4 changes the NY Jets must make including benching a defensive starter

NY Jets, Lamarcus Joyner
NY Jets, Lamarcus Joyner | Jamie Squire/GettyImages
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3. The NY Jets must figure out their pass protection

This one is easier said than done, but it remains the biggest issue holding back the Jets' offense. Yes, an even bigger issue than the quarterback position.

The Jets' pass protection has been downright atrocious through three weeks. On paper, this Jets offensive line should be pretty good, especially given the game that fourth-round rookie Max Mitchell had on Sunday.

But in reality, it's been arguably the biggest weakness on the team.

George Fant looks like a shell of his 2021 self at left tackle and is the weakest link of the unit. His replacement in Week 3, Conor McDermott, proves that he shouldn't be on an NFL roster every time he steps foot on the field.

Meanwhile, Laken Tomlinson has underwhelmed to begin his Jets career. Even Alijah Vera-Tucker, who had been excellent through two weeks, struggled mightily on Sunday allowing four pressures and three QB hits.

Tomlinson should improve and Vera-Tucker should bounce back. Mitchell holding his own at right tackle is a bonus. The real issue right now is Fant and the left tackle position.

Whether Fant isn't fully healthy or whatever the case, the Jets need to figure out that position. Just hoping Fant gets healthy/improves can't be Plan A anymore. That much was made clear on Sunday.

Perhaps that answer is Duane Brown. Perhaps it isn't.

If Brown isn't healthy, the Jets need to make a move and add another offensive tackle. Sign somebody. Make a trade. Do something other than relying on a clearly-hobbled Fant and a backup tackle who more closely resembles an old saloon door than an offensive lineman.

The Jets are in a rough spot here, but they need to find a solution — and fast.

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