“Back in my rookie year — I think in maybe 11 or 12 starts — we had 12 different starting lineups,” Tippmann said. “So, to be able to go from that just a few years ago to having this consistent group of O-linemen who are going to do whatever it takes to step in there and take the field each week, it’s something that we definitely don’t take for granted.”
While the Jets have fallen short of some of their goals this season, Tippmann said his unit has approached each matchup aiming to “perform at a high level no matter what the situation is.” And the unit has delivered on several occasions. The Jets have established a strong rushing attack throughout the season, and the team’s 128.4 average rushing yards per game rank seventh in the league.
But Tippmann knows his unit will face a challenge as it prepares to face a Jaguars’ defense allowing the fewest average rushing yards per game (82.9).
“You definitely have to kind of wire into it early in the week,” he said of preparing for the matchup. “It’s on us individually, as O-linemen and tight ends, to be able to lock into our individual matchups.”
Looking ahead to Week 15 and beyond, Tippmann said the unit’s approach will remain unchanged — continue to produce, regardless of the circumstances.
“To be able to go out there and play physical, relentless football,” he said. “That’s our goal each week for the rest of the way out. Just to dominate.”