The Jets offensive line allowed just 28 sacks in the 2010-11 season -- pretty solid numbers especially considering they were protecting a young quarterback in his second year in the NFL.
And the run-blocking was even better, as they opened gaping holes with their zone-blocking schemes -- averaging 4.56 yards per carry.
As such, Pro Football Focus ranked the Jets offensive line as the best in the NFL, for the second consecutive year.
1. New York Jets (2009 Rank: 1st)
Run Rank 1st, Pass Rank 1st, Penalties Rank 12th
The reigning champions will reign again. You could pick out four fifths of the starters, put them on any team, and the likelihood is they'd be the best offensive lineman on it. That's how good they are.
Best Player: In any other team it would be D'Brickashaw Ferguson. But this isn't just any other line, and Nick Mangold is a once-in-a-generation type player.
Biggest Concern: The decision to move on from Damien Woody. Maybe injuries have taken their toll, but it's going to be a tough task to fill his boots.
Can't disagree with any of their reasoning. Right tackle and left guard will continue to be concerns this season. RT Damien Woody says he wants to return to Gang Green and I think that is still a possibility. But his durability is a concern and we would likely see more of Wayne Hunter there. And at left guard, after a rough start to the season, Matt Slauson finished strong and hopefully he can build on that. Still a question mark for now, though.
During the months leading up to the 2006 NFL Draft, GM Mike Tannenbaum said he was going to build for the future by drafting a stout offensive line. The Jets selected (future Pro Bowlers) OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold in the first round, and the rest is history.
The Jets mantra starts and ends with their strong offensive line play -- ground and pound!