Jets" Focus Returns to Ground Game, Not Quarterback Issues Al Pereira/New York Jets, via Getty Images When the Jets" linemen are not playing to the liking of the offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, he tells them, loudly. FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - All of the attention paid to Mark Sanchez this week overlooks a simple point: the quarterback is not supposed to be the focal point of the Jets" offense. Since taking over as coach in 2009, Rex Ryan has talked tough about developing a ground-and-pound identity. The philosophy paid dividends that season when the Jets averaged 172.3 yards a game to lead the N.F.L., and in 2010 they ranked fourth (148.4). But as the team has struggled during the past two seasons, the power running style has waned. Despite the presence of three Pro Bowl selections on the offensive line - left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold and right guard Brandon Moore - the Jets had the 22nd-ranked rushing attack last season. The Jets have returned to their roots recently, averaging 140 yards rushing in the past three games. For the season, they rank 12th with an average of 115.2 yards a game. The Jets should be able to establish their running game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the second-worst run defense in the league (144 yards a game). The Saints average 153.8 yards allowed. "Every offensive lineman in the country loves to run the ball," right tackle Austin Howard said. That's a direct correlation to how we do up front. We take a lot pride in running the ball. The line experienced some growing pains with the offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and the offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, both of whom arrived this season from the Miami Dolphins. Left guard Vladimir Ducasse said DeGuglielmo "came in with pretty much a whole new offense, and from where we were in the preseason to now as a group, we've just gotten way better." He wants us to come off the ball and be physical, and everything just started coming together. When the results are not up to DeGuglielmo's standards, the linemen are sure to hear about it - at a high volume. "He's very passionate about his job," Howard said. He's very passionate about his team and his players. He's one of those coaches who can get you fired up and he gets you to really want to do well for him. The news media saw a glimpse of DeGuglielmo's passion last week. Upset over a complaint to the N.F.L. that he was not available to reporters during the bye week, which coincided with Hurricane Sandy, DeGuglielmo held a news conference in which he alluded to the poor play of some players, referred to decisions being directed from "high above me," and showed a general disdain for the assessment of the line play by reporters. Ducasse was singled out during the 15-minute rant. DeGuglielmo said he had no control over the decision to rotate Ducasse, the 2010 second-round pick, in a platoon at left guard with Matt Slauson. Ryan was forced to clarify that he called for Ducasse to play. "He's played well enough to be an every third series guy, maybe," DeGuglielmo said. Said Ducasse: "It may seem like he took a shot at me, but me and him had this conversation a long time ago, so I knew what he meant. I wasn't offended at all. The linemen have shouldered their share of the blame for the offense's inconsistency. They have allowed 30 sacks in 12 games, which matches their total from the 2010 season and is higher than their 2009 total. "We're not helping the situation," Mangold said. We've let up some pressures. If we all do our part, hopefully that won't happen. The linemen have taken the criticism of Sanchez personally. The quarterback has committed 18 turnovers this season and was benched in last Sunday's 7-6 win against the Arizona Cardinals. Sanchez's success or failure Sunday will be influenced by the five men in front of him. "Everything starts with the O-line," Ducasse said. For them to do well, we have to be on point. When we see something like that happen, we put more pressure on us to do better. Rex Ryan could activate all three of the team's quarterbacks against the Jaguars. Tim Tebow (two broken ribs) will be a game-time decision. Greg McElroy will be the No. 2 quarterback if Tebow cannot play. ...Tight end Dustin Keller is listed as doubtful and Ryan said, "You know me, doubtful generally means that's he's not going."