It’s usually a good thing when offensive linemen go unnoticed, considering the only time their names are mentioned during a game is when they’ve been beaten for a sack or committed some sort of penalty. But the absence of the Jets’ two starting guards during the media availability session yesterday wasn’t exactly something to celebrate.
Right guard Brandon Moore had missed practice to tend to a surgically repaired hip that flared up after Sunday’s win over the Redskins, while left guard Brian Slauson was getting extended treatment on a knee injury he has been nursing in recent weeks.
Slauson practiced yesterday and will play Sunday against the Chiefs at MetLife Stadium, but the slightest chance of being without Moore could be problematic for two reasons:
For one, the Jets are coming off back-to-back games in which the offensive line didn’t allow a sack. It’s a significant sign that, perhaps, finally, an offensive line that has been inconsistent for much of the season is starting to function as a cohesive unit. Center Nick Mangold credited the Jets’ intense practice sessions for their recent success, something that could be disrupted if Moore has an extended absence.
“We pride ourselves in keeping Mark (Sanchez) clean and we’ve done a pretty good job,” Mangold said. “There’s plenty of room for improvement but, overall, the guys have really focused in and done some good work during the week, which has paid off on Sunday.”
The second reason Moore’s absence yesterday was alarming has to do with the Chiefs’ pass rush. Kansas City (5-7) may be challenged offensively, but its defense produced seven sacks in the Chiefs’ 10-3 win over the Bears last Sunday. It’s the most sacks the Chiefs have recorded in a game since they got 10 against the Raiders 13 years ago.
Sure the sacks came against a helpless Bears’ offense that has lost its starting quarterback. Still, the Chiefs have a formidable defense that could keep the score closer than the Jets might like. “They’re obviously doing something right,” Mangold said. “It’s going to take a great effort by us to combat that.”
Chiefs’ rookie linebacker Justin Houston had three sacks, but the player Jets head coach Rex Ryan raved about yesterday was linebacker Tamba Hali, who grew up in Teaneck, N.J., went to Penn State and was the 20th pick overall in 2006. Hali had one sack last week, bringing his season total to eight and his career total to 49 1/2, which ranks fifth in team history.
Though his normal position is right outside linebacker, Hali will attack anywhere along the line of scrimmage and could target right guard if Moore isn’t at full strength.
“The seven-sack performance is an indication of how this team is rushing the passer now,” Ryan said. “The guy you have to have your antenna up for is Tamba Hali and they’ll put him all over the place. We certainly have to know where he’s at.”
If Moore can’t practice, the Jets might also have to scrap plans to expand the Wildcat offense they used last week against the Redskins. It’s crucial the entire starting offense get as many reps as possible with the unique system.
“It’s something that adds to what we already have,” Ryan said of the Wildcat. “Whether we’ll do it going forward, the great thing is they don’t know so opponents have to prepare for it.
If preparation has been the key to the recent success the offensive line has enjoyed, Moore’s absence from any future practices could be a liability Sunday.
The Jets can see the playoff light at the end of the regular season. But the goal is to improve each week to a point where they’re playing their best football when the postseason arrives. If Moore’s hip isn’t an issue, the Jets offensive line looks like it might finally be headed in that direction.
