It’s hard to escape the fact that things are tough at the moment. The Jets are now tied with four other teams for the fewest touchdowns through the first 11 weeks of the season since 2000. None of the 2009 Raiders, 2009 Browns, 2006 Raiders and 2000 Bengals won more than four games, so the Jets do at least have the opportunity to set themselves apart in a good way. 

Part of the issue this year has been the inability to find consistency on the offensive line. 

The Jets have now started a league-high 12 different linemen, which includes eight different o-line combinations; the game against Miami represented the sixth successive week where they have rolled with a different starting five. 

The only position on the offensive line to experience any consistency is left guard with iron man Laken Tomlinson - one of only six players in the NFL with an active streak of at least 100 consecutive starts. Every other position has been manned by at least two players, with right-guard being occupied by no less than six players this season. Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, Wes Schweitzer, Max Mitchell, Xavier Newman and Chris Glaser have all taken turns. 

Losing Vera-Tucker was a devastating blow to the Jets this year, and it’s the second year in a row the Jets have lost the services of their incredibly talented former Trojan. AVT’s versatility allows the Jets to survive and flourish despite injuries. Replacing AVT’s talent is extremely difficult; replacing his versatility is nearly impossible. 

The results have been as you might expect: 48 sacks allowed, the third highest rate in the league. We’ve also experienced a surge in penalties; in particular, false starts. This isn’t overly unexpected when you play so many different combinations as the offensive line is a unit that needs to work cohesively. It’s hard to do that when you continue to see a new face every time you look left and right. 

But enough with the negativity. 

The cavalry is coming. The Jets should get 2020 first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton back this week. The former Louisville man worked tirelessly to play against Miami after suffering an ankle injury against Buffalo, but was ruled out at the 11th hour. There is real optimism that his return will solidify the line and open lanes for Breece Hall. 

As well as Becton, the Jets are expecting to get Duane Brown back this week. The 16-year veteran has been missing since week two’s game against Dallas, but was activated from IR before the Miami game. He wasn’t quite ready to start and acted as a back-up for the first time in his career, but with another week of practice under his belt he should be ready to return against Atlanta. 

The good news continues to trickle through, with Wes Schweitzer set to return for the first time since week nine. The former Washington man has played just 81 snaps this year, but he could offer a more sustainable answer to the problematic right guard position. 

How everyone will shuffle into the five o-line spots remains to be seen, but the Jets and Robert Saleh will be delighted that they have some key personnel returning in time for a potential December push. 

The offence has been struggling, but a lot of that can be traced back to the issues on the offensive line. The players who have come in have done a fine job given tough circumstances, but only Laken Tomlinson was playing in his designated position on Friday. You can survive one injury, you can maybe survive two, but running the gauntlet of injuries the Jets have had to navigate is almost impossible. 

Fortunately for the Jets, the cavalry is coming.