Mangold a rock in the middle for Jets
New York Jets09/30/2006 10:20 AM The Star-Ledger reports as the Jets attempt to solve the puzzle that is their struggling running game, one thing is clear -- rookie C Nick Mangold is part of the solution, not the problem. Mangold, a first-round pick (29th overall) out of Ohio State, was forced into the starting lineup during training camp when veteran C Trey Teague suffered a broken left ankle in June. The last time a Jets rookie was forced to replace a starter during camp was 2003, when Dewayne Robertson took over for veteran Josh Evans, who was suspended four games for substance abuse. Robertson, like Mangold, took his lumps. Mangold, however, is giving as much as he is receiving, despite playing one of the most demanding positions on the field. He must make all the line calls and battle cagey veterans in the NFL trenches. Read more