Jets Dealing With ‘Good Problem To Have’ At Linebacker
Father Time waits for no athlete in modern sports. Even Tom Brady, at the ripe old age of 45, began to show decline.
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley knows he isn't the same player he was when he was an All-Pro over the last few years - especially following his toe injury - but Gang Green believes the former Baltimore Raven is on the precipice of hitting the field full time again moving forward.
"He's our captain and fortunately we got three great linebackers," Jets linebacker coach Mike Rutenberg said. "Right now, we're obviously easing CJ in. He missed some time with the injury and because of the depth we're able to ease him in until he's fully healthy. Right now, having three great linebackers, that's a good problem to have."
Normally, it would be hard to argue Rutenberg's stance on Mosley receiving his starting job once he gets healthy.
There's just one problem with that, though.
He's no longer the team's best linebacker.
With Quincy Williams continuing another All-Pro season and young Jamien Sherwood blossoming in Mosley's old role, the Jets know they have a difficult decision that is coming in the near future.
Which linebackers are going to play when they move to nickel - a base scheme in the modern NFL? To Rutenberg, the job may be Mosley's, but what Sherwood has done is nothing short of excellent.
"You look at just physically the work he (Sherwood) put in from coming here as a safety to what he looks like right now is unbelievable and that's the work that he put in with the weight room with our weight staff and on his own and then his leadership again having a chance to be around our room and CJ Mosely and our defense which has great leaders you can see him really commanding the huddle, anticipating well and great communication."
Related: Steelers' QB Change Could Be Difference-Maker for JetsNew York may have already made a decision in regards to who their starting linebackers will be, but if Mosley shows even the slightest bit of a lost step, it may simply be time for the Jets to make the switch to Sherwood permanently.
This story was originally published October 17, 2024, 7:54 PM.
