The Jets revised their offensive line last season in hopes of stabilizing a unit that was a source of constant change in 2019.
Instead, the only constant has been change.
Through 13 games, the Jets have had eight different starting lineup combinations, one of their 2019 mark injuries, due to injuries, with center-back Connor McGovern being the only linebacker to have started all 13 games this season towards Sunday’s game against the Rams.
“There have been adversities and adversities will make us stronger,” McGovern said Friday. “I think it’s a good grassroots platform to grow.”
Of course, during the Jets ’0-13 season, his injuries have not been limited to just the offensive line. McGovern has been the Jets ’offensive lineman – their only player, point and point, to start all 13 games. The lack of continuity is just one of the growing lists of reasons why the Jets have the league’s No. 32 offense in both yards and points.
But McGovern did not want to make excuses or want to entertain the idea that the whole loss is good for the Jets because of what it could mean in terms of the No. 1 pick in the draft.
“I don’t pass my body through that, I don’t think any of the Jets make it lose,” McGovern said. “It might be easy for someone sitting on the couch, eating pizza, chips and bathing to say they should keep losing, but if the pads have ever been tied, I find it impossible. I’ll do my best to win. “.
For McGovern, that has meant playing with a hamstring injury that nearly kept him out of the Jets ’Week 3 game against the Colts after he had defeated the 49ers the previous week. This season he has played 772 of 792 offensive catches (97.5%) this season, almost 100 more snapshots than the next closest player: goalie Greg Van Roten, who played 689 snapshots (87%) before going to the injured reservation after week 13.
On Friday, Adam Gase was reminded of McGovern’s initial streak and said he would not do so before praising the center’s preparation and communication. McGovern heard his instant count and called to the wooden podium where he was.
“I’m very proud of that,” McGovern said. “It’s strange that someone who is a good offensive line player just goes to sit down and let a little nickname or injury stop him from playing. Be part of the position, feel proud of it. You have to be a tough guy to play in the trenches. They are 65-80 fights in a game and that is your mindset.
“I was always told that there was a difference between getting hurt and getting hurt. As long as you are injured, you will be able to continue playing on the offensive line. Therefore, this is a kind of mentality that I have always realized ”.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Jets this offseason, facing possible changes in quarterback and head coach and perhaps even a turn in the roster, McGovern is a sure bet to return to the middle of the season. Jets offensive line next season. The three-year, $ 27 million contract he signed last season included guaranteed money in 2021, not to mention the consistency he has delivered to the Jets in a season in which he has been surrounded by everything but him.
“Honestly, I think it’s been a good year of growth for me,” he said. “I’ve seen great personal growth, starting a little dirtier than I’ve had in the past and playing at a much higher level here on this field and being the player the Jets paid me to be and I hope more than the Jets paid me to be. “