NY Jets 2015 Report Card: Offensive Line

The offensive line of the NY Jets were the unsung heroes of the team in 2015.  They were the engine of the team and improved throughout the season, especially in terms of pass protection.

Compared to other teams of the past, last year the Jets had consistency when it came to their offensive line and protecting their quarterback. Take a look at how much-improved the offensive line of the Jets were compared to the last two seasons:

The team rushed for 1,868 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.  The yards per carry average dropped and the touchdowns remained the same.  However, the pass protection allowed the receivers to get open.  This helped quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to set a team record and career highs for touchdown passes (31) and yards (3905).

Even though the running game played well, it could have been better.  According to Football Outsiders, the Jets were the ranked 26th in run blocking, but third in pass blocking.

Power success shows what percentage of runs on third and fourth downs where yards to go were two or fewer (including goal-to-go on the two and inside), and stuffed percentage is when a runner is stopped for zero or negative yards.  That means the Jets had the sixth worst power rank and sixth lowest stuffed percentage.

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When you compare the Jets to the team that qualified for the playoffs, I can see why they didn’t make it.

Only one team was worse than the Jets in Power Success, the Arizona Cardinals.  When it comes to Stuffed percentage, 11 of the 12 teams were better than the Jets, and the Green Bay Packers had the same number.

We all know the old adage, that you win in the trenches.  That means the offensive and defensive lines are the most important keys to success.  We also know that in December, January and February you win on the ground, and it appears that the Jets ran out of gas in the latter stages of the season.

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The Jets’ offensive line played well overall, but they do need to work on their rushing attack for next season.  Chris Ivory did have his best individual season, but from they do need some improvement and upgrades if they want to make the playoffs in 2016.

Grade: B