New York Jets Quarterback Zach Wilson to Have New Left Tackle Against Patriots
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson will have a new blindside protector this week as left tackle Duane Brown was ruled out Saturday with a hip injury. The Jets haven’t announced who will replace Brown on Sunday against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium, but one strong possibility is Mekhi Becton, who started the first two games at right tackle.
This comes at a challenging time for the Jets, who have a struggling backup quarterback and an offensive line that allowed a league-high pressure percentage in Week 2. Brown, who missed the preseason as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery, was dominated by Micah Parsons last week.
Brown played the entire game but showed up on the practice report with a hip injury on Wednesday. Coach Robert Saleh expressed confidence that Brown would play despite not practicing all week. However, Brown went for a hip evaluation on Friday, raising concerns about his availability.
According to ESPN analytics, Brown was the lowest-ranked tackle in pass-block win rate through two games. It’s clear that the Jets need to make a change to protect their young quarterback.
To replace Brown, the Jets could turn to Becton or Billy Turner, a career backup. Becton, a 2020 first-round pick, is a natural left tackle who was switched to right tackle during training camp. He hasn’t played left tackle in a game since the 2021 opener when he suffered a knee injury. Becton made an impressive comeback from back-to-back surgeries and won the right-tackle job in camp.
Coach Saleh downplayed the possibility of starting Becton at left tackle, stating that it would be irresponsible to move him at the last second. However, there could be some gamesmanship involved as the Jets might not want to reveal their plans to the Patriots, who they have lost 14 straight games to.
The Jets are hoping that the new left tackle, whether it’s Becton or Turner, can provide better protection for Wilson. The young quarterback has faced significant pressure in the first two games, leading to turnovers and a struggling offense. Wilson needs time in the pocket to make accurate throws and develop as an NFL quarterback.
The offensive line as a whole needs to step up and improve their performance. In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, the Jets allowed a league-high pressure percentage, which is a concerning statistic. The success of the offense relies heavily on the offensive line’s ability to protect Wilson and create running lanes for the rushing attack.
The Jets are facing a tough challenge against the Patriots, who have a strong defense led by head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots will likely exploit any weaknesses in the Jets’ offensive line and put pressure on Wilson. It’s crucial for the Jets’ new left tackle to quickly adjust and provide solid pass protection.
The Jets’ offensive line has been a point of concern for several seasons now. The team has made efforts to address the issue through the draft and free agency, but they have yet to find a consistent solution. The absence of Brown further highlights the need for improvement in this area.
As the Jets prepare for their matchup against the Patriots, they must prioritize protecting their young quarterback. The offensive line needs to communicate effectively, execute their assignments, and provide Wilson with a clean pocket to operate from. It’s a challenging task, but one that is essential for the success of the team.
In conclusion, the New York Jets will have a new left tackle protecting Zach Wilson against the New England Patriots due to Duane Brown’s hip injury. Mekhi Becton or Billy Turner are potential replacements for Brown, with Becton being the more likely option. The Jets’ offensive line needs to improve their performance and provide better protection for Wilson. The success of the offense relies heavily on the offensive line’s ability to create a clean pocket for Wilson and establish a strong running game. The Jets face a tough challenge against the Patriots, but they must prioritize protecting their young quarterback to have a chance at victory.