Olu Fashanu isn’t overwhelmed by the considered changing one future Corridor of Famer and defending one other.
The Jets’ rookie first-round draft decide is in line to start out for the primary time Sunday on the place that he may name residence for a very long time.
Left deal with Tyron Smith just isn’t working towards and is more likely to miss the sport towards the Colts resulting from a neck damage, so somebody must cowl Aaron Rodgers’ blind facet.
“It undoubtedly is a giant duty,” Fashanu stated, “however I strive not to consider it like that. We’re already in a really high-pressure setting, so I’m not making an attempt to place any extra strain on myself like that.”
Fashanu impressed teammates and coaches final week by working towards principally at proper guard — a place he had by no means performed in his soccer profession till a dire depth scenario Oct. 31 towards the Texans — after which leaping in at his pure left deal with when Smith was injured towards the Cardinals.
“He’s actually displaying some poise as a younger participant, which is nice to see and definitely a worthwhile trait for a man in his place this yr,” offensive play caller Todd Downing stated. “Enthusiastic about his future, and the strides he’s made each inside and out of doors.”
It appears becoming that the identical 31-6 loss to the Cardinals that primarily ended the Jets’ playoff hopes in 2024 may also have marked the turning of a web page to the Fashanu chapter, which started with two pressures allowed on 26 pass-blocking snaps.
Fashanu’s earlier two begins got here at proper deal with, which means he has performed three spots, all requiring totally different technical changes.
Normal supervisor Joe Douglas all the time knew that the offensive line’s sixth man could be referred to as upon at left deal with in some unspecified time in the future as a result of the free-agent addition Smith hasn’t performed a full season since 2015.
“I believe that’s his consolation zone,” Downing stated, “and I believe that when Joe was handing over that [draft] card, that’s in all probability what he noticed was the longer term there. Seeing him be capable to exit and execute was encouraging.”
Simply not shocking.
“I hate him as a result of he’s so freaking athletic,” veteran proper deal with Morgan Moses quipped. “What you need in a rookie is a man who’s prepared to be so selfless. He’s a first-round decide and will be like, ‘No, I play deal with,’ however he’s like, ‘No, I’m going to do something for the staff and to get on the sphere, and I’m going to do it to the very best of my capability.’ You respect a man like that.”
Fashanu’s recognition along with his teammates was evident after Thursday’s follow as Rodgers, operating again Breece Corridor and a gaggle of offensive linemen hooted, hollered and cracked inside jokes about him discovering his approach into the media highlight.
“I take it as an excellent signal that they like me,” Fashanu stated. “I really feel like in the event that they didn’t do it, perhaps I’m not doing my rookie duties.”
Fashanu’s duties towards the Colts may embrace blocking Laiatu Latu — who was picked No. 15 general, 4 spots after Fashanu — and fellow former first-rounder Kwity Paye.
“It’s by no means straightforward, however … there’s a sense of familiarity simply going again to the place I performed in faculty and highschool,” Fashanu stated. “I all the time method each week the identical — looking for totally different particulars within the run and move recreation for me to enhance.”
Smith (5 sacks allowed and 6 penalties) hasn’t performed as much as his requirements this season, however it could have been difficult for the Jets to bench an eight-time Professional Bowler.
The damage creates a chance to additional develop Fashanu, who has earned respect for the best way he blocks out distractions.
“You couldn’t ask for something greater than your rookie to get thrown round in numerous positions. It’s one of many hardest issues to do, however he doesn’t blink,” Moses stated.
“It’s solely going to make him higher as a result of now his mindset is, ‘I do know what the guard is considering, so I can anticipate what I have to do at left deal with and assist the guard on the similar time.’ When you’ll be able to see soccer at a wider spectrum, it solely helps your capability and your progress.”
