Patrick Onwuasor knows a thing or two about stepping in for C.J. Mosley in the middle of a defense.
When Mosley left the Ravens for the Jets two offseasons ago, Onwuasor became Baltimore’s top inside linebacker. Now, with Mosley opting out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns, there is a chance Onwuasor will have to take over a starting spot for Mosley yet again.
Onwuasor is a prime contender to take Mosley’s place, but he will not be handed a starting job. Avery Williamson, Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt and James Burgess are all more than capable of starting in Gregg Williams’ 3-4 defense. Williamson is now likely to have one of the two starting linebacker spots already locked, meaning Onwuasor, Cashman, Hewitt and Burgess will have to duke it out throughout training camp.
Cashman showed plenty of promise as a rookie, while Hewitt and Burgess filled in admirably for Mosley and Williamson last season. All three are also comfortable playing in Williams’ scheme, while Onwuasor will have the next month to figure things out.
Before Mosley’s decision to opt-out, Onwuasor was viewed as a front-runner to begin 2020 as a starter opposite his former running mate. It’s unlikely that has changed. The only difference now is that Williamson, not Mosley, would be Onwuasor’s partner in the middle.
Onwuasor took over as Baltimore’s MIKE linebacker last year and struggled in place of Mosley. Previously the weakside backer, Onwuasor was ultimately replaced by Josh Bynes in the middle of the season. Onwuasor recorded 64 tackles, six quarterback hits, five TFLs and three sacks.
With that said, Willaimson can be the MIKE linebacker. And Onwuasor’s ability to cover and experience playing in a complicated defensive scheme makes him ideal for the other starting job. Cashman was solid as a rookie, but still has a lot to prove. Hewitt was a good run-stopper but was brutal in pass coverage. Burgess profiles more as a rotational backup than he does a full-time starter.
The Jets need a proven starting linebacker to fill the shoes left by Mosley’s absence. Based on his track record, Onwuasor is the one for the job. As long as he stays healthy and shows that he is comfortable playing in New York’s defense, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be starting next to Williamson once Week 1 rolls around.