Jets News 8/9

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Three things to watch at Jets camp on Tuesday

 By
 
 
Ralph Vacchiano 


 9:00AM


FLORHAM PARK, NJ -- The monotony of training camp was broken up big time on Thursday in Florham Park, N.J., when Jets receiver Brandon Marshall and cornerback Darrelle Revis had quite a Battle Royale. It included some intense physical battles, lots of trash talk (some of which may have crossed someone's line), and possibly even a slap to a helmet.

Jets coach Todd Bowles downplayed it and Revis said "It's just football," though Marshall seemed more worked up by it, compared to the other two. Whatever. By Monday everyone had put the extracurricular fun behind them and practice returned to something more mundane.

Will the truce hold, or is it a fragile peace? That's just one of the things I'll be watching at Jets training camp today:

1. Is it really 'no mas' or will there be a Revis-Marshall rematch?

It's hard not to root for the rematch to add a little spice to training camp. Keep in mind, though, there have been many more intense training camp skirmishes than this one and they rarely adversely affect a team. Revis wasn't kidding when he said "It's just football." It happens - and it happens far more often than you think. What made this one different - and perhaps more fun - is that it started with an intense, in-practice competition between two players who rank among the best at their positions in the NFL. It's not often that starters go against other starters that intensely this early in training camp. The action, if nothing else, was a good thing.

2. How is Eric Decker?

He was held out of practice on Monday because his leg was "stiff" and he had "some soreness" according to Bowles. It could just be that he's also 29 and has a game to play (at least a small part of it) on Thursday and the Jets wanted to be careful not to wear him out. Veteran off days in training camp aren't unusual, but any time there's even a minor injury issue involved it bears watching - at least until that player is back on the field.

3. Is Geno Smith looking good?

Those were the reports from Jets camp on Monday, when supposedly the former starting quarterback had one of his finest days of camp so far. There's nothing he can do to unseat Ryan Fitzpatrick, of course, but he does have the preseason to prove his value - like whether he can be a good No. 2 or whether he at all fits into the Jets' quarterback-of-the-future plans. One more good practice won't tell that tale, not when four preseason games are coming up. But the better he plays in the summer, the better everyone will feel about him in the fall.

https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/three-things-to-watch-at-jets-camp-on-tuesday/194523562

 

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Report: Hackenberg has been 'brutally bad' at Jets camp

Sportsnaut Sportsnaut
Jesse Reed
20 hrs ago


Christian Hackenberg has reportedly been unimpressive in his first training camp.© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Christian Hackenberg has reportedly been unimpressive in his first training camp.

The New York Jets made many of us spit out our preferred beverage in shock when they selected quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft (No. 51 overall).

After all, he was not exactly a gem during his college days at Penn State, where his accuracy issues were, shall we say, pronounced?


We here at Sportsnaut took the stance that Hackenberg would be doomed to fail with Gang Green — a franchise that has real trouble developing quarterbacks. Indeed, that sentiment was not diminished when reports came out of offseason practices that the young passer was struggling during OTAs (more on that here).

Therefore it’s not shocking whatsoever to hear he’s been “brutally bad” during training camp.

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Jon Ledyard @LedyardNFLDraft
Take this fwiw, but I've heard from a couple reliable sources at #Jets camp that Christian Hackenberg has been brutally bad.
1:30 PM - 8 Aug 2016
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Right now, Hackenberg is sitting at No. 4 on New York’s depth chart behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, who is not developing into a good NFL-caliber quarterback himself.

Daryl Slater of NJ.com revealed Monday morning that the Jets are barely letting Hackenberg receive any reps at all during training camp, likely as a result of his poor play in the chances he’s gotten to this point.

