Tackle Duane Brown sees signs that Jets' O-line will come together

Jets offensive tackle Duane Brown speaks to reporters at the team's training facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Aug. 16. Credit: AP/Dennis Waszak Jr.
Duane Brown’s first padded practice since last year happened in Thursday’s joint practice with the Giants.
“First day of pads to be against another team is like a shock to the system,” Brown said. “I think it was good for me. I responded well. Sunday will be another step forward.”
Not only for Brown, but the entire Jets’ offensive line.
The Jets have undergone a lot of changes up front — in both personnel and positions. The preseason game against the Giants will mark just the third time that the starting line is on the field together.
They signed Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson and moved Alijah Vera-Tucker to right guard. They had Mekhi Becton at right tackle and George Fant at left tackle early in camp. Then Becton fractured his kneecap and is out for the season. The Jets signed Brown to play left tackle and moved Fant back to the right side. The one constant has been center Connor McGovern.
The clock is ticking on this group coming together and jelling. The Jets’ regular-season opener is Sept. 11 against Baltimore. Brown, a five-time Pro Bowler, believes there’s enough time to mesh.
“Absolutely,” Brown said. “We got a good mixture of youth and some veterans. I’m very familiar with the scheme, so it hasn’t taken me long to get the terminology down, not having to overcommunicate to be on the same page. Playing next to Laken, he’s played a lot of football. We’re doing pretty good in just the [few] days we’re working together, we’ll keep getting better.”
Tomlinson and Brown played in this wide-zone blocking scheme previously, both under line coach John Benton. That familiarity should help.
It also helps that Brown, who will be 37 next week, stayed in shape while he was unsigned. The former Seahawk said he’s still getting in football shape, but he’s confident that will happen quickly.
“You can run, you can work out all you want, it’s not the same as having to move 300-pound guys against their will,” Brown said. “The recollection of plays, looking at defenses and all that stuff, it’s just part of the position.
“The last [few] days have been great. Next week will be really big for me, taking a big step forward. I’ve played a long time. My body has a lot of muscle memory. It won’t take me long.”
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