The Ground and Pound cannot just be picked up at the lost-and-found.
Former Jets offensive lineman Damien Woody expressed concern yesterday that his old teammates won’t be able to turn around a season that’s started a disappointing 2-2.
“What I see is a team that can’t run the football, can’t protect the passer, a quarterback that’s struggling — completed 55 percent of his balls and had some turnovers,” Woody, now an analyst with ESPN, said in a conference call.
“Can they turn it around? It’s the quarter point in the season, they can turn it around. But I’m just saying what I’ve seen so far . . . I think it’s going to be tough, I really do.”
Coach Rex Ryan said this week he plans on returning to the ground-and-pound style his team succeeded with in his first two seasons, when the Jets went to consecutive AFC Championship games. The Jets have allowed Mark Sanchez to throw the ball more this season, but when they have tried to run it’s been a struggle. They are 30th in rushing in the 32-team NFL, averaging 3.1 yards per carry.
“That’s not something you could just flip the switch on,” Woody said of the return to the running game. “That’s something you have to do from the beginning.”
The Jets started 2-0, but have lost back-to-back road games. It may get even tougher this week with a trip to New England. Woody played the first five years of his career with the Patriots before going to the Lions then joining the Jets in 2008.
“In New England we didn’t have the greatest collective of talent, but we played great as a team. That’s why we were so successful,” said Woody, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. “And right now, (the Jets) aren’t playing collectively great.
“I don’t know if they can get it turned around.”
Part of the Jets’ problem may be the absence of Woody himself. The former right tackle was cut by the team then retired during the lockout, leaving a hole that replacement Wayne Hunter has failed to fill.
The offensive line’s struggles have intensified since Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 2.
“This is Wayne’s first year being the guy and, like with anybody, there’s going to be growing pains. My hope with the situation is that he progresses as the season goes on.”