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This move might not mean a lot to many, but I think it’s important . . .
The officially announced the re-signing of offensive tackle Ben Ijalana earlier this week.
Early in the off-season, they declined his second-year option which was a little pricey for a backup offensive lineman.
But now they are bringing him back at a more team-friendly number (which hasn’t been disclosed yet).
To me, this is an underrated transaction, and I will tell you why.
It is SO hard to find backup left tackles who can truly handle the position.
So often, with most teams, when the starting left tackle gets hurt, or isn’t playing well, the team is up the creek without a paddle.
I will give you an example of what I’m talking about.
Last year in the Atlanta Falcons’ 27-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn had six sacks.
Look, Clayborn is solid player, but six sacks in a game for him, or probably any pass rusher, is rare.
What happened?
Simple, the Cowboys were without starting left tackle Tyron Smith due to an injury, and they were forced to start Chaz Green at left tackle. Green isn’t an NFL left tackle. In fact, he didn’t even play the position in college. He was a right tackle at Florida.
These backup left tackle disasters happen all the time in the NFL. Perhaps not to the degree of giving up six sacks in one game, but believe me, they happen.
With so many teams, there is a huge drop-off from their starting left tackle to the backup. Usually teams have a backup swing-tackle who can supposedly handle both sides, but honestly most of them are much better at right tackle.
This is why the re-signing of Ijalana is important for the Jets. He can legitimately play left tackle. He played it in college.
I’ve watched him closely in practice the last few years. The guy has legitimate left tackle feet. He has a really nice kick-slide to get out to deal with speed rushers coming off the edge. He knows what he’s doing out there.
Look, I’m not overrating the player, I’m just saying he can truly plan left tackle.
And it’s a luxury in the NFL to have a backup tackle on the roster who has the ability to succeed at left tackle.
I have to be honest, I’m surprised some team in need of a left tackle in free agency hasn’t signed him.
Look, I’m not putting him in Canton, but the guy is a legit left tackle.
Teams in need of a starting left tackle in free agency (like the New England Patriots), could do a lot worse than signing this guy.
It’s possible that some teams shy away from him due to the knee problems he had in Indianapolis, which essentially ruined his time with the Colts. He suffered two ACL tears in his two seasons with the Colts and was eventually waived injured.
April 6, 2018
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