The New York Jets’ second-round rookie is one of the only offensive players providing hope
If you’re looking for something to be optimistic about regarding the New York Jets’ offense, look no further than rookie center Joe Tippmann.
Amidst a horrid situation on offense (especially along the offensive line), New York’s second-round pick is showcasing the potential to become a long-term cornerstone for the franchise.
After only playing on special teams across the first two games of the season, Tippmann debuted for the Jets’ offense in Week 3, although not at his natural position. Tippmann would start four consecutive games at right guard until he suffered a thigh injury in Week 6, which sidelined him for the Jets’ next game against the Giants.
Tippmann returned in Week 9 against the Chargers, but this time around, the Jets moved him back to his natural position of center. Since moving back to the middle, Tippmann has quietly been playing well for the Jets, especially in pass protection.
Over his past four games, Tippmann has allowed only four total pressures across 195 pass-blocking snaps. That’s a pressure rate of 2.05%, ranking sixth-best among centers over that span.
It’s worth noting that three of those pressures came in Tippmann’s return game against the Chargers, which marked his first regular season appearance at center. Over his past three games, Tippmann has been razor-sharp, allowing one pressure over 135 pass-blocking snaps (0.74% pressure rate).
This includes a shutout on Black Friday against the Dolphins, where Tippmann was charged with allowing zero pressures on 48 pass-blocking snaps.
Hidden deep within the Jets’ horrifying offensive display, you could see No. 66 consistently holding his own in pass protection against Miami’s defensive line.
Joe Tippmann in pass pro pic.twitter.com/M3dbTbMhJB
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) November 27, 2023
Tippmann also had this excellent one-on-one block in the open field to lead a successful screen play.
Joe Tippmann great block out in space to lead a successful screen pic.twitter.com/SXZZVFze7p
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) November 27, 2023
Another important note for Tippmann is the improvement he has shown in his snap accuracy. When Tippmann played center in the preseason, he had an alarmingly high tendency for launching inaccurate snaps, to the point where it seemed he’d be unplayable at that position if he did not fix the issue (despite the fact that he was excellent outside of his snapping). So far in the regular season, Tippmann’s snap accuracy has been much better. He clearly put in the work to iron out that problem.
There’s room for Tippmann to improve in the run game. Regardless, his recent performance in pass protection is highly encouraging, especially considering the mess that’s going on around him.
As the Jets’ playoff hopes slowly fade away, the spotlight is beginning to shift toward the development of the young players who can help the Jets compete in the future. Tippmann, being the Jets’ second-round pick this year, is a very important part of the team’s long-term plans. His progress throughout the remainder of this season is a crucial storyline to follow.
The Jets have very little to be hopeful about regarding the future of their offensive line. But if Tippmann can continue playing this well in pass protection, the Jets will have one less spot to worry about in the 2024 offseason as they try to rebuild the dilapidated unit.
