O-Line?

[WesternNYDolfan]

Am I the only one a little nervous about our line if James can't go?

We saw the line take a significant step back once he went out last week, and while the jets D aren't world beaters, their front seven and blitz packages can be a bitch.

Here's to Juwan getting clearance and Lazor crafting a plan that puts NY on their heels

 

[Hayden Fox]

James will play, but I think Fox handled himself well.

With that said, this line is NOT fixed and is still an issue. Don't sleep on it.

 

[WesternNYDolfan]

This line and CB depth have serious potential to submarine our playoff hopes. You all know I'm an in the bag homer, sometimes over the top in my optimism; but these two issues have me legitimately worried.

The only saving grace I see is:
A. Lazor seems to be sharp enough to craft his gameplans based on the talent onhand, emphasizing its strength, hiding the weakness; a refreshing coaching style we haven't seen around these parts since..well since Shula really; it's all been forcefed systems with limited creativity.
B. Our pass rush on defense is enough to mask the CB deficiency, at least until Finnegan is healthy

 

[datruth55]

James practiced all week. He'll play. He's basically only played one game at LT though...the game where Albert got hurt, the beginning of last weeks game and part of the Oakland game I think...about one full game. If he struggles I think putting Fox in at LT and James back at RT should be an option.

 

[datruth55]

This line and CB depth have serious potential to submarine our playoff hopes. You all know I'm an in the bag homer, sometimes over the top in my optimism; but these two issues have me legitimately worried.

The only saving grace I see is:
A. Lazor seems to be sharp enough to craft his gameplans based on the talent onhand, emphasizing its strength, hiding the weakness; a refreshing coaching style we haven't seen around these parts since..well since Shula really; it's all been forcefed systems with limited creativity.
B. Our pass rush on defense is enough to mask the CB deficiency, at least until Finnegan is healthy

Even short handed we should have enough to win tonight...I hope...Jets always worry me.

As long as we get Finnegan back next week for Baltimore we'll be OK. He tried to go early in the week and couldn't get on the field. We absolutely need him for Baltimore...I'm hoping there's an outside chance we get Taylor back next week too.

 

[WesternNYDolfan]

James practiced all week. He'll play. He's basically only played one game at LT though...the game where Albert got hurt, the beginning of last weeks game and part of the Oakland game I think...about one full game. If he struggles I think putting Fox in at LT and James back at RT should be an option.

I must admit I'm not watching the all 22 our paying close attention to line play other than obvious stuff, but just from a general "it looks like the offense is running well" perspective I felt we looked alot better when james was in then when he was out. Now I'm sure fatigue, mile high air, momentum, etc. were all contributing factors; but I think Juwan looks and feels like he belongs on that left side.

 

[Danny]

Everyone has injuries at this time of year. We have to play the guys we have. I won't blame injuries if we don't make the playoffs. Blowing the lead to GB, Detroit and Denver will be the reason if we don't make the playoffs.

 

[datruth55]

I must admit I'm not watching the all 22 our paying close attention to line play other than obvious stuff, but just from a general "it looks like the offense is running well" perspective I felt we looked alot better when james was in then when he was out. Now I'm sure fatigue, mile high air, momentum, etc. were all contributing factors; but I think Juwan looks and feels like he belongs on that left side.

He's got the elite skills sets to be a LT in this offense but consider he hasn't played there since high school it's a huge adjustment for him. You get used to having your feet set a certain way for the last 4 years, it's a pretty significant adjustment. He struggled last week before having to come out of the game but as I said before when he struggles it doesn't normally result in negative plays. He was a little slow on his kick when Ware tried to speed rush by him last week...that's where he looked to struggle the most. His run blocking on the left side was also...meh. Luckily the staff was already giving him some practice reps on the left side before Albert got hurt but it's going to take some adjusting.

Jet's don't have great edge rushers which is good news but next week against Baltimore...trouble may be coming.

 

[Penthos]

Fortunately, we have a good o-line coach.