Tag: Morgan Moses

Jets’ new wide-zone blocking scheme has Connor McGovern ‘fired up’

Connor McGovern is a veteran of the wide-zone blocking scheme and thinks the Jets’ offensive line can thrive in the system.

Connor McGovern’s first season with the Jets did not go as planned, but New York’s veteran center is excited to line up in an offensive scheme that might help his unit boost its production in 2021.

Mike LaFleur and John Benton’s arrival in the Big Apple marked a change in blocking philosophy. The Jets will run an outside zone blocking scheme in 2021, placing an emphasis on the offensive line’s ability to block zones and spaces on the field instead of a specific defender.

New York’s offensive line was not built to run a wide-zone scheme under Adam Gase, as his system was predicated on man-to-man blocking assignments. The Jets still have some holdovers who were brought in for that specific offense, but McGovern does not foresee that being an issue in 2021.

He feels Gang Green’s current crop of linemen — himself included — have the versatility necessary to thrive under the new circumstances.

“This offensive line is definitely built for the outside zone run game,” McGovern said Thursday. “We have a bunch of athletic dudes out there. That’s the family tree that this offense comes from. For me especially, that’s what I like. That’s kind of been my bread and butter and what fits my strengths is wide zone, so I’m definitely fired up about it.”

McGovern’s assessment of the Jets’ offensive line and the group’s overall athleticism is an accurate one. Mekhi Becton is relatively light on his feet for someone with a mammoth frame, while Alijah Vera-Tucker brings the athleticism of a tackle to his left guard position. Alex Lewis and Greg Van Roten have both had success as pulling guards in the past and can translate that into success blocking in a zone system. George Fant and Morgan Moses both have skill sets to operate efficiently in a wide zone.

Then there’s McGovern, who played in a wide-zone blocking scheme with the Broncos.

The Jets have placed an emphasis on establishing the run in the early days of training camp. Pounding away on the ground is the key to a successful west coast offense and it is pertinent that New York’s offensive line picks up its new zone blocking assignments before the beginning of the regular season.

With a veteran of the scheme in McGovern leading the charge, there is a good chance the Jets quickly take to their new style of blocking and consistently open up enough holes for the likes of Michael Carter and Ty Johnson.

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Robert Saleh in no rush to name starting right tackle

The Jets have two quality right tackles in Morgan Moses and George Fant. Robert Saleh isn’t rushing to name a starter.

The starting right tackle job between Morgan Moses and George Fant will be one of the Jets’ biggest training camp battles this summer.

On one side you have Moses, a seven-year veteran with 96 consecutive starts at right tackle. The Jets signed him earlier this summer following his departure from Washington.

On the other side is Fant, an athletic tackle who can play on either side of the line. He has continuity working in his favor after playing his first season with the Jets in 2020.

Either player would be a fine starter this season, but Robert Saleh refused to say which one had the edge early in training camp.

“[Moses has been] a tremendous player for many years in this league. Adding him was a tremendous asset,” Saleh said earlier this week. “George Fant has had a fantastic OTAs and did a really nice job in minicamp. He has all the tools to be a successful right tackle, also.”

Fant landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, leaving him in quarantine for the very start of training camp. However, it appears that he’s now been cleared to resume working with the team and battling Moses.

While Moses makes more sense as the starter given Fant’s previous experience as a versatile swing tackle, Saleh didn’t count the incumbent out just yet. He said he spoke with Fant about his role on the team and felt he was prepared to take on the challenge of responding to a competitor.

“Just talking to George, I don’t really think he’s phased,” Saleh said. He’s one of those internally motivated individuals and that’s going to come out here, work his tail off… Whatever happens, happens.”

Right tackle is an important position for a Jets offensive line tasked with blocking rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. Connor McGovern will return at center and the left side is locked down with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, but the right side of the line is still a mystery. Greg Van Roten and Alex Lewis will battle for the guard position while Moses and Fant fight for the tackle spot.

“There’s a lot of competition in that spot,” Saleh said, “and it’s going to be fun to watch.”

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Jets OT George Fant lands on reserve/COVID-19 list

Jets RT George Fant was one of the 15 players around the NFL to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Jets placed OT George Fant on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

This designation follows intake testing on the first day of training camp. Fant was one of 15 players placed on the list. Pelissero noted 14 of those were for positive tests, but it’s unclear if Fant was one of them.

This news comes on the same day Robert Saleh said the Jets’ vaccination rate among players was “above-average.”

Once cleared, Fant will compete against recently-signed veteran Morgan Moses for the starting right tackle job in training camp. Fant started 14 games for the Jets in 2019 after leaving the Seahawks in free agency.