Things can obviously change over the course of the next few years. But right now? It’s looking like Hackenberg will be one more in a long line of terrible quarterbacks the Jets have brought on board. It was a huge mistake for New York to have drafted him in Round 2, and it may end up being one the franchise regrets for a while.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-hackenberg-has-been-brutally-bad-at-jets-camp/ar-BBvoqU8

 

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‘Silent Killer’ Fitting In on Jets OL
Posted 1 hour ago

Ethan Greenberg
Newyorkjets.com Contributor
After Missing Last Season, Veteran LT Ryan Clady is Excited for Gameday


Four of the Jets’ five starting offensive linemen from last year return, but the big change is at left tackle. Ryan Clady, acquired in a trade from the Denver Broncos in April, has taken over for the retired D’Brickashaw Ferguson. And after taking a cautious approach with Clady this spring, the Jets have unleashed the four-time Pro Bowler during the team’s first 10 summer practices.

“It’s been going well,” Clady said regarding training camp. “But there are a couple things I need to work on like my hands and just getting back into the rhythm of football. I’ve gotten into pretty good shape over the past couple weeks. I’ve had a lot of reps, but overall I think it’s going pretty well.”

The Boise State product called Denver home the past eight years, but he already feels comfortable in Chan Gailey’s system.

“The communication is going very well,” Clady said. “I think that’s one of the things that experience in this league helps. The verbiage is a little different sometimes, but overall I think we communicate well. Nick [Mangold] is great at communicating and putting everybody in the right spots.”

The 6’6”, 315-pound Clady may be physically imposing, but it took some time to break through his soft-spoken demeanor. During minicamp, right tackle Breno Giacomini referred to Clady as a “silent killer” and said the offensive line was trying to get him out of his shell. A month later, Clady is another member of the clan.

“I noticed this group has been really tight since OTAs and I think we’ve only gotten tighter since then,” said Clady, who was the No. 12 overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. “That’s key for offensive linemen because we communicate out there. You have to be able to gel and work together off the field, so it’s going very well.”
Clady, who missed the entirety of 2015 with an ACL tear, is looking forward to playing under the lights Thursday in the team’s preseason opener against Jacksonville.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “A little different environment even though I’ve played here before, but I’m excited.”


http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/art...-Jets-OL/06aba92e-8bf9-4e6f-8f83-588ba9713c19

 

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Jets player spotlight: An inside look at Jalin Marshall's training camp

NFL: New York Jets-Training Camp
We tracked Jalin Marshall on Monday. (Vincent Carchietta | USA TODAY Sports)
Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com By Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 09, 2016 at 7:00 AM, updated August 09, 2016 at 7:15 AM





FLORHAM PARK — Jalin Marshall is one of the Jets' most intriguing undrafted rookies. He is trying to make the team as a complementary wide receiver and punt/kickoff returner.

Marshall, who just turned 21 last month, went undrafted after turning pro very early, following his redshirt sophomore season at Ohio State. He knows many people believe he made the incorrect decision by leaving school. And he now aims to prove them wrong.

Marshall has looked impressive at times in his first NFL training camp. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick praised him for a being a "sponge" and asking insightful questions. Coach Todd Bowles said Marshall and Jeremy Ross will be the Jets' first two punt returners in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Jaguars.

So it came as no surprise that Marshall won our fan vote, for this week's player spotlight feature. We tracked Marshall throughout Monday's practice, and spoke to him afterward about his day and routine.

Here's how it all unfolded:


Did Jets' Todd Bowles handle Marshall-Revis incident correctly?
• 7 a.m.: Marshall awoke at the Jets' team hotel. A devout Christian, he said a prayer, to "thank God for waking me up." He ate breakfast at the Jets' facility and participated in a special teams meeting from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Players get a break from 11 until pre-practice stretching begins at 1:50 p.m. Marshall returned to the hotel and napped for 20 minutes, to freshen up.

Back at the facility, his pre-practice routine is a dip in the hot tub, four Advil pills, and salt tablets to prevent cramping.

• 1:30 p.m.: He joined receiver Brandon Marshall and several other teammates on the field. They spend five minutes, before every practice, sitting around Brandon Marshall's cell phone, mentally preparing for practice.

