Jets' Offensive Line Performance Likely Determining Factor in Battle vs. Commanders

Sports Illustrated singles out key Week 16 matchup up front

Never underestimate the importance of the battle in the trenches, especially when it come to the New York Jets' offensive line in this week's non-conference home game against the Washington Commanders.

The Jets have struggled to keep their quarterbacks upright in 2023. New York passers has been sacked on 12.53 percent of dropbacks, the second-worst rate in the NFL. The opponent has totaled 61 sacks through 14 games against the Green & White's constantly-changing offensive line.

Miami managed six sacks against the Jets in a Week 15 shutout win. Each of New York's five starting offensive linemen were charged with at least five pressures allowed during the game. This week, the front five will be in charge of protecting Trevor Siemian, who is set to become the fourth different quarterback to start a game for the Jets this season. 

Jets' offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett offered different ways for an offense to mitigate an opposing pass rush.

"Run the ball. I think that’s always one thing that can help," said Hackett on Thursday. "Get the ball out quick, that’s one of the best defenses for anything is to have the ball come out of your hand as fast as you can or protect with more people."

Hackett will have more options to choose from when its comes to offensive linemen in Week 16. Right tackle Carter Warren and guard/tackle Max Mitchell are expected to return this week after both men were unavailable last Sunday in Miami. 

The Commanders have a pair of disruptors on their defensive front. Interior linemen Jonathan Allen (5.5) and Daron Payne (4.0) have racked up a combined 9.5 sacks. The former leads the team with 16 quarterback hits.

In its weekly preview, Sports Illustrated identified the Jets' pass protection as one side of the key matchup within the matchup. The Jets (5-9) and the Commanders (4-10) will kick off on December 24 at 1:00 pm ET in East Rutherford.

From NFL Week 16: Best Matchups:

Washington Commanders (5–9) vs. New York Jets (5–9)

Key matchup: Jets offensive line vs. Commanders front four 

New York has been a sieve up front this season, regardless of who the quarterback is under center. To that end, the Jets have allowed an NFL-worst 27.9% pressure rate on dropbacks. 

However, Washington has struggled to get home. The Commanders are just 26th in pressure rate at 19%.

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