It's a problem that needs to be solved before the New York Jets' offense can thrive.
Jets' quarterbacks took a whopping 64 sacks over 17 games in 2023, likely part of the inspiration behind the team's offseason offensive line overhaul.
With an injury-ravaged front five protecting the likes of Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian, the Jets surrendered sacks on 10.65 percent of pass plays (fourth-worst in NFL).
The lack of adequate protection undoubtedly contributed to the unit's subpar production. New York ranked 31st overall in yards per pass play (4.86) and its pass offense (171.7) was 30th in the league-wide rankings.
As analyst Warren Sharp pointed out in a July 3 post on the social media site now known as X, the Jets tied with the Tennessee Titans for the fourth-most sacks allowed last season. The New York Giants were by far and away the NFL's worst in this particular offensive category. Their 85 sacks allowed are 20 more than any other team.
Reigning four-time AFC East winner Buffalo Bills allowed the fewest sacks (24) amongst all NFL teams in 2023. The back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs were next with 28 sacks permitted. Allen and Mahomes are arguably the two most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL and are superb at throwing under pressure - factors that help explain the low sack totals.
sacks allowed last year
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 3, 2024
85 - NYG
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65 - WAS, CAR
64 - TEN, NYJ
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52 - DEN
51
50 - CHI, CIN
49
48 - NE
47 - HOU, MIN
46
45 - CLE
44
43 - LAC
42 - ARI
41 - IND, BAL, JAX
40 - TB,LV, ATL, DAL
39 -…
The Bills, in particular, featured great continuity along its starting offensive line throughout the season — something the Jets severely lacked. Buffalo started the same five players all 17 regular season games. New York was forced to use 12 different starting combinations throughout the year.
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Hoping to stabilize the positions, the Jets replaced both starting offensive tackles this offseason. They also swapped out left guard Laken Tomlinson in favor of free agent John Simpson.
In addition to a more highly-functioning offensive line, Rodgers's presence should help solve the sack problem. The four-time NFL MVP is a decisive, poised passer with a timely release.
