Nick Mangold, Center
Nick Mangold is the leader, the guy who quarterbacks the line and calls out all of the adjustments. He’s one of the best in the business.
At 32 years of age, however, the discussion about whether Mangold will lose a little steam needs to commence.
In 2015, when Mangold missed time (almost two full games), the Jets offense struggled. Actually, they completely forgot how to play the game of football (reference their run game in Oakland).
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Of course Ryan Fitzpatrick also missed the Raider game, but the fact the Jets could run a lick shows just how much they rely upon Mangold. Then, a week later against Jacksonville, Mangold left the game early in the first quarter and proceeded to run for just 29 yards. Chris Ivory went for 26 on 23 attempts.
This wasn’t much better than Ivory’s 17 yards on 15 carries a week before in Oakland.
When Mangold is missing, the Jets offense stinks.
He’s the first and most critical piece to the Jets offense. As long as he’s there, all is well.
