While the majority of Jets fans are focused on the ongoing quarterback competition, the man protecting the QB's blind side goes about his business in relative anonymity. Not to say that D'Brickashaw Ferguson has done nothing of note, but thwarting a top pass rusher doesn't make the same headlines as a touchdown pass down the sideline or a momentum-shifting run up the middle.
Ferguson, a native New Yorker — Freeport, Long Island, to be exact — has been impressed with what he's seen from both quarterbacks in camp.
"I think both of them are doing an excellent job and I think the coaches are going to have a tough decision," he said. "They're going to have to keep working them in the system, but I think both guys are doing great work so far."
Ferguson has no issue being cast outside the limelight however, understanding that the position he occupies requires him to simply fulfill his job description — block the guy in front of him.
"Continue to help this team and do my job," he said of his personal goals for the upcoming season. "I need to do what I need to do and hopefully that leads to wins"
Brick knows a thing or two about doing his job, something he has done day in and day out since the Jets drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2006. Last year marked the fourth consecutive season and sixth time in his seven-year career that he did not miss a single offensive snap. He's missed only one regular-season snap in his Jets career.
This offseason the Jets added veteran guards Stephen Peterman and Willie Colon in an attempt to add some firepower to an offensive line headlined by fellow Pro Bowlers Ferguson and center Nick Mangold.
Cohesiveness will be a key to success in the trenches this season and will be something Brick and Co. will continue to build on throughout their time at SUNY Cortland.
"It's something we have to constantly work on," he said. "Both of those guys are awesome individuals and I'm happy that they're both on our side."
A lot can change in an organization over seven seasons and D'Brickashaw Ferguson has taken all of these changes in stride and has been the consummate professional throughout. Blocking for rookie Geno Smith rather than fifth-year veteran Mark Sanchez hasn't changed his approach to his job.
He was asked if he has had to make any adjustments in regards to blocking for a quarterback that may look to extend the play outside of the pocket. "No," he said. "Nothing changes."
