Jets 2017 Report Card: Grading the offensive line

The offensive line of the New York Jets in 2017 was easily one of the most inconsistent positional groups of the season. Here’s their report card grade based on last season.

When it comes to winning football games, many will argue that if you want to be victorious, it’s all about winning the battle of the trenches. A solid and consistent offensive line makes all the difference when it comes to keeping those chains moving, scoring touchdowns, and establishing the run. For the New York Jets, their offensive line was so bad, it’s hard to believe they were able to even win five football games.

The offensive line of the Jets was inconsistent and many times failed to protect the quarterback or help establish key gaps for the ground game to take off. Speaking of which, they allowed a whopping 47 sacks to opposing teams. It’s amazing that quarterback Josh McCown lasted as long as he did before breaking his hand due to this underperforming offensive line towards the end of the season.

In the grand scheme of things, the Jets will more than likely revamp their offensive line with better talent this offseason. They’ll probably add a new center as Wesley Johnson was terrible all season long. Their offensive guards in James Carpenter and Brian Winters were below average and committed a plethora of penalties which tremendously hurt offensive drives.

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Both offensive tackles of the Jets in Brandon Shell and Kelvin Beachum did well but again, the offensive line as a whole had mostly bad games with very little to take away that was positive. Expect to see the Jets add better talent through free agency and even in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Overall, until the Jets add a new center and offensive guards, they’ll be on the outside looking in. No matter who is under center or is starting at running back, until they address their offensive line based on the nightmares of last season, the Jets will continue to lose football games.

2017 Grade: F