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Jets OT George Fant lands on reserve/COVID-19 list

Jets RT George Fant was one of the 15 players around the NFL to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Jets placed OT George Fant on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

This designation follows intake testing on the first day of training camp. Fant was one of 15 players placed on the list. Pelissero noted 14 of those were for positive tests, but it’s unclear if Fant was one of them.

This news comes on the same day Robert Saleh said the Jets’ vaccination rate among players was “above-average.”

Once cleared, Fant will compete against recently-signed veteran Morgan Moses for the starting right tackle job in training camp. Fant started 14 games for the Jets in 2019 after leaving the Seahawks in free agency.

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Greg Van Roten: Hope returned to Jets after Robert Saleh was hired

Jets players and coaches sound happier now that Robert Saleh is leading the team.

Ever since Joe Douglas hired Robert Saleh to replace Adam Gase, the mentality around the Jets has been much more positive.

Those feelings were echoed by guard Greg Van Roten, who told the New York Post’s Brian Costello that Saleh’s presence revitalized the Jets after an abysmal 2-14 season that left many unhappy going into the 2021 offseason.

“Last year was tough mentally,” Van Roten said. “It was so stressful for a lot of guys, there were a lot of new players and so much uncertainty. We felt every day that we would get shut down, and that made it hard to go to work every day. You’re trying to do your job, coupled with losing a lot, losing your job, there’s turnover and a lot of new faces.

“They hire Saleh, and it just feels like a weight has been lifted and hope has come back into the building. All we ask for is a fresh start in this league, and no one is happier than the Jets. Now we’re on Page 1, so let’s write this year’s chapter.”

Not only is Saleh a fresh start for the Jets, but most of the team is new, too. Zach Wilson took over as the starting quarterback, the offensive line looks much improved with the additions of Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and offensive and defensive acquisitions in free agency and the draft bolstered various position groups.

But the atmosphere remains the starkest difference between Saleh’s Jets and Gase’s Jets. Players appear more excited about practice as well as their confidence heading into the season. Training camp will prove to be the best barometer of those sentiments when the Jets hit the field later this month, but for now, the overall feeling around the team is positivity and enthusiasm.

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Jets release S Jordyn Peters to make room for Morgan Moses

The Jets released safety Jordyn Peters after officially signing Morgan Moses.

The Jets made a roster move on Friday after officially signing Morgan Moses.

New York announced that it released safety Jordyn Peters in a corresponding move after coming to terms on a one-year deal with Moses. 

Peters went undrafted out of Auburn in the 2021 NFL draft. He later signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in May. 

Peters played four seasons at Auburn and appeared in 36 career games, registering 101 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Peters also made SEC Academic Honor Roll in three of his four years at Auburn. 

With Peters out the door, the Jets’ safety depth chart now consists of Marcus Maye, Lamarcus Joyner, Ashtyn Davis, J.T. Hassell and Sharrod Neasman. Maye and Joyner are locked in as New York’s two starters at the position, while Davis is expected to provide quality depth in his second season with the team. Neasman also adds a veteran presence to the group and will factor into Brant Boyer’s plans on special teams.

Bleacher Report says Charles Leno could be a disappointment in 2021

Washington signed veteran offensive tackle Charles Leno last month because it felt like he was a solid upgrade for 2021. Bleacher Report isn’t so sure.

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The Washington Football Team made several big moves this offseason. One area of focus was the offensive line.

The Football Team improved the skill positions in the early part of free agency by signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries.

However, just before the 2021 NFL draft, Washington acquired veteran guard Ereck Flowers. Flowers started at left guard in 2019 for Washington before signing with the Miami Dolphins. He will compete with Wes Schweitzer to start at left guard in 2021.

In the draft, Washington chose Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round. Not long after the draft, the WFT struck again, signing recently released former Pro Bowl offensive tackle, Charles Leno.

So, with all of those moves, Washington surprisingly released longtime starter Morgan Moses and former third-round pick, Geron Christian.

In minicamp, last year’s starter at left tackle, Cornelius Lucas, was with the first team at right tackle while Leno was the first-team left tackle. Cosmi ran with the second team at right tackle.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report doesn’t necessarily believe Leno will be an upgrade for Washington over Lucas in 2021:

This offseason, the Washington Football Team signed left tackle Charles Leno Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal. While Washington doesn’t appear to view Leno as a long-term replacement for Trent Williams—who was traded in 2020—it is high on the former Bears starter.

“They’re both very good players, they were good players for us and they’ll continue to be good players in the league,” coach Ron Rivera said of Leno and rookie Samuel Cosmi, per Ryan Homler of NBC Sports Washington.