He has an app that features pre-recorded audio of a sports mentality/visualization coach offering advice on focusing and staying in the present. As they do each day of camp, the players sat quietly on the field and listened to the man's voice.

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"It tells you to breathe, close your eyes, visualize with your feet right now, where you are," Jalin Marshall said.

He loves this ritual, which Brandon Marshall established early in camp.

"It's a lot of stuff going on right now, and you're thinking about: Am I going to make the team? Where am I going to live at? What's going on back home?" Jalin Marshall said. "Everything that you're thinking about, it doesn't need to be brought onto the field, because you can't perform like you need to. You just get those things cleared out of your mind."

• 1:50 p.m.: Practice began. After 15 minutes of stretching, Marshall did a punt/kickoff catching drill, as head coach Todd Bowles stood nearby and observed. Marshall caught one kickoff and streaked down the sideline, showcasing his speed. But Marshall constantly reminds himself to take things one at a time.

"I just focus on catching the ball right here, like the mental [audio] thing, being present in this point right here, making this one count," he said. "I'm pretty confident after I catch it that I can do something with it."

• 2:21 p.m.: Marshall and the wide receivers went through a route-running drill that involved catching soft throws from position coach Karl Dorrell. Then the quarterbacks came over and joined in. Marshall had no problems catching passes while running an out route and dig route.

• 2:36 p.m.: One-on-one drills. Marshall couldn't get outside leverage against Marcus Williams, who knocked down a deep ball. Then Marshall juked Buster Skrine, who slipped, opening up Marshall for a sideline pass. From the 5-yard line, Marshall made a pretty, back-shoulder catch in the end zone, beating Williams.

Ranking top 20 most important Jets for 2016
Ranking top 20 most important Jets for 2016
Who is the most important?

• 2:57 p.m.: The 11-on-11 team periods began — Marshall's chance to shine in a game-like situation. Marshall lined up in the slot and outside during team periods. After getting nine reps and catching the only pass thrown his way (a basic short throw), Marshall jogged to the sideline and greeted Brandon Marshall.

They did a choreographed handshake routine that involved tapping just their pointer and middle fingers together, in tandem. They had the rhythm of this thing down, from spending hours and hours together in this camp. Jalin Marshall is 11 years younger than Brandon. Jalin admires and tries to emulate him.

"When I first got here, I noticed they were doing their little handshake with the two fingers," Jalin Marshall said. "I guess it means playing together. Me being younger, I've got a little swag to me, so we tried to spice it up a little bit."

• 3:30 p.m.: In a red zone team period, Marshall beat Dee Milliner and made an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch on an out route. But Marshall said this wasn't his best catch of Monday's practice. Nor, in his mind, was his second touchdown catch, on a quick, crossing route. He beat Juston Burris on the play and was wide open. Like Marshall's first touchdown catch, Geno Smith threw this ball.

• 3:55 p.m.: Instead, Marshall liked the catch that immediately preceded his second touchdown. It was another quick, crossing route, against Burris. Marshall gained just a few yards, on a Bryce Petty throw, to the 2-yard line. But for Marshall, the way he mentally processed this play made it special.

Before the snap, Marshall surveyed the coverage and identified a blitz. He knew he had to burst off the line and beat Burris to a spot in the middle of the defense, because the blitz was going after Petty. "I knew he was coming to me, because I read the coverage," Marshall said.

Marshall told himself to turn his head fast and get his hands up, ready for the ball, "because you know it's coming quick," he said later. Burris bumped Marshall as Petty flung the ball, but Marshall steadied himself, reached down for the low pass, and secured it with his body.

It was an admirable combination of mental awareness and physical execution — and an ideal way to conclude Marshall's practice.

• 4:20 p.m.: Practice ended, but Marshall stuck around. He practiced holding for some field goals, because he wants to be the emergency holder if he makes the team. He caught Jugs machine passes as a receiver, and also fielded about 15 punts fired skyward from the Jugs machine.

