jtomm Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 Jets' Preseason Position Battles: Identifying a Starting Center Grizzled veteran and promising rookie competing for important job RALPH VENTRE The New York Jets' center depth went from non-existent to highly sufficient in a matter of four days during late April.As a result, there will be a closely-watched position battle for starter status once training camp opens in Florham Park. "You guys know how we are, everyone’s competing," said head coach Robert Saleh. "Doesn’t matter where you get drafted, doesn’t matter what you get paid, you’re coming in to compete to begin with, so it’s going to be an open competition." It'll be veteran Connor McGovern and highly-touted rookie Joe Tippmann duking it out for the privilege of snapping the football to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.Gang Green had no centers under contract at the start of the new league year in March as the 30-year-old McGovern hit the free agent market. The Jets signed versatile veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer during the opening week of free agency, but the Swiss Army knife, who has regular season playing experience at all five OL positions, is primarily viewed as an insurance policy on the interior rather than a starter at center.More than five weeks into the new NFL calendar, with the Draft approaching, McGovern, whose 3,055 offensive snaps lead all Jets’ players over the past three seasons, was still unsigned and Gang Green's starting center spot remained vacant. That wouldn't, however, be the case much longer. The Jets announced a one-year deal with McGovern on April 24, bringing back a reliable veteran who has made 48 out of a possible 50 starts since 2020.Four days later, Joe Douglas and Co. used the No. 43 overall draft choice on a top-ranked center prospect out of Wisconsin. The 6-foot-6 Joe Tippmann was the first center off the board in 2023, bringing "plug-and-play" potential to the Jets."Excellent size, excellent feet, can bend, great on the move, I feel like he’s a natural fit for our offensive style," said Douglas after selecting Tippmann in Round 2. With McGovern back on board, there is no need to rush the second-rounder's development. In fact, the veteran's presence could be advantageous to Tippmann. "There’s a lot of experience around him, and in that room when you talk about Connor," said Saleh. "Connor’s played a lot of football in this League and he’s going to be an asset also for the young kid to be able to lean on and learn off of."Should Tippmann prove worthy of the starting assignment this summer, the Jets likely won't hesitate to start a rookie at a position that requires great responsibility."He’s a guy that’s an unbelievable communicator," said Douglas. "Very intelligent, quick grasp of the offense there in Madison and able to control the huddle. That means a lot, the center has to be the core of the interior, core of the offensive line, so has to be able to communicate, take control."As to which player will be taking control and making the calls up front when the real games begin, the Jets have a choice between McGovern's proven reliability and the exciting potential that Tippmann possesses. It doesn't sound like a committee approach is in the cards at center."That o-line, you want it to gel," said Saleh. "In a perfect world, the same five play 17 games and then you’re rolling." Jets' Centers Connor McGovern Number: 60Height: 6'4"Weight: 306How/When Acquired: FA Signing / 2020 (from Broncos)College: MissouriYear: Seventh2022 Final Stats: 17 GP, 17 GS. 1,120 snaps A mainstay in the middle of the Jets' offensive line the past three seasons, McGovern was on the field for every offensive snap in 2022. When the free agent market never materialized for him, the Jets were able to bring him back for a deal reportedly worth about $2 million. The battle-tested veteran has yet to achieve Pro Bowl status, but he has garnered above-average grades for his performance with Gang Green. Joe Tippmann Number: 66Height: 6'6"Weight: 317How/When Acquired: Drafted / 2023 Round 2 (No. 43 overall)College: WisconsinYear: Rookie2022 Final Stats: 12 GP, 12 GS (at Wisconsin) Ranking first or second amongst centers on almost every 2023 NFL Draft board, Tippmann should be able to immediately contribute at the pro level. The two-year Wisconsin starter, who features an 80-inch wingspan, is substantially taller than the average NFL center, but his size doesn't seem to be an issue. Tippmann accounted for the Badgers' best run blocking grade (78.0) according to Pro Football Focus in 2022. Playing 338 pass blocking snaps, he was charged with only one sack and five pressures. Wes Schweitzer Number: 71Height: 6'4"Weight: 300How/When Acquired: FA Signing / 2023 (from Commanders)College: San Jose StateYear: Eighth2022 Final Stats: 7 GP, 6 GS, 425 snaps The ultimate Swiss Army knife, Schweitzer made six starts at center for the Commanders during a 2022 season that was interrupted by a head injury. Although he has game experience at all five o-line positions, the 6-foot-4 veteran has primarily played guard during his NFL tenure. He has made 80 appearances (60 starts) since his career began with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. >> https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/preseason-position-battles-identifying-a-starting-center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronx Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 /thread. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby816 Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 The the Mullet flow as the starting C. McGovern should be challenging Tomlinson at LG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomm Posted July 13, 2023 Author Share Posted July 13, 2023 2 hours ago, Bobby816 said: The the Mullet flow as the starting C. McGovern should be challenging Tomlinson at LG. ..by the 8th game this season 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warfish Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 "Too Tall" Tippmann should win the job pretty handily tbqh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jetsfan80 Posted July 13, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted July 13, 2023 is for Cookie 1 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 U 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj meadowlands Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 N 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetblue95 Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 8 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said: is for Cookie damn, you beat me to it lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 T 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LockeJET Posted July 13, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted July 13, 2023 Z 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgb Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 3 hours ago, Bronx said: /thread. If I didn't know who it was, I would've thought this photo was from the 80s. