New York Jets fans have seen this before: Mekhi Becton gets hurt. This time was different, though: on Monday morning, Becton suffered a knee injury at practice. On Tuesday, Becton as well as the coaching staff was dealt worse news. It was revealed that Becton would miss the ENTIRE 2022 season due to an avulsion fracture in his right patella. In seasons past, this would be considered devastating news. But this is a new regime with Joe Douglas as general manager and Robert Saleh as head coach. And with a new regime comes a new culture with a contingency plan. That contingency plan comes in the form of former All-Pro tackle Duane Brown signing a two-year contact with the New York Jets today.
How Did This Happen?
During Friday’s annual Green and White Scrimmage, Duane Brown was sighted talking with New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas. Brown visited practice the day before and there were rumblings the Jets were courting the veteran’s services. Fans were left salivating at the fact a seven-time Pro Bowler would want to be a part of this team. There were plenty of worries going into camp about what kind of playing shape Becton would be in following an injury last season. To make matters worse, if Becton went down, the quality at right tackle would be significantly diminished. Jets fans don’t want to see Chuma Edoga or Conor McDermott try to protect Zach Wilson. Brown’s signing eases those concerns.
What Duane Brown Brings to the Jets
Duane Brown joining the New York Jets is an upgrade in many ways. Though he turns 37 in a matter of days, Brown has been one of the most durable tackles in the game, starting in over 200 career games. Over the last five seasons, Brown has played in 98% of the offensive snaps with the Seattle Seahawks. He was the blindside protection that kept quarterback Russell Wilson upright. Brown also won’t commit penalties, or if he does, it’s not often. In 17 games last season, Brown only committed five penalties and one holding penalty. Over the course of his career, he has only committed 58 total penalties in over 8.700 snaps. Ultimately, fans hope Brown will pass along some of the acquired knowledge that’s made him such a reliable lineman to Becton as well as rookie tackle Max Mitchell.
Why Brown’s Signing is Important
It was reported before Duane Brown signed with the New York Jets that several other teams were interested in his services. But after spending a handful of days in and around the team, Brown signs a two-year contact. Why? Because of team culture. Douglas and Saleh have been carefully installing a desperately needed component for this franchise: culture. Both men know what it takes to not only go to the Super Bowl, but also to win a Super Bowl. There’s a reason why Douglas possesses two Super Bowl rings and Saleh has an NFC Championship under his belt. They know what it takes to win. Brown, recently signed linebacker Kwon Alexander, and other free agent veterans signed during the offseason know what it takes to win. A winning culture can change the fortunes of a franchise quickly.
Reforming the Line
The arrival of Duane Brown to the New York Jets gives the offense not just one, but two potential Pro Bowl tackles. Brown will likely start at left tackle while George Fant will move over to right tackle. Fant moves to where Becton was moved when camp began. If the regular season started today, this would likely be the starting offensive line:
RT George Fant
LT Duane Brown
Fant swings back to right tackle, where he started in 2020 and 2021. With the addition of Tomlinson, Vera-Tucker moves to right guard. Not that it’s a bad thing; he’s an upgrade from last year’s starting right guard Greg Van Roten. McGovern will be at center again and two Pro Bowl veteran linemen shore up the left side. Brown likely won’t play a snap in the preseason, which is fine with me because it gives him time to learn the playbook. As 15-year veteran, I’m sure he won’t have an issue picking it up quickly. This entire line is fully capable of opening running lanes and protecting Zach Wilson’s backside in offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s zone blocking scheme.
Looking ahead to Friday night’s preseason game against Philadelphia, the excitement among the Jets fanbase is starting to swell. The addition of Duane Brown to the New York Jets roster is telling of the franchise’s desire for a winning team culture.
