The Jets’ offensive line just gave Geno Smith another reason for hope

Geno Smith’s lone season with the Las Vegas Raiders was seemingly doomed from the start, in part because he was throwing behind arguably the league’s worst offensive line. 

Smith shouldn’t run into that problem with the New York Jets’ young offensive line, though. Tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, along with the recently extended Joe Tippmann, headline a group that impressed in Friday’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to Pro Football Focus, the starting offensive line — Fashanu, Membou, Tippman, left guard Dylan Parham, and center Josh Myers — didn’t allow a single pressure on seven pass-block snaps. Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik looked comfortable in his brief action, and Smith should already be excited about what’s to come.

The New York Jets’ offensive line only furthered the growing optimism

By now, you’re likely aware of the problem with Pro Football Focus grades. Unlike traditional, slightly advanced metrics like OPS in baseball or a quarterback’s pressure rate, PFF seemingly relies far more on subjectivity. That’s how you wind up with Jets rookie lineman Anez Cooper having a 90.9 overall PFF grade on Friday night despite not clearing 90% in either pass-blocking or run-blocking.

That said, the Jets’ issues on Friday night had nothing to do with the starting offensive line. The eye test told us that much, much like how it brought us back to reality about veteran quarterback Bailey Zappe. So much for him having his Mac Jones moment and positioning himself to be a top-tier backup. 

Granted, the Jets’ starting line faced the Buccaneers’ second-team defense, but that shouldn’t impact your optimism. Tippmann just got extended, and Membou had a fine rookie season. Although some social media users appear skeptical of Fashanu, he looked phenomenal at times down the stretch and still profiles as the long-term left tackle. Don’t sleep on the former Penn State standout as he enters his second season as a full-time starter.

As for Myers and Parham, the latter started 63 games at left guard during his four years in Las Vegas. Myers is coming off a dismal season and is the Jets’ weakest link on the offensive line, though he’ll at least continue to provide stability. We’ll see whether the Jets pursue a center, such as Georgia’s Drew Bobo or Nebraska’s Justin Evans, during next year’s draft.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn has not confirmed how much the starting offensive line will play against the Steelers next Friday night. Smith sat out with a sore ankle, and it is unclear whether he’ll play this preseason; Klubnik would almost certainly start if Smith doesn’t dress. 

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