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Warfish Posted July 13, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted July 13, 2023 5 minutes ago, jgb said: If I didn't know who it was, I would've thought this photo was from the 80s. From outside a Motley Crue concert. In Idaho. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgb Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 2 minutes ago, Warfish said: From outside a Motley Crue concert. In Idaho. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointman Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 Ban for thread title? OK. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SickJetFan Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 5 hours ago, Bronx said: /thread. looks like the pumpkin I carved last halloween Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangerous Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 We’ll see what happen. Could be tippman but it could also be McGovern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 Hopefully we got the right guy John micheal schmitz was touted as the top center most of the draft process and the giants got him. At least Douglas has tried hard to build an oline unlike the previous gm. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunnie Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 (edited) Tippmann and don't look back . Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk Edited July 14, 2023 by Dunnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 Tippman could beat out mcgovern blindfolded. Tippman is the starting center. Hes a beast!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointman Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 Why are you not all appalled at this thread title??? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomm Posted July 14, 2023 Author Share Posted July 14, 2023 11 hours ago, pointman said: Why are you not all appalled at this thread title??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomm Posted July 14, 2023 Author Share Posted July 14, 2023 14 hours ago, SickJetFan said: looks like the pumpkin I carved last halloween 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyLV Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 13 hours ago, Beerfish said: Hopefully we got the right guy John micheal schmitz was touted as the top center most of the draft process and the giants got him. At least Douglas has tried hard to build an oline unlike the previous gm. I thought so too but then I heard a lot of people say Tippman was easily the best. I have no doubt he starts Day 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jethead Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 I think the Jets were a bit disappointed in their first look at Tippman during OTAs. Would be big time positive if he handily beats out McGovern. Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetswin Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 Sonny had 5 fingers, he only used three Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 34 minutes ago, Jethead said: I think the Jets were a bit disappointed in their first look at Tippman during OTAs. Would be big time positive if he handily beats out McGovern. Fingers crossed. That's understandable, but looks aren't everything. They did still draft him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 44 minutes ago, Jethead said: I think the Jets were a bit disappointed in their first look at Tippman during OTAs. Would be big time positive if he handily beats out McGovern. Fingers crossed. Well that’s impossible. The article clearly states Tippmann should be able to immediately contribute at a pro bowl level. Maybe the Jets hadn’t read this article yet during OTAs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32EBoozer Posted July 14, 2023 Share Posted July 14, 2023 51 minutes ago, Jethead said: I think the Jets were a bit disappointed in their first look at Tippman during OTAs. Would be big time positive if he handily beats out McGovern. Fingers crossed. Anything to back that impression? Article, Tweet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jethead Posted July 15, 2023 Share Posted July 15, 2023 13 hours ago, 32EBoozer said: Anything to back that impression? Article, Tweet? Something I read. Can't remember source. Sort of an offhand remark. NY Post my guess given what I read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomm Posted July 17, 2023 Author Share Posted July 17, 2023 --- Most compelling position battle: Connor McGovern vs. rookie Joe Tippmann at center The winner gets the opportunity to snap the ball to a future Hall of Famer, something to share with the grandkids one day. McGovern is the incumbent, but that status doesn't carry a lot of weight in this situation. The Jets want to upgrade the position, which is why they used a second-round pick on Tippmann, an unusually big center (6-foot-6) who they believe has the mental makeup to handle the most cerebral position on the offensive line. It's Tippmann's job to win. McGovern is respected in the locker room, but he ranked near the bottom in ESPN's pass- and run-blocking win rates metrics He tested free agency, but returned on a modest one-year deal ($1.9 million) -- a team insurance policy if Tippmann isn't ready. Rodgers, who has played with rookie centers, probably will have some say in the matter. rest of above article >> https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/92115/new-york-jets-training-camp-preview-is-aaron-rodgers-the-savior Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomm Posted July 25, 2023 Author Share Posted July 25, 2023 #Jets HC Robert Saleh had some fascinating things to say about the center competition in #JetsCamp. Saleh refused to say Connor McGovern was the leader in the clubhouse but said he’s the most ‘comfortable’ based on his experience. He said it w/o saying JOE TIPPMANN COME TAKE THIS JOB! @nyjets #TakeFlight1:34 PM · Jul 25, 2023 >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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