NY Jets might have lost more than just a game

The NY Jets might have lost much more than just a game to the New England Patriots depending on the severity of Nick Mangold‘s neck injury.

The NY Jets dropped a heart-breaker in Foxboro this past Sunday. The Jets played at a high level on both sides of the ball through three quarters of football, unfortunately for the fans, they stumbled through the fourth quarter. The loss is not the end of the world, the Jets are in second place in the AFC East and stand at 4-2 on the year. It was just a single loss, and the fan base need not panic, the Patriots continue to be one of the best teams in the NFL and the Jets played right with them until the bitter end.

The Jets may have lost something much more valuable to the team then any single game will be this year however. With one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, a collision between center Nick Mangold and Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins left Mangold laying on the field writhing in pain. The collision was nasty with both players taking the impact to their helmets.

The backboard was quickly brought out to aid Mangold, but the warrior that he is would not allow him to be carried from the field of play. Instead, he was assisted in standing and he shakily and very gingerly walked from the field.

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Mangold did not return to the game and the injury was announced to be a neck issue which would need further x-rays to determine the severity of the injury.

We all know that neck issues can be serious, and it was good to see Mangold leave on his own power, however this could still turn into a serious concern for the Pro Bowl center as more development comes. The trenches of the offensive line is a brutal place in the NFL, and any sort of ailment to Mangold’s neck could make it necessary for him to miss time or receive lesser time as a starter.

Mangold has been a consistent force on the Jets’ offensive line for ten years now, his play has earned him the respect of his competitors around the NFL and has made him a hands down favorite among Jet fans. Mangold has only missed three starts in his entire football career and the Jets have come to rely on him heavily to anchor this offensive line. A loss of Mangold for any amount of time could have some major ramifications for the Jets going ahead.

Of course it should be noted that we don’t have the full story concerning the injury just yet and we will need to wait for the Jets medical staff to weigh in on the situation, especially before their next game against the Oakland Raiders. We here at The Jet Press will keep you updated as more confirmed information is released. If he misses time as a result of the injury, it will have a huge impact on the entire offense, not just the line.

Mangold came to the Jets as a first round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft. Mangold at the time had just completed his college career at Ohio State and the Jets loved what the big 6’4″/307 pounder brought to the table. Mangold is much more then a large bodied center however, and if the Jets were to lose him, it could be devastating.

Oct 4, 2015; London, ENG; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) runs into center Nick Mangold (74) while running the ball against Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Mangold has proven his talent over the years, earning six Pro Bowl nods in the process. Mangold is incredibly athletic for a NFL center, whether he’s in pass protection or in support of the run game, Mangold has proven he will dominate the middle. His ability to lock onto a nose tackle and drive him from the center position has been uncanny over the years. He’s been considered the top NFL center by analysts far beyond Jet circles. There is no denying the talent Mangold brings to the Jets’ offensive line.

Beyond his physical prowess, Mangold also brings leadership to this team. A savvy veteran, Mangold brings his leadership not only to the football field, but to the locker room as well. Over the years, Mangold has earned the respect of his teammates on and off the field. His steady play and positive attitude have set the example for his fellow Jet players. Mangold in his leadership role, has also become teacher and mentor to the younger players coming up behind him. Mangold’s leadership is as valuable to the team as his physical play has proven to be.

Possibly the biggest loss to the Jets’ offense if Mangold were to miss significant time, would be the loss of his knowledge of opposing defenses. Mangold runs the shows up front. His responsibilities include calling out the defense, insuring everyone has their assignments and picking out potential blitzers for his quarterback.

He’s a huge advantage to have for any quarterback the Jets put behind him. Mangold is smart, he reads defensive linemen very well and his knowledge of opposing defensive schemes allows him to read, diagnosis and distribute blitz information to his fellow blockers with amazing efficiency. A loss of the ability could prove devastating to the entire Jets’ offense.

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) prepare to snap the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

We’ll learn more about the injuries to the Jets as the week goes on, as Mangold wasn’t the only player to get banged up in this fiercely fought battle. Calvin Pryor left the game in the third quarter with what is being reported as an ankle injury. Buster Skrine left the game in the second quarter with what is being described as a shoulder injury, he did return to the game, but was later spotted in the locker room with his shoulder and hand heavily wrapped.

Sheldon Richardson left the game in the fourth quarter with what was being reported as an injury to his arm. he returned later and appeared fine, so we’ll have to keep an eye on him this week in practice. Finally, rookie wide receiver Devin Smith was seen limping severely heading into the locker room at games end.

The Jets dropped a tough game in Gillette Stadium on Sunday and there may be some ramifications from this game for weeks to come as a result of the injuries the Jets sustained in its playing. How do you see the loss of Mangold affecting the Jets? Can Dakota Dozier handle the responsibilities of the position? We here at The Jet Press would like to discuss it with you! Please leave us a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

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