Good may be the absolute best the Football Team can hope for from Leno. While he was a Pro Bowler back in 2018, he was below-average in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, Leno was responsible for six penalties and five sacks surrendered.

Offensive-line play will be critical for Washington this season, as it will rely on 38-year-old journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Relying on Leno to protect Fitzpatrick’s blind side could end in disappointment.

Washington will absolutely be thrilled if “good” is what it gets from Leno in 2021. Offensive line coach John Matsko is one of the best in the NFL, and head coach Ron Rivera certainly believes he will help Leno recapture his previous form from 2018 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

 

 

Jets gave Morgan Moses lucrative playing time incentives

New Jets offensive lineman Morgan Moses stands to make over $5 million if he meets playing time incentives included in his contract.

The Jets landed Morgan Moses on a one-year deal with a $3.6 million base salary, but the veteran offensive tackle can make a lot more if he meets certain incentives included in his contract.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Moses could make as much as $5.3 million in 2021 if he plays in 80 percent or more of New York’s snaps. The 30-year-old started 96 consecutive games for the Washington Football Team prior to his release in May.

If all goes according to plan, Moses will be New York’s starting right tackle and will push George Fant into a well-suited swing role. However, LT Mekhi Becton is currently nursing a foot injury and there are concerns about his ability to stay healthy moving forward due in part to his weight. If Becton were to go down during the regular season, Fant or Moses could slide over to the left side. Either way, the Jets drastically upgraded their offensive line depth after injuries got in the way of Becton’s standout rookie season.

No matter what, Moses will have the chance to see his fair share of playing time with his new team. Moses could have signed a multi-year deal elsewhere — or with the Jets — but he opted for an incentive-laden, one-year pact with New York.

That speaks volumes when it comes to what Gang Green’s plans for the seasoned pro could be.

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Analysis of Jets signing OT Morgan Moses

Veteran Morgan Moses gives the Jets offensive line a much-needed boost entering training camp.

The Jets upgraded their offensive line depth in a big way Friday afternoon, inking veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses to a one-year deal.

Moses was released by the Washington Football Team on May 20 after seven seasons with the organization. A former third-round pick out of the University of Virginia and a former USA Today High School All-American, Moses appeared in 104 games with Washington, starting 97 at right tackle. He had started 96 consecutive games at the position for Washington prior to his release.

Joe Douglas has emphasized bolstering New York’s offensive line this offseason, signing depth piece Dan Feeney in free agency and trading up in the 2021 NFL draft to select Alijah Vera-Tucker, who the Jets think has star potential. Moses is the latest addition to an improved unit and brings exactly what Gang Green is looking for both on and off the field.

The one area of the Jets’ offensive line depth that was lacking before Moses signed was at tackle. Chuma Edoga has underwhelmed in his first two seasons with the team and while Conor McDermott is a decent enough backup, he is probably better-suited playing on the inside if he is asked to take the field in a pinch. Moses is an established, starting-caliber talent who could step in without missing a beat in the event of an injury.

That is crucial for New York moving forward, as there are concerns about Mekhi Becton’s ability to stay healthy as he looks to manage his weight. Moses could not only help the Jets by filling in for Becton at left tackle if needed, but also as a much-needed mentor to the rising star.

Becton is doing what he can to make sure his weight does not lead to future injuries, but having a little guidance along the way could not hurt the Louisville product. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Moses is a mammoth presence himself. He has never gotten to the 370-380-pound range like Becton has, but it is safe to assume he knows a thing about maintaining a proper playing weight considering his career has played out this long.

Even with Vera-Tucker’s sky-high ceiling, Moses could potentially go down as the most impactful offensive lineman the Jets acquired this offseason — at least from an instant impact standpoint.

If Becton or George Fant goes down — or Fant loses his starting job — Moses gives the Jets an on-the-spot solution they can rely on. If neither player succumbs to injury in 2021, Moses is in the building to take Becton under his wing and provide elite depth.

In other words, landing the 30-year-old is a win-win for New York.

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Former Washington offensive tackle Morgan Moses signs with the New York Jets

Former Washington offensive tackle Morgan Moses lands with the New York Jets on a one-year deal.

The New York Jets agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Washington right tackle Morgan Moses on Friday, per Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.

Per Fortier, the deal is worth $3.6 million in base salary, but he can make up to $5.3 million if he plays in at least 80% of New York’s snaps in 2021.

Washington surprisingly released Moses on May 20 after he spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Football Team. He started every game in the past six seasons for the WFT.

Washington released Moses after signing veteran Charles Leno in free agency and spending a second-round pick on Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi.

Moses lands in New York, where he will provide an upgrade over last year’s starting right tackle, George Fant.