D’Brickashaw Ferguson is set for another season playing on the offensive line for the New York Jets. He has some different teammates than he had last year, including rookies and veterans, alike as the Jets are trying to earn a playoff spot when the regular campaign rolls around this weekend, and goes into the winter.
Ferguson at left tackle, in his sixth year competing on the Jets, became a Pro Bowl selection for his second time last season. He has been that good. For a player on a line, there is very little statistics, for he blocks for his skill position players.
The former Freeport High School of Long Island University of Virginia offensive star joins Matt Slausen at left guard, center Nick Mangold, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, Brandon Moore at right guard, and Wayne Hunter at right tackle as possible starting players on the line.
They will be blocking for starting quarter back Mark Sanchez, as Coach Rex Ryan and his staff expect a lot of him. He will also block for former New York Giant Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes at wide receiver and Shonn Greene at running back. Derrick Mason is set to play behind Holmes. Burress and Mason certainly bring experience with them as they are veterans in the National Football League.
It may take a little time before Ferguson gets accustomed to the new comers, for the pre-season got underway late because of the strike. During the off season Jets management made moves in the process of strengthening the team.
The 6-6, 310-pound Ferguson showed a great deal of improvement and progress since he came into the league in 2006. Now he has to adjust to his new teammates as well.
“Plaxico is a very talented player,” noted the 27-year-old Ferguson during pre-season.
Ryan has been very pleased with the play of the entire team during pre-season. He has nothing but praise for all of his players.
“They did a great job,” Ryan added. “We improved on our team (with the addition of the new players.) The effort has been great by a lot of guys. Our conditioning was good. Our guys came back in shape (at the start of the season).”
“We have to go out there and do it (meaning win),” said corner back Kyle Wilson, in his second season with the Jets. “And we have to keep getting better.”
A lot of pressure will be on Sanchez as he directs the team from the quarter back spot. As he goes, the team goes. He has to carry this squad. While hitting the open man for a pass or a score or handing off to one of his backs for a run, he is also capable of running himself into pay dirt.
“We’re shooting to be the number one team,” added Ferguson.
The Jets, as does all the teams in the league, get going this weekend with the former hosting Dallas for an 8:20 p.m. start at Met Life Stadium.
