Robert Saleh had a simple message for Mekhi Becton in his quest to be the New York Jets’ starting left tackle
Mekhi Becton has been an avid tweeter for a long time.
He’s also been an avid trash talker and tweeter, as evidenced by his “Big Bust” t-shirt and Twitter headline from 2022 training camp. He’s kept a running narrative on the Jets throughout the season and offseason, too.
Becton’s at it again, this time declaring to the New York Jets and the world in a since-deleted tweet that he has one position only on the offensive line.
Of course, the New York media wasn’t going to let that one go. In Robert Saleh‘s Saturday press conference, the coach was asked how he would respond to Becton’s declaration.
With his signature amused smirk in place, Saleh had a five-word answer.
#Jets coach Robert Saleh’s responseto Mekhi Becton’s earlier tweet: "Go earn the left tackle."pic.twitter.com/sQiofjd75k
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 6, 2023
Saleh already stated on Friday that while Becton appears to be in great shape, the team is going to play the best five offensive linemen. From a depth perspective, that likely means Duane Brown on the left side and Becton on the right. Brown has never played right tackle in his career.
Of course, Becton could still be beaten out by Max Mitchell, Billy Turner, and Carter Warren for the right side. Rather than quibbling about the side of the line, a player coming off back-to-back season-ending knee injuries and prevailing weight concerns should be focused on perfecting his craft.
That is the message Saleh sent to his player. It remains to be seen whether the Big Ticket takes up his coach’s challenge.
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