Offensive line could power Jets to Super Bowl 45

An NFL offensive line is made up of five individuals, but its success is measured as a group. A big reason why Sporting News picked the New York Jets to win Super Bowl 45 was their indisputable dominance up front.
So not surprisingly, the team committed big money to its cheap nfl jerseys strength in the offseason. First, the Jets signed Pro Bowl left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson(notes) to a six-year, $60 million extension. Then just last week, All-Pro Nick Mangold(notes) received a seven-year, $55 million extension that made him the NFL's highest-paid center.
A closer look at the five reasons the Jets' line ranks as the NFL's best:
1. Power. Offensive line play doesn't excite fans, but when watching how the Jets work to open holes for the league's best running game, pretty can come in the form of gritty. It also helps that the Jets' backs run with a no-nonsense style.
"We're able to run the ball when we want, and we have two great backs in Shonn Greene(notes) and (LaDainian Tomlinson(notes))," Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis(notes) said. "We're also able to put some pressure on guys with our receivers, so it makes it hard for teams to load the box on us."
2. Mentality. The Jets are relentless about imposing their will on opponents. They do whatever it takes to consistently win the battle in the trenches. Former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger, now an analyst for NFL Network, likes how that mindset spreads.
"You see what they do with their starting five and then they can keep adding to it," Baldinger said.
That sometimes includes incorporating an extra offensive tackle, Wayne Hunter(notes). The mentality also carries over to the tight ends and fullbacks.
3. Coaching. In addition to coach Rex Ryan's physical Saints jersey philosophy, which resonates throughout the team, the Jets' offensive linemen are fortunate to be helped by someone who went to the Super Bowl not too long ago. Former Raiders coach Bill Callahan, the Jets' assistant head coach/line coach, has built some strong lines in the past, including with the Eagles and at the University of Wisconsin.
"Callahan just understands what it takes for a line to be successful," Baldinger said. "He's a good teacher, and players have a lot of respect for him."
4. Durability. The team can afford to invest big money in Ferguson and Mangold is because they show up to play every day. Since both being first-round picks in the '06 draft, Ferguson and Mangold have started all 68 games through the regular season and playoffs.
Elsewhere, veteran right guard Brandon Moore hasn't missed a game since '05. And since he arrived after injury-marred seasons in Detroit, right tackle Damien Woody(notes) is as sturdy as ever at age 32.
5. Depth. The Jets could afford to cut nine-time Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca(notes) this spring because of their trust in younger, more agile alternatives. Matt Slauson(notes), a '09 sixth-round pick, is holding down the job ahead of rookie second-round pick Vladimir Ducasse(notes).
Some analysts thought the Jets might miss Faneca's mean attitude more than his technical skills, but Slauson has shown a willingness to mix it up, too. Case in Patriots jersey point: His training camp fight with Jets defensive lineman Matt Kroul(notes) showcased on HBO's Hard Knocks.
"Replacing a guy like Faneca just isn't easy, but it doesn't look like they'll miss too much of a beat without him," Baldinger said.