Colon: Both Jets lines look to be 'bullies on block'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

While the New York Jets have had their share of issues at the skill positions over the past few years, they've prided themselves on toughness in the trenches.

At least one newcomer has already gotten the memo. (photo: DJ Spiess)

When recently talking to NewYorkJets.com's Eric Allen, guard Willie Colon, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was quick to compliment the Jets' young defensive front after going up against the unit in OTAs. But he wasn't about to hand over the farm.

While the offensive line will have its hands full all summer going up against a hungry and talented trio of first-round defensive linemen in Muhammad Wilkerson (2011), Quinton Coples (2013) and Sheldon Richardson (2013), the unit still plans on imposing some will of its own.

“I’m really impressed with Coples and Muhammad, seeing those guys fly around," Colon said. "You can tell it’s going to be an attack defense — they are going to get after guys. For us on the other side of the ball, we want to set the tone.

"We want to be the aggressors. We want to be the bullies on the block. If it goes both ways, we’re going to have success.”

Colon is one of two new faces on the offensive front, posting up at guard opposite former Detroit Lion Stephen Peterman. The veteran lineman will work between a pair of pillars in standout left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and star center Nick Mangold.

The right side of the line is a bit less sure, with Austin Howard returning at right tackle after a respectable first season with the team and Peterman still having to prove himself.

“[Mangold] is the brain of the offense, so I have to adjust to him and understand what he’s talking about and what he sees, so I can adjust my game to kind of fit everybody’s,” Colon said. “It’s not about being selfish out there — it’s about five guys on one page and on one sound. If we’re able to do that, the sky’s the limit.”

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