The Jets lost their regular season opener 32-19 to the 49ers on Monday night, but veteran linebacker Alijah Vera-Tucker and the rest of the offensive line were encouraged by the play of their newly formed unit.
“The whole game gave us confidence,” Vera-Tucker said. “We already came into the game with some confidence that we could run the ball and protect passes, so the game was just another confirmation that we can do it in Week 2. As long as No. 8 is back there, we’ll be fine.”
Vera-Tucker started his first game on Monday since tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 5 of last season. It was also his fourth career start alongside C Joe Tippmann and his first alongside RT Morgan Moses, who was signed by the Ravens in the offseason.
“Just having AVT and John (Simpson) there to help me was a whole different thing,” Tippmann said. “They’re both really strong and physical guys who move really well. It was a great feeling to have them here with me.”
On the left side of the line, All-Pro Tyron Smith, a Dallas signee, started at left tackle and John Simpson, a Baltimore signee, started at left guard. Both were playing for New York for the first time. The line, which was supposed to protect future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers, allowed 1 sack, 2 QB hits and 9 pressures on 23 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I thought the whole line defended really well,” said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. “Aaron didn’t get hit a lot. I felt like he had some time. I think the running game is something we just need to get right. We were off a few steps here and there, and that’s being corrected.”
