Five Reasons to Be Concerned About the 2013 New York Jets: #2

Oct 21, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets guard Brandon Moore (65) during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning everybody. As we sweat through another hot day in the New York area, we are going to go ahead with our countdown. As we have been doing this week, we are going through five reasons, in no particular order, to be concerned about our 2013 New York Jets. So far we have talked about:

Marty Mornhinweg

the Wide Receivers

the loss of Rex Ryan’s “Guys”

Now, I bring you the second reason to be concerned about our 2013 New York Jets:

TWO NEW GUARDS ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE

I am stretching here a bit, because as most of you know, especially at this time of year, I am an eternal, some might say cockeyed, optimist.

But, let’s talk about this offensive line. You guys have heard me talk about this on more than one occasion, but it deserves repeating, so I will.

The offensive line makes the entire team look better.

The offensive line is like the engine for the offense. If the line is playing well, the holes are there. If the holes are there, the running backs look better. Sounds simple, but it isn’t always. Sometimes, the line is allowed to fall a bit by the wayside, while a team brings in skilled position players. Chris Ivory will not look as good as he did in New Orleans if the offensive line plays badly.

Same thing with the passing game. No matter who wins the quarterback competition, they will not look good if they are on their backs. Everyone looks better when the offensive line is playing well. The quarterback, the running backs…etc, all benefit.

For the first time in many years, Brandon Moore will not be at his familiar right guard spot. Matt Slauson is not at left guard. 40% of the offensive line is changing. Playing offensive line is all about chemistry. The players need to not only know where they have to be, they have to know where the guy next to him is going to be. The footwork between everyone has to be perfect. These guys all have to know what everyone else is doing at all times.

Don’t get me wrong, the Jets have able-bodied players looking to fill these spots. Willie Colon is a terrific offensive lineman. Stephen Peterman is no slouch. But the fact is, these guys have not played with Nick, Ferguson or Howard yet. It will take time for these guys to learn to work well together.

It may work out quite well. But, until we see it, it’s a reason to be concerned.