The Jets’ offensive line did not allow a sack last week and opened up holes for the Jets to rush for 182 yards.
So you would think they would be pretty happy, right?
“The stats don’t tell how we played,” right guard Willie Colon said. “There is so much stuff on film we looked like and said, ‘ick.’ There’s so much mechanical stuff we can get better on and make our jobs easier. That will come with time. I think we’re on our way. The biggest thing is doing the little things better.”
Colon is one of two new starters on the Jets’ line this season along with left guard Vlad Ducasse. The Jets have not worked more than one new starter into the line since 2008. They had to replace guards Brandon Moore and Matt Slauson, who had been longtime starters — Moore since 2004 and Slauson since 2010.
“I think every year is different,” offensive line coach Mike Devlin said. “I think those challenges come up every year no matter who’s here, as far as five guys playing as one. What I like about the room is they truly care about each other. That goes a long way in building that continuity. Every year I feel like that starts anew, that trust with each other. These guys so far like to play together and care about each other. That can go a long way.”
Devlin said he would agree that the line has played better with each passing week this year, but he’s not ready to start heaping praise on his group.
“I think there’s always room to improve every week is a huge challenge,” he said. “We have another one this week. I’m one of those guys that’s real hesitant. … I like to look at the body of work at the end of the year. I’m proud of how they’re working hard to get better. I’m proud of their approach in practice and how they’re coming together as a group.”
Colon, who joined the Jets as a free agent from the Steelers, said the key for the line will be staying healthy. He saw injuries, including his own, hurt Pittsburgh’s lines in recent years.
“As long as we stay healthy and keep playing together, the sky is the limit for us,” Colon said. “We need to start honing in and working on the little details.”
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Former Jets RB Shonn Greene (knee) will not play Sunday, but two other former Jets will start for the Titans. Rob Turner will be the Tennessee starter at center, and Ropati Pitoitua will start at DE. Speaking of Turner, one thing to watch is his shotgun snaps. They have been an issue in the team’s first three games. …Rex Ryan has 40 wins as the Jets head coach. With one more, he’ll tie Herm Edwards and Walt Michaels for third-most in franchise history. … The Jets are 5-12 on the road since the 2011 season.