Offensive Line Woes Continue: Jets/Lions Recap
The Jets’ offensive line needs to improve if their quarterbacks hope to survive the season.
On Saturday night, the Jets offense showed how badly they will struggle this season, even against league average defenses. The offensive line could not keep up with the Lions attack, which led to two sacks on Christian Hackenberg, including one devastating strip sack. It was surprising that Hackenberg was able to shake it off, considering how hard he was hit on the play. While the line only gave up those two sacks, the starters looked outmatched on almost every level by the Lions, a clear indication of the problems to come once the season starts.
The Jets problems began and ended with the offensive line. The starters offered Christian Hackenberg little to no room to operate, resulting in a poor stat line for the second year QB. If you need a visual on how they performed:
Thankfully for Hackenberg, this was the worst hit he saw and the Jets recovered the fumble. Todd Bowles was quoted as saying that Hackenberg “never stood a chance.” He finished the game going just two of six for 14 yards. He did manage to make a nice scramble at one point, when the line, once again, collapsed around him.
The line also offered little help to the running game, with Bilal Powell seeing his first action of the season but finishing with just 32 yards. In addition, seven of his nine runs were for less than five yards. He also had a nice catch out of the backfield which he stretched into a 14-yard reception.
The starting line for the Jets this week was Ben Ijalana, James Carpenter, Jonotthan Harrison, Brian Winters and Brandon Shell. Last week against the Titans, it was Kelvin Beachum, Carpenter, Wesley Johnson, Winters, and Brent Qvale. The starting line in the Titans game did play better, but Bowles has stated that every position on the line is up for grabs. In essence, it is currently unknown who will be starting on the line for the Jets week 1.
Elsewhere, Bryce Petty came into the game in the second half and played pretty well, all things considered. He finished the game going 15 for 24 for 160 yards and one interception. The INT came in garbage time and was a last second shot at the endzone. He looked much better in the pocket than Hackenberg and showed patience and good decision making, such as on this strike to Jordan Leggett.
All in all, it wasn’t a great night for the Jets offense. The receivers couldn’t create separation, the line was terrible, and Christian Hackenberg showed he still has a long way to go.
Next, the Jets play the Giants in the “Snoopy Bowl” on August 26th.
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