Link: Left Guard Battle
With training camp approaching, Dennis Dillon takes a look at the most intriguing position battles to keep an eye on during camp. Interestingly, the Jets left guard competition made the cut.
Jets: left guard. The release of nine-time Pro Bowl lineman Alan Faneca, who eventually signed with Arizona, left a big hole in a line that had been intact for two years and helped the Jets lead the league in rushing last season. Second-year lineman Matt Slauson and rookie Vladimir Ducasse, who played tackle at Massachusetts, will compete for Faneca’s old spot.
“The battle between Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse will be one to watch,” coach Rex Ryan said.
While, Rex may continue to call it a close competition, all indications are that the job will be Ducasse’s to lose. The Jets didn’t invest a second round pick on Ducasse to ride the bench. Unless, he has a horrific camp, I have no reason to doubt we will see # 62 in the starting five come opening day.
5 Responses to Link: Left Guard Battle
-
Jetsfan29 says:
I disagree they released faneca cause he was no better then woodhead in pass block, slauson has a shot but I think ducasse will win the spot, slauson knows the scheme so there’s no excuses for him but ducasse is a beast, should be fun and hopefully will work out for us either way!
-
JetOrange says:
I think the most important and overiding thing is to keep Sanchez upright. I believe Slauson has a big edge for the first five games of the season ( then we have the bye ). I am very uncomfortable starting a rookie against Baltimore, New England and then going down to Miami.. An extra month learning the scheme and the protections will allow Vlad to start successfully . IN 2011 it will be Ducasse at RT and Slauson at LG.
-
JL says:
The real question is, is Ducasse good enough to switch to RT next year when Woody becomes a cap casualty?
-
DHarvey says:
Slausen was impressing Callahan even last year as Faneca’s backup. It’s his slot to lose. I agree that Ducasse will get backup reps at RG this year and will become ht epermanent RG next year. Don’t underestimate Slausen.
They would not release faneca except because coach callahan has trust in slauson. Vlad has the best name and #2 pick, he will have a shot, but the job is slauson’s if he plays coach’s zone blocking scheme like he has been taught.