The Final Countdown: Damien Woody
On the verge of camp, and we’re counting it down …
Position: Right Tackle
Player: Damien Woody
Summary:
There were real questions last season about whether or not Damien Woody was just an expensive also-ran playing out of position. But credit Mangini and the rest of the scouting staff for nailing the fact that the former interior lineman had what it takes to play outside on the line. With only a small sample size of film from his last season with the Lions playing at Tackle, Woody not only looked comfortable at a position for the Jets but he excelled. Woody’s side of the line ranked first in the league in yards per carry via Football Outsiders, no small feat. Now granted, Woody didn’t do it alone, he had help from Moore or pulling linemen like Mangold and Faneca, but he was the mauling road grader that the team needed when the Jets ran to the right. Beyond that, Woody did a commendable job of fending off pass-rushers allowing just 6.5 sacks, down from the 7.5 and 9.25 that his predecessor, Anthony Clement allowed (and who didn’t play a full season in 2007) in prior seasons.
Moving Forward:
Woody might need a little more help this season, as he turns 32 this fall and has played 11 years in the league. Still there’s no signs that Woody’s game is about to fall off the cliff. Staying healthy is the key for this veteran.
Questions:
Can Woody continue his impressive play this season? Ryan has already committed to the run, how well can Damien Woody hold up over the course of the season with a lot more running downs to create yards?
