This is an uncomfortable conversation.
Olu Fashanu was supposed to be the steal of steals in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was supposed to be the blindside protector for the next decade, and maybe he still will be, but this most recent showing was perhaps the worst of his career.
The former Penn State product allowed 2.5 sacks and five quarterback pressures against the Detroit Lions in Week 3. He now leads the league in sacks allowed (four).
You may be saying to yourself or screaming at
the computer, but Paul, this is one game; aren’t we overreacting here? But that’s the thing: this isn’t just one game.
This season, he is the 20th, 36th, and 15th ranked offensive tackle in overall grade, pass block grade, and run block grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Last year there were signs of struggle. In those same categories, he ranked 39th, 27th, and 65th in overall grade, pass block grade, and run block grade among qualifying offensive tackles.
If this were only one game, you could chalk it up to that. This has become a pattern. Fashanu has been bullied by superstars and random players (I’m looking at you D.J. Wonnum) alike. He hasn’t been consistently bad, but he hasn’t been consistently good either.
Next offseason, the Jets have to decide on his fifth-year option. What once looked like a slam-dunk yes decision now doesn’t appear that clear.
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Here are your links to the New York Jets.
Concerning Red Flags Emerge for Olu Fashanu After Jets Loss – Paul A. Esden Jr/Heavy
Sources: Jets RB Breece Hall week-to-week with quad injury – Rich Cimini/ESPN
Rex Ryan Calls out Jets Fans After Heartbreaking Lions Loss – Paul A. Esden Jr/Heavy
Kenyon Sadiq forces his way into our fantasy football waiver plans – Andy Behrens/The Athletic
One key difference separates NY Jets’ two heartbreaking losses – Connor Long/Jets X-Factor
What many NY Jets fans are forgetting after latest loss – Michael Nania/Jets X-Factor
NY Jets’ most underrated free agent wild card is paying off – Michael Nania/Jets X-Factor
‘Outstanding’ Geno Smith gave undermanned Jets a shot to upset Lions before fateful play – Mark Cannizzaro/New York Post
Notebook | Green & White in a ‘Race to Improve’ After Comeback vs Detroit Falls Short – Amanda Vogt/New York Jets
By Any Measure, Jets QB Geno Smith Is Playing at an Elite Level – Randy Lange/New York Jets
Faria’s Focus Week 3: 10 Thoughts on Jets’ Crushing Loss to Lions (Silver Linings, Injury Woes, Geno Smith & More) – Nick Faria/Jets on SI
Here are your missed connections from yesterday.
