Jets O-lineman’s comment on playing left tackle is great news for Patriots
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots may have lost a tough one in Week 1, but they don’t have time to mope around, as Mac Jones and the squad will have to gear up for the first of what should be many matchups against Zach Wilson, Robert Saleh, and the rival New York Jets.
While the Jets also fell to the Panthers, Saleh’s defense looked tough despite starting tons of rookies, and Wilson made some tremendous throws.
However, New England should still take home the win in this game, as the Jets once again have issues with regards to their offensive line.
Standout sophomore Mekhi Becton, unfortunately, suffered an injury that will sideline him for the next few weeks. This means Morgan Moses will slot in at right tackle with George Fant moving to left tackle. That doesn’t sound too awful, but Fant’s latest quote about the switch will make Pats fans laugh out loud and Jets fans shake their head.
Fant claims that moving from right to left tackle is going to be very difficult, comparing it to a pitcher in baseball trying to throw with the opposite hand.
The Jets’ offensive line was already going to be an issue, but this should get Matt Judon and that pass rush licking their chops in preparation for this week.
George Fant said it’s going to be hard switching from right tackle to left. Compared it to a pitcher trying to pitch with his other hand. #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 15, 2021
The Patriots could feast on the Jets’ offensive line.
When the Jets gave Wilson time against Carolina, he was able to hit his receivers. However, the rookie looked overwhelmed at times when Carolina was able to pressure him. Throw in the fact that Belichick has famously been a menace for rookie quarterbacks, and the Jets have a tall mountain to climb.
The Patriots were able to sack Tua Tagovailoa twice and pressure him often, and that’s came against a team that has invested a ton of draft capital in their offensive line.
With Fant unsure of himself, Alijah Vera-Tucker playing in his second career game, and the center-guard combo of Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten fresh off getting dominated, New England has a clear advantage here.
One player isn’t going to fix what’s going on with this offensive line, but I’d end the George Fant experiment.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 12, 2021
Let’s say the Jets know that the pass protection isn’t going to hold up and they want to run the ball. Let them! Their best run-blocker in Becton is out, and they couldn’t get anything going on the ground against the Panthers.
Carolina also had the worst pass protection of any team in Week 1 and the Jets couldn’t capitalize to grab the win. It seems like this is lining up nicely for Mac Jones’ first career victory.
