Robert Saleh Explains Jets Decision Starting Joe Tippmann

Joe Tippmann was the only projected regular season starter on the field for the New York Jets in their preseason-opening win over the Washington Commanders.

As a second-year center, what gives? Why did New York opt to start just one member of their starting offensive line?

The reality is that the Wisconsin product needed it.

Tippmann had struggled early in training camp with snaps as he was working with more responsibilities on his plate for the season. Jets head coach Robert Saleh explained the decision further after the 20-17 win.

"Young, second-year kid," Saleh stated. "Just trying to let him work through some kinks that he needs to work out. Also, with Tyrod (Taylor) in there, I just wanted him to mirror Tyrod’s snap count."

While the Jets had many of Tippmann's snaps come in high early in camp, the last week of practice has been quite the opposite: there haven't been any snapping issues to this point including when he played in the first two series of the ball game.

Afterward, Tippmann explained that he believed his snapping problems were behind him, and that Aaron Rodgers is a key reason why.

Related: Adrian Martinez, 2024 Rookie Class Lead Jets to Preseason Win

"Aaron's always out there trying to make me better," Tippmann said. "I really appreciate that out of him. I know that it comes from a place of love."

The more Tippmann plays, the better it appears he's ready to go into his sophomore season as the anchor of the Jets offensive line. Even if his problems have only just been solved.