FanPost

Logan Mankins Trade - Good for Jets?

Our neighbors to the north just sent one of the best offensive linemen packing. That lineman was Logan Mankins, a mainstay on the NE line for years. He was a superior guard, making the pro-bowl every seasons since 2009. The Patriots are known for getting rid of players just before their decline. Regardless of the cause, decline or trade, Mankins will not be anchoring the NE line this season. There should be an obvious drop off between Mankins and the new starting guard, whoever that may be. This is an obvious blessing for our pass rush, but could there be more than meets the eye?

Guards are naturally maulers, they aren't normally as physically gifted and swift as a tackle. The strength of the Jets defense is our defensive line. We will now be matching up against a less talented New England line. Tom Brady should be able to pick apart our secondary if he is given time, but will his line give him the time he needs? The gift doesn't end there. Our best 2 players up front are Wilkerson and Richardson. In our base 3-4, both often rush against guards. This means that one of our best 2 players on defense will be able to prey upon a new guard. Derailing Tom Brady is no easy task, but it appears like the job just got a little easier.

Offensive lines are different from nearly any position on the field. A wide receiving corp can be put together the week before an be successful based solely on individual talent. The offensive linemen must be well versed on the tendencies of the man on either side him. A superior lineman playing next to another superior lineman can still perform poorly if they haven't had time to gel. The line works as a unit, and not as individuals. Reports coming out of Foxborough are that the players had no idea Mankins was being traded. On ESPN they reported that players only found out when they reported to practice and Mankins was not there. His locker still sat with his belongings inside. We don't face New England until week 7, giving the line some time to gel. The Patriots almost always finish the season stronger than they start. There is still a chance we catch them in week 7 while they are experiencing growing pains. The missiles of October, as Cimini coined, will still be a make or break stretch for this team. The missile defense system now has a chink in the armor. Only time will tell if the Son's of Anarchy will be able to exploit it.

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