His typical post-practice routine: check his phone for text messages, jump in the cold tub, return to the hotel to shower and relax, eat dinner at the team facility, and attend meetings until 9:30 p.m. He is in bed by 11, asleep before midnight.

But before he dozes off, he makes sure to read his playbook and Bible, and listen to gospel music, with the television off. This routine helps him refocus, review the day's accomplishments, and contemplate the long road that still remains for him.

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/jets_player_spotlight_an_inside_look_at_jalin_mars.html

 

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It took some time, but Jets TE Jace Amaro finally catching on
8:00 AM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tuesday's wake-up call, Day 13 of New York Jets training camp:

What's happening: The Jets practice at 1:50 p.m., their last full practice before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason opener Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.

What's hot: Jace Amaro is making a statement on the practice field. Each day, he notches one or two plays that make you think he can be the pass-catching tight end the Jets so desperately need. At the same time, incumbent Kellen Davis has been quiet in the passing game, which shouldn't be a surprise. He's a blocker, not a receiver, but his blocking might not be enough to remain in the starting lineup. Amaro has a chance to unseat him if he can perform in the preseason games. This could be now-or-never for the former second-round pick. ... Rookie wide receiver Charone Peake enjoyed a breakout practice on Monday. With Eric Decker (leg soreness) on the sideline, and with Brandon Marshall sitting out some periods to rest, the seventh-round pick from Clemson made several receptions. Peake is a size-speed prospect whose draft stock was hurt by durability concerns. He's 6-foot-2 and can run under 4.4 in the 40, so the potential is there. He'll be a must-watch against the Jaguars. ... On Tuesday, coach Todd Bowles could announce his quarterback rotation for the first game. Presumably, he'll go with Ryan Fitzpatrick (a series or two), Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and perhaps Christian Hackenberg. He should give the entire second half to Petty and Hackenberg, although Hackenberg received only a handful of reps on Monday -- perhaps an indication he won't see much time, if any.


http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-j...me-but-jets-te-jace-amaro-finally-catching-on

 

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Leg issue may keep Eric Decker from Jets’ first preseason game

By Brian Costello August 9, 2016 | 12:59am
Modal Trigger Leg issue may keep Eric Decker from Jets’ first preseason game
Eric Decker Photo: Bill Kostroun
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NEW YORK JETS


Eric Decker stood on the sideline Monday, holding his helmet watching practice.

The Jets wide receiver had leg soreness that prevented him from participating.

“He was stiff,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “He had some soreness. He never loosened up.”

Bowles did not sound concerned about Decker, saying he expects him to practice Tuesday. If the issue continues, though, it would not be surprising for the Jets to hold him out of Thursday’s preseason game with the Jaguars.

Darrelle Revis and Brandon Marshall squared off in Monday’s practice without incident. The two went head-to-head in one-on-one and team drills. After Friday’s practice that was filled with trash talk and Marshall taking a swipe at Revis, this was tame.

Marshall beat Revis for a touchdown on their first play against each other and then Revis intercepted the second pass. They did not seem to say much to each other, but both complained to the referee about the tactics of the other to no avail.

One of the more intriguing roster decisions facing the Jets will be what to do at punt returner. Jeremy Kerley was the team’s primary returner in recent years, but is now on the Lions. Bowles said he would like to use a few different return men Thursday night, depending on how many punts the Jets force. The first two returners will be veteran Jeremy Ross and rookie Jalin Marshall.

“All of them catch it well,” Bowles said. “All of them have burst to take off, but there’s not people running down to hit them. We’ll get a better look at them Thursday and next week.”

The Jets activated running back Khiry Robinson off the PUP list. Robinson, who signed with the Jets as a free agent in March, is coming back from a broken he leg suffered in November as a member of the Saints. He only participated in individual drills Monday. Bowles said he has not been ruled out of Thursday’s game.. … The Jets signed WR Anthony Kelly and DL Christo Bilukidi . They waived DL Julien Obioha with an injured designation and placed WR Chris King on reserve/did not report. They had claimed King off waivers Saturday.

