When Alan Faneca and Damien Woody signed free-agent contracts to join the Jets, they had no idea their job description would soon include protecting one of the most remarkable streaks in NFL history.
But that is their mission in 2008 because of the arrival of Brett Favre and his streak of 253 straight starts, 275 including postseason. Talk about pressure.
Keeping Favre, 39 in October, upright and healthy are obvious keys to the Jets season, but that’s short-term thinking. Look at the big picture and the offseason investments the Jets made in their offensive line were meant to solidify the unit until long after Favre is gone.
A year after refusing to spend millions to keep Pete Kendall, the Jets spent $40 million to sign Faneca, a seven-time Pro Bowl guard from the Steelers, and $25.5 million to get Woody, a versatile lineman from the Lions. Along with former No. 1 picks Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson and steady veteran Brandon Moore, the Jets figure to have the muscle to protect Favre.
“I feel like we have the ingredients to be really good up front, but the whole key is just to continue to work at it,” Woody said. “As you know, the offensive line is really the one position that takes the longest to gel out of any position on the football team.”
The Jets hope the gelling process doesn’t take too long. For them to improve on their dismal 4-12 season of a year ago, the offensive line will have to improve upon its key statistics. They include the 53 sacks allowed – just the Lions (54), Chiefs (55) and 49ers (55) gave up more – and a rushing attack that ranked 19th in the league earning 106.3 yards per game.
Clearly, the number of sacks has to be reduced or Favre and his streak may not be around long enough to make an impact, and the running game must improve to keep defenses honest.
“We’re starting to mesh, and we’re starting to go out there and do some good things,” Faneca said. “We’re starting to understand where each other is going to be regarding plays, where you’re buddy is going to be, and being able to adjust on each other.”
george willis@nypost.com