[ad_1]
The Jets overhauled their offensive line last offseason in hopes that a unit that was a source of constant change in 2019 would stabilize.
Instead, the only constant has been change.
In 13 games, the Jets have had eight different starting offensive line combinations – one less than their 2019 mark – due to injury, with center Connor McGovern the only lineman to start all 13 games this season before the Sunday’s game against the Rams.
“There has been adversity and adversity is going to make us stronger,” McGovern said on Friday. “I think it’s a good basic platform to grow on.”
Of course, in the Jets’ 0-13 season their injuries weren’t limited to the offensive line. McGovern was the Jets’ offensive ironman of sorts – their only player, period, to start all 13 games. Lack of continuity is just one of the growing reasons the Jets have the 32nd offense in the league in yards and points.
But McGovern didn’t want to offer an apology, or harbor the idea that any loss is good for the Jets because of what that might mean in terms of landing the No.1 pick in the draft.
“I’m not subjecting my body to this, I don’t think anybody on the Jets does it, to lose,” said McGovern. “It may be easy for someone sitting on the couch, eating pizza, fries and dips, to say they should keep losing, but if they’ve already attached the pads, that seems impossible to do. I will do whatever I can to win.
For McGovern, that meant playing a hamstring injury that nearly kept him out of the Jets’ third week game against the Colts after knocking him out of a loss to the 49ers the week before. He has played 772 of 792 offensive shots (97.5%) this season, which is almost 100 more shots than the next closest player – guard Greg Van Roten, who played 689 shots (87%) before moving on. find injured after week 13.
Adam Gase recalled McGovern’s starting streak on Friday and said not to hurt her before praising the center’s preparation and communication. McGovern heard his count and knocked on the wooden podium he was standing on.
“I’m very proud of it,” McGovern said. “It’s rare for someone who is a good offensive lineman to go away and let a small gash or injury keep them from playing. It’s part of the job, you’re proud of it. You have to be a tough guy to play in the trenches. It’s 65-80 fights in a game and that’s what you think.
“I’ve always been told that there is a difference between being hurt and being hurt. As long as you are injured, you can continue to play the offensive line. So that’s kind of the mentality I’ve always adopted.
As uncertainty surrounds the Jets this offseason, with potential quarterback and head coach changes and perhaps even more roster reversal, McGovern is a sure bet to get back to mid-season. Jets offensive line next season. The three-year, $ 27 million contract he signed in the last offseason includes guaranteed cash in 2021, not to mention the consistency he delivered to the Jets in a season he has had. been surrounded by everything but.
“Honestly, I think it’s been a good year of growth for me,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of personal growth, starting a little harder than in the past and playing at a much higher level here in this homestretch and being the player the Jets paid me to be and hopefully more than the Jets. paid me to be.
[ad_2]
Source link