Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
AP Photo/John Minchillo
FLORHAM PARK — Aaron Rodgers may not be overly concerned about the status of the New York Jets offensive line but it’s hard to ignore the recent struggles from the first-team group.
Whether it’s incorrect assignments or poor play, the combination of Max Mitchell and Billy Turner have not been capable of playing consistent football at the tackle position the last few practices. It made Wednesday’s response from the fanbase even more apparent.
“We want Becton. We want Becton.”
It’s getting hard to argue against the fanbase either. While Mekhi Becton has continued to thrive on the second-team offense, the first-team has been unable to move the ball consistently. With injuries to Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker also knocking out the depth of the roster on the interior, it’s left a clear and obvious sign that the team is behind schedule when talking about the entire position group.
“I’ve said before, ideally would have wanted it done yesterday, but we’re not quite there yet, so we’re still rotating guys, trying to find the best five,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh has said of his group.
But part of the team’s apparent struggles have been the fact that some of their most talented players at the position have still not run with the starting lineup. Becton is the obvious example of this. The first-round pick has played very well during practice and seems to be on the cusp of cracking into the starting lineup.
So what is the holdup? If the Jets are looking to start their best starting five, why isn’t one of the obvious choices getting reps?
The answer, according to Saleh, is far more complex.
“The biggest thing for Mekhi is to show that he can play a game without having to be spelled out and take a break and all that stuff, so it is unfair for the team to prepare a guy to start if you are not sure if he can make it through a game, so he is moving in the right…
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