FLORHAM PARK, NJ—New York Jets training camp on Tuesday was full of ups and downs. We saw accountability take place in the presence of mishaps, as Gang Green continues to tow the line of being a good, but not yet great football team.
Rodgers’ leadership shines, but the results don’t
Aaron Rodgers continues to prove that despite the outside noise, he’s a true leader for the Jets. Throughout practice, Rodgers was in close proximity to Nathaniel Hackett or Robert Saleh, likely giving and receiving notes based on what was being seen. However, Rodgers was not seen with the rest of the quarterback group as the second and third team took their team reps. Instead, he was located 20 yards behind the offense, watching intently.
Rodgers was also seen speaking with center Joe Tippmann prior to practice. This comes after Tippmann’s unfortunate showing from Monday’s practice. Yet once practice started, things would become dicey once again.
The First Team Offense Struggles
Much like Monday’s practice, the centers for the Jets had issues snapping the ball. Throughout the first, second and third team, snaps were errant. And, in the case of Tippmann and Rodgers, visible frustration once again took hold.
Not good: High snap from Joe Tippmann, Rodgers frustrated after the play #Jets pic.twitter.com/bsxdL1okJP
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
Tippmann himself had another day of practice in which he’d like to forget. Not only did he have struggles with his snaps for a second consecutive day, but he also had some issues blocking. Notably, he was beaten soundly by Quinnen Williams in what would have been a sack against real competition. There’s a chance that Tippmann isn’t cut out to be a center – and that’s okay. He’s still an excellent guard, but the Jets may need to look at bringing in competent competition into the mix.
Quinnen Williams gets the would-be sack on Rodgers. Beat Tippmann badly #Jets pic.twitter.com/mivVxcgZVn
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
At quarterback, Rodgers likely would have hoped for a better day, too. Multiple times throughout practice Rodgers was either behind, or too far above his wide receivers. One play in particular was a target to Garrett Wilson, where the pass actually hit DJ Reed in the chest, who was in on coverage.
Another pass thrown behind by Rodgers. Misses Wilson in the middle of the field. Ball hits DJ Reed in the chest #Jets pic.twitter.com/iDhL0M9zPw
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
Meanwhile, a pass that looked like it would have been uncatchable, resulted in an incredible catch by rookie Malachi Corley along the sideline. The rookie has been involved throughout training camp, and will get his opportunity to prove himself – whether he’s ready or not.
Malachi Corley makes a great leaping catch along the sideline on a high throw by Rodgers #Jets pic.twitter.com/c5uZTIz3Mm
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
Another issue plaguing the Jets offense at the moment are communication issues. Whether it was involving players in the huddle, movement pre-snap, or on the plays itself, it was apparent that communication needs to get better – and quickly.
With that said, there’s still plenty to like about the offense. Wilson has proven to be an elite playmaker. As has Tyler Conklin, who had a great catch and run after Quincy Williams was unable to make a play on the pass.
Pass to the flat to Tyler Conklin. Quincy Williams barely misses the ball. Ends up being a nice gain #Jets pic.twitter.com/CL3IOA9kJi
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
On top of that, Breece Hall and Braelon Allen look like a dynamic one-two punch at the running back position. Jets fans should be excited to see this duo play.
The Defense Looks Stout
As has been the case for multiple training camps now, the Jets defense once again has looked great. Coverage throughout the team has been terrific in most regards. Whether it’s zone or man, the Jets’ first team defense has been swarming to the ball. While there have been openings for the offense, the defense has made them work for it.
The biggest stars of Tuesday’s practice however was the defensive line. After being coached up prior to the start of practice, Senior Bowl standout and UDFA Eric Watts quickly made his presence known. Along with Watts, Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw were also consistently providing pressure.
Another player who has needed to step up is Will McDonald. With Haason Reddick out, this is the chance McDonald needed to prove himself, and he did well on Tuesday. On one rep in particular, he cleanly beat LT Tyron Smith in what would have been a sack. The Jets need to continue seeing these type of reps from McDonald – regardless of whether Reddick is around or not,
In all, there’s a lot to like about the team defense heading into this season.
At RB, Abanikanda is the Odd Man Out
This offseason there were reports that Israel Abanikanda would have an uphill battle to make the team. And, Jets training camp is continuing to prove that narrative does have some life to it.
The third-year running back was running exclusively with the third team on Tuesday. On top of that, while Allen, Tarik Cohen, and Isaiah Davis were involved in kick return duties, Abanikanda was on kick coverage. It seems like New York wants to feature players with ball carrier vision traits at the return position, and it doesn’t bode well for Abanikanda to see him left off of that group.
Corley Uncorked
Throughout this practice in Jets training camp, the rookie wide receiver has been heavily involved. Not only did he receive reps with the first team offense, but also was involved in the second team with Tyrod Taylor. On top of that, Corley was seen participating in both punt and kick return groups.
This just adds the latest wrinkle we saw with the Jets prior to padded camp, where Corley was seen playing out of the backfield. It appears as if the Jets are looking to make him a swiss army knife within the offense, and so far, he seems capable of handling it.
With that said, we have not seen a full route tree out of Corley yet, but this confirms what Saleh spoke about the other day. However, the hope is that he will continue to develop and eventually solidify himself as a solid option for the Jets.
Other Jets Training Camp Notes
- The Jets are holding players accountable. Multiple instances where a miscommunication, penalty, or bad rep led to a player being replaced for the following rep.
- The team opened practice playing out of the pistol. Rodgers seemed uncomfortable with the formation, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see it utilized throughout the season.
- Tyler Harrell and Malik Taylor looked great in practice. Both were creating separation more often than not, and Harrell might be one of the more explosive receivers among the Jets’ depth.
- Brady Latham received some reps at center, and had an extremely impressive rep picking up a stunt. It was one of my favorite pass-block reps of the day.
- Jarrick Bernard-Converse had an up and down day in coverage. However, he ended the 11-on-11 practice with a nice interception against Taylor, covering Lance McCutchen.
- Another up and down day for Allen Lazard. He had a bad drop on the first play of the game, but proceeded to perform well afterwards. This included a couple of nice contested catches. Rodgers trusts him, and Jets fans (and the coaching staff) may be forced too as well.
