Despite doubts and questions surrounding the center position, head coach Adam Gase likes where the Jets stand at the pivot with Jonotthan Harrison.
"I think Jonotthan has done a great job," Gase said. "I think he really, really does a good job with leading that group. I think that Sam (Darnold) feels very comfortable with him and I think that that group is coming together well. Just watching them work day in and day out together, it's very encouraging. I like the attitude those guys have. I love the work ethic they have."
Harrison started the final eight games for the Jets this past season and left tackle Kelvin Beachum believes the sixth-year veteran brings stability to an offensive line that returns four-fifths of the starting unit.
"A lot of people don't know that Jonotthan was the starter in Indianapolis for a very long time, took snaps from Andrew Luck," Beachum said. "So, he's played in the National Football League and at a high level. He has his opportunity now. He came in and played last year. I thought he did a really good job and he has an opportunity to really solidify himself."
Harrison started 23 games for the Colts from 2014-16 and Beachum knows what type of player the O-line has in "Harry," who has a reputation of bringing?? his opponent to the turf.
"He's a strong individual, plays with passion and finishes through the whistle," Beachum said. "When you have that at center, that's a special thing. The thing is, everyone is looking to have another Nick Mangold, but you don't have those types of guys walking around in the street. So when you actually have a center that can be consistent at that particular position, we're going to make sure to keep him here for a long time."
One of Harrison's best non-physical traits is his ability to communicate with different people. Last year, he dealt with a rotating door of neighbors up front as the Jets suffered a number of injuries across the line and the 6'4", 300-pounder also played with both Sam Darnold and Josh McCown under center. Despite the different injuries, the Green & White OL showed flashes of dominance. Twice the offense posted more than 40 points and four times the unit had at least 30 points. But the Jets also had four games in which they failed to score more than 10 points.
In 2019, Beachum wants to find the sweet spot.
"I think the past two years we've been up and down," he said. "We've had good games, bad games, but I think for us, it's about finding that consistency and being able to sustain that throughout the year."
