How the Jets found several cornerstones in the trenches
· Yahoo Sports
The New York Jets didn't stumble into their current roster construction. Over the past two offseasons, general manager Darren Mougey has quietly assembled a team that reflects one of football's oldest truths.
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Championships are usually won at the line of scrimmage. While fans naturally gravitate toward quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, pass rushers are equally important. The Jets have devoted considerable resources to strengthening both their offensive and defensive fronts.
The result is a roster that suddenly appears much sturdier in the area where games are often decided.
For years, offensive line instability has been one of those things that prevented the Jets from developing continuity on offense. That narrative appears to be changing. Olu Fashanu continues to emerge as the franchise left tackle the organization envisioned when it drafted him in the first round.
Joe Tippmann has developed into one of the league's more promising young centers, giving New York another cornerstone in the middle of the line. Veteran additions and improved depth have also helped create more competition, leaving the offense better equipped to protect Geno Smith while opening running lanes for Breece Hall.
Strong offensive lines rarely receive the same attention as skill-position stars, but they often determine how far an offense can go. The Jets finally have reason to believe they're moving in the right direction.
The defensive front has been rebuilt with purpose
The investment hasn't stopped on offense. Will McDonald IV continues developing into one of the defense's most intriguing pass rushers after leading the team in sacks last season. This offseason, the Jets added Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare and T'Vondre Sweat while using draft picks on David Bailey and Darrell Jackson Jr., giving the defensive line a combination of youth, depth and versatility.
Some of those additions should improve the run defense. Others were made with one goal in mind: creating more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Regardless of individual roles, the philosophy is clear. The Jets want to become more physical at the point of attack on both sides of the football. That's how sustainable contenders are built.
The roster still has questions to answer, and meaningful progress won't happen overnight. Yet as New York enters training camp, one thing is becoming increasingly evident. Rather than chasing quick fixes, the Jets have invested in players they believe can anchor the trenches for years to come.
If those cornerstone pieces continue developing, the rebuild won't simply have a brighter future. It will finally have the kind of foundation capable of supporting lasting success.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How the Jets found several cornerstones in the trenches