New York Jets' second-year starting center Joe Tippmann is flanked by a newfound stability along the team's offensive line.
After making his first pro starts at right guard, Tippmann manned the center spot for the final 10 games in the 2023 season. While Tippmann stabilized an important position, there seemed to be a different face next to him every week. Excluding Tippmann, the Jets started five different players at right guard throughout the year.
With 2021 first-round draft pick Alijah Vera-Tucker back to man the right guard spot following an Achiles tear, New York went out and signed veteran John Simpson to add some grit at left guard.
"Having John and AVT in there, it's an awesome feeling," said Tippmann as the team began Week 4 preparations in Florham Park. "John is an 'A' guy that's going to give it everything he has physically and mentally every single play. Then, AVT, he's a guy that is just so strict with his technique."
Whether or not it's a product of the two guards, Tippmann thrived as the Jets posted back-to-back wins. In the 24-3 dismantling of the New England Patriots, the 2023 second-round draft pick posted New York's second-highest Pro Football Focus game grade (85.8). PFF tabbed Tippmann as the Jets' top performer in the victory over the Tennessee Titans, assigning him an 83.6 grade.
"They're both just always giving everything they have before turning that guy over [to the center]. Then, mentally, they're both just really, really smart individuals," said Tippmann.
The 23-year-old Tippmann isn't hesitant to lean on his veteran linemates when appropriate.
"I walk up there, I might make a mistake. They can lean over to me, kind of tell me what happened and then we can make that correction right out there on the field. Having those guys, just physically and mentally, it really takes a lot of strain off of me," said Tippmann.
Tippmann and the Jets host the Denver Broncos on September 29 at 1 p.m. ET in East Rutherford.
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