Tight end Jace Amaro made the play of the day. He caught a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of traffic. Amaro leapt between two defenders and held on to the ball as he hit the ground. He then gave a Gronk-like spike in the end zone.

Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be getting picked for any pickup basketball games. He scored on a quarterback draw and then twice tried to dunk the ball over the goalpost, hitting the crossbar both times.

Coach Todd Bowles did some one-on-one coaching with cornerback Buster Skrine. Bowles, a former NFL safety, pulled Skrine aside and showed him some coverage tips with safety Calvin Pryor also paying close attention.

TE Zach Sudfeld and CB Juston Burris returned to practice after missing some time. Running back Matt Forte (hamstring), linebacker Trevor Reilly (unknown), RB Bernard Pierce (hamstring), TE Wes Saxton (unknown), wide receiver Kyle Williams (leg), CB Dexter McDougle (hamstring) and safety Ronald Martin (unknown) did not practice. WR Eric Decker was in pads but did not practice due to leg soreness.

http://nypost.com/2016/08/09/leg-issue-may-keep-eric-decker-from-jets-first-preseason-game/

 

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Jets’ Geno Smith throws 6 TD passes in practice

Updated August 8, 2016 9:49 PM
By Kimberley A. Martin kimberley.martin@newsday.com

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Backup quarterback Geno Smith had an impressive day of practice Monday, throwing six red-zone touchdown passes. But as always, Jets coach Todd Bowles refused to get caught up in the moment.
“I’ve got to see the film,” he said. “He made some throws. I think he’s made progress and some strides. We’ll see on Thursday (the Jets’ preseason opener against the Jaguars) and in the next couple of games. But he’s doing a good job.”

According to the team’s first unofficial depth chart, Smith remains the No. 2 quarterback behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, followed by Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg.


The Jets’ banged-up group of running backs got a boost when Khiry Robinson was activated off the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. As scheduled, Robinson participated only in individual drills but he hasn’t been ruled out for the preseason opener. “We’re going to take a look at him some more and see how’s he feeling, see if he has any soreness, and we’ll make a game-time decision,” Bowles said.
Jet streams

RB Matt Forte (hamstring) still is sidelined and not expected to play Thursday . . . WR Eric Decker (leg soreness) didn’t participate, but Bowles expects him to practice Tuesday. WR Brandon Marshall (rest) sat out a portion of team drills . . . WR Anthony Kelly and DL Christo Bilukidi were signed, and DL Julien Obioha was waived/injured . . . WR Chris King was placed on the reserve/did not report list after he failed to show for camp. King was claimed off waivers two days ago after 23-year-old WR Titus Davis quit football and left camp.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/footb...ith-throws-6-td-passes-in-practice-1.12150154

 

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Jets tight end Jace Amaro: From fun-loving to dedicated

Updated August 8, 2016 10:36 PM
By Kimberley A. Martin kimberley.martin@newsday.com



Missed last season with shoulder injury
Thinks work ethic will lead to breakout year

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jace Amaro finally has grown up.
There is an urgency in his voice, a level of maturity that was missing when he arrived in the NFL. The Jets tight end readily admits he never understood the importance of doing “the little things.” But thanks to a shift in perspective, he’s attacking this preseason with astute focus.

A shoulder injury robbed him of the chance to play football last season, and the deaths of close family friends — along with a tragic accident involving the 9-year-old son of another family friend — reminded him that life is precious and that playing football is a gift he no longer can take for granted.
He isn’t the same rookie who once was more concerned with late-night outings and fast food. In his third year in the league, Amaro is determined to prove he’s a different person and an even better player.
“You shut the drinking out, you take out the late nights, you get more sleep, it’s going to pay off in the end,” he told Newsday yesterday, almost a year to the day after he suffered a torn labrum in a 23-3 preseason loss at Detroit on

These days, Amaro can be found in his basement catching tennis balls — “a thousand of them,” he said — from a machine that shoots them out “every two seconds.” He’s content staying home most nights. His weekends have been pretty tame, too, he said, mostly working out at the team’s facility and eating healthy.


