NFL Performance Of The Week

My NFL Performance Of The Week for Week 5 goes to none other than New York Jets Lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker was the 14th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Of course, he was highly touted as a prospect coming out of the University of Southern California, but absolutely no one expected him to be as good as he has been this far. He had a very solid rookie year by all accounts. Sure, he struggled early (as most young line lineman do), but by seasons end he’d certainly developed into a very solid player. Subsequently, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. 2021 was a season where Vera-Tucker exclusively played left guard. The NFL is never a place where you can get too comfortable especially along the offensive front. After signing Pro-Bowl LG Laken Tomlinson, Vera-Tucker was moved to right guard where he was slated to start alongside Mekhi Becton. AVT did in fact begin the 2022 at RG, but due to an inordinate amount of injury, Vera-Tucker was asked to bump over to left tackle in week 4. Not only was he serviceable, he was excellent. All-Pro LT Duane Brown returned from injury in week 5. So, you guessed it, the Jets did the unimaginable, asked Vera-Tucker to play right tackle.

GAMEPLAY

Three positions in three different weeks is something that I don’t think we’ve ever seen before and may not ever see again. Sure, maybe we’ll see guys step in. Playing at the level Vera-Tucker has the last 3 weeks? Probably not. For example, he played 67 snaps at left tackle two weeks ago. Not a single pressure, sack or penalty was committed or given up. This week, he played 56 snaps at right tackle & didn’t give up a pressure, sack, penalty, or even a hurry this week. Unthinkable performance. None of that stats show how dominant he’s been in the run game as well. Digging out back side scoops, not allowing guys to spill over the down block, & perfect hip cleanups in double teams. I truly can’t believe what I’ve witnessed over the last three weeks. Alijah Vera-Tucker, take a bow!

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