal as the Jets failed to score a touchdown in a 27-6 home loss.

The Jets' offense was stuck in neutral for most of the night with the line struggling to contain Chargers' game-wreckers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in the trenches. The Bolts sacked quarterback Zach Wilson eight times while limiting the Jets' run game to a 3.2 yards per carry average.

After finishing out the Week 8 win over the New York Giants with second-year pro Max Mitchell at right tackle, veteran Billy Turner at right guard and Practice Squad call-up Xavier Newman at center, the Jets made adjustments to the injury-ravaged front five for the November 6 matchup against the Chargers.

"For one, just trying to get our best five out there," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh following the setback. "I know there was eight sacks, but I felt like that, for the most part, they did a pretty good job. I thought we ran the ball pretty well. I thought we were protecting."

Drafted as a center, Tippmann had started four games at right guard prior to suffering an injury in Week 6. With starting center Connor McGovern on Injured Reserve, Tippmann returned to the lineup at center in Week 9. Meanwhile, Mitchell, who has been the right tackle since starter Alijah Vera-Tucker sustained a season-ending Achilles rupture, moved inside to right guard while Turner took the right tackle spot.

According to TruMedia analytics, Turner surrendered nine pressures while pass blocking on Monday night. In particular, the 32-year-old tackle fell victim to a power rush from Bosa that resulted in a first-quarter strip sack. Pushing Turner back into the pocket, Bosa swiped the ball out of Wilson's hand and recovered it at midfield.

"Billy [Turner] is obviously more comfortable playing right. We had gotten Max [Mitchell] some reps in there at guard during training camp and thought he did a nice job. I’ll get to the tape," said Saleh.

TruMedia attributed seven pressures and two sacks to left guard Laken Tomlinson, who battled through a hamstring injury during practice last week. Tippmann surrendered two pressures on pass blocking snaps, the fewest amongst the Jets' five offensive linemen on Monday night.