“It’s been all football for me,” said the 2014 second-round pick out of Texas Tech.
Maintaining that level of commitment hasn’t been easy.
“It’s tough,” he said, laughing. “You want to go hang out with your friends, but at the same time, all I could think about is: This is my year.

“This is the year that everyone’s counting on me,” added Amaro, who in 2013 set an FBS record for yardage by a tight end with 1,352 on 106 receptions. “This is supposed to be my breakout year. So [those distractions are] just so secondary to me.”

The hard work appears to be paying off. During practice yesterday, Amaro hauled in a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick in triple coverage. In Rob Gronkowski fashion, he spiked the ball in the end zone.
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“I feel like I’m a lot better now, obviously, than I was my rookie year,” said the 6-5 Amaro, who weighs about 258 pounds.

“It’s really just all the small things,’’ he said. “And not getting so emotionally unstable when the coaches get on me. If you mess up, it’s not the end of the world. I was timid to make mistakes my rookie year. Now I feel a lot more loose out here. Especially at the receiver spot, my rookie year, I was thinking more like, ‘Where do I have to run this route at?’ instead of ‘OK, I have to beat this guy.’ And that’s what I’ve been doing and I feel really good about how I’ve been running my routes.”

Confidence never seemed to be an issue for the former Texas Tech star, who after being selected 49th overall declared that he should have been the first tight end drafted. Although he still believes that, Amaro admitted, “I don’t think I prepared myself as well as I could have physically and mentally going into OTAs my rookie year. I know what it takes now.’’

The shoulder injury not only took away an entire season but cost him the reps needed to build chemistry with Fitzpatrick. But Amaro believes “missing last year probably was the best thing that happened to me. It helped me grow up a little bit quicker. That’s what I needed and that’s what happened.”
He’s determined to showcase his talents this season, not only for the Jets, but also for family friend Luke Siegel. On July 28, 2015, the boy — the son of former Texas Tech tennis coach and Manhasset native Tim Siegel — suffered severe head trauma and skull fractures in a golf cart accident in Lubbock, Texas. Luke, now 10, remains confined to a wheelchair.

“He’s a big reason why,” Amaro said. “It’s just things like that that kept me going every single day.”

Amaro has learned his lesson, albeit the hard way. But he’s eager to prove he was worth all of the hype in 2014.
“I just want to play so good on Thursday that it’s like ‘I’m back,’ ” he said of the preseason opener against the Jaguars. “Scoring a touchdown or even just catching one ball would be awesome. I want it to be inside. Saying, hey, I did this. I tore my shoulder. I went through all that. And now I’m back.”

http://www.newsday.com/sports/footb...amaro-from-fun-loving-to-dedicated-1.12150111

 

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Camp for Christian Hackenberg: Just waiting for a chance

By Brian Costello August 8, 2016 | 8:30pm
Modal Trigger Camp for Christian Hackenberg: Just waiting for a chance
Christian Hackenberg carries Ryan Fitzpatrick's pads on Aug. 2. Photo: Bill Kostroun

Christian Hackenberg made his way off the practice field Monday carrying three helmets — his own and those of fellow Jets quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty. Welcome to the life of a rookie in the NFL.

“I’ve been trying to be as quiet and as friendly as I can so I don’t get stuck with stuff,” Hackenberg said a few moments after putting the helmets down.

Hackenberg, the team’s second-round pick, has faced a lot more challenges than just rookie chores in his first training camp. The 21-year-old is trying to pick up a new offense while only getting a few reps in every practice. Hackenberg is the fourth of four quarterback on the depth chart. That means limited opportunities in practice with Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Petty ahead of him.

“I just try to get them [reps] mentally while I’m out there whether it is going through the reads or whatever,” Hackenberg said. “I stand behind the play or in the film room. I try to do something afterward with Bryce or Fitz and try to get something from that. It’s been going well. It’s part of the process. It’s a marathon, not a race. I’m just trying to take it day by day and be as prepared as I can when I get those opportunities.”






