New York Jets Wednesday spotlight: Spencer Long

Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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In our weekly spotlight, we take a look at an important player in the upcoming New York Jets game. This week, our look is at Spencer  Long.

Yes, New York Jets fans, the weekly spotlight is a little bit early. Typically we hit this on Saturday but since the game is early, we profile early.

The Saturday spotlight becomes the Wednesday spotlight this week. This time, we are taking a look at Spencer Long.

Long started his career with the Washington Redskins, drafted in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. He took over as a starter in 2015, spending that season at left guard before moving to center in 2016.

Unfortunately for Long his 2017 season was cut short by knee tendonitis. However, the Jets saw fit to bring him in as the team had a problem at the center position named Wesley Johnson.

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The Jets signed Long to a four-year, $27.4 million contract including $6 million guaranteed.

So far in 2018, Long has been graded at 59.4 overall, but in pass blocking, his grade is 83.8, good for fifth at the position per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Why is this an important player to watch? What makes him worth the profile for Thursday night?

You know how they say that games are won in the trenches? That is an absolute truth when looking at Thursday night’s game.

Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator of the Browns, has brought a lot of pressure in the “A” and “B” gaps. For those who are unaware, those gaps involve the center and the two guards.

It’s a big test for James Carpenter and Brian Winters as well, but the center has the most responsibility. He not only has to do his own blocking, but he sets the protections, essentially telling the others what to do.

That’s why I went with him in the profile.

Next. Three to watch vs Cleveland. dark

There are two guys that they will have to contend with are Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi. Between the two of them they have posted five sacks already in this young season.

Garrett is moved all over the field and likes to bring the heat from the inside. Ogunjobi brings the pressure as well and quarterbacks especially don’t like pressure up the middle.

Watch this matchup in the trenches. It will go a long way to deciding the game. Spencer Long has his work cut out for him.