The Jets’ plan since drafting Hackenberg out of Penn State has been to let him sit and watch in 2016. They hope he can pick up some tips from the veteran Fitzpatrick and then challenge for the job in 2017.

“Christian is a sponge,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s a very smart kid and I think that pops off right away. He’s got a lot of work to do, and he knows it.”

On Monday, Hackenberg stayed on the field after practice ended with Petty and Fitzpatrick, running through some different things. It is nearly a daily occurrence to see Hackenberg putting in extra work.

“It’s awesome that as a young kid he wants to do that,” Petty said. “It’s tough. He’s been a starter ever since he’s played. This role is different to him probably. I’m kind of used to work behind the scenes. You’ve got to get that work somehow, whether it’s film study, whether it’s going over scripts, whether it’s coming out here after practice and doing things, trying to do the extra where when you get in there, it becomes natural.”

Petty is right. This is the first time since his sophomore year in high school that Hackenberg was not the starting quarterback. After three years of being the man at Penn State, he now has to sit back and watch. But Hackenberg is not complaining.


“Fitz is a guy who has been in it for 12 years now. Geno’s had some experience up here and had some success as well. There’s a lot of guys in our room that I can learn from and Bryce what he learned last year as a rookie,” Hackenberg said. “I just try to stay as narrow-minded as I can and [I’m] just very focused on what is being asked of me both by my teammates and my coaches and do that 1,000 percent. As long as I keep doing that, I feel as the opportunities come I’ll be able to take them head on.”

The Jets’ first preseason game is Thursday night against the Jaguars. Jets coach Todd Bowles said the coaches have not decided yet how much each quarterback will play. There is a chance Hackenberg won’t get to play at all.

In practice, Hackenberg has looked good on some deep throws and shaky on short ones. In short, he looks like a rookie. He said he is not even trying to measure his progress right now.

“I haven’t even had a chance to sit down and think about that,” he said. “I think it’s more so of at the end of the day, if I can say I went out there and I did everything I could do and I’m ready for the next challenge and I learned something, I think that’s a big takeaway for me. As long as I continue to do that, I’ll be ready to roll.”

http://nypost.com/2016/08/08/camp-for-christian-hackenberg-just-waiting-for-a-chance/

 

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The evidence Jets’ Leonard Williams will explode this year

By Steve Serby August 8, 2016 | 7:57pm

STEVE SERBY


The evidence is encouraging enough to embolden the Jets to imagine the possibilities for Leonard Williams to grow from a Big Cat into a Big Lion.

It is the leap so many defensive linemen and pass rushers make sacking the quarterback from their rookie seasons to their sophomore seasons.

Williams (3 sacks in 2015) was widely considered the best player in the 2015 NFL draft, and even on a defense where the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are hungry for the hunt, expectations for a double-digit breakout for Williams are hardly unrealistic.

He has the physical tools, the makeup and the hunger to be The Next Big Thing in New York football.





Williams, who can thrive at tackle and end, isn’t considered a pure pass rusher à la Von Miller or Justin Houston, or even fellow second-year outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (4 sacks in 2015), but neither was Reggie White, Warren Sapp, Geno Atkins or Richardson or Wilkerson.

Every player has different responsibilities in his respective defense, but a look at how more than a few defenders emerged with a vengeance in their second season is revealing (sack totals as rookies and sophomores):


John Abraham: 4.5 to 13
Geno Atkins: 3 to 7.5
Elvis Dumervil: 8.5 to 12.5
Justin Houston: 5.5 to 10
Chandler Jones: 6 to 11.5
Cameron Jordan: 1 to 8
Khalil Mack: 4 to 15
Robert Mathis: 3.5 to 10.5
Willie McGinest: 4.5 to 11
Von Miller: 11.5 to 18.5
Jason Pierre-Paul: 4.5 to 16.5
Robert Quinn: 5 to 10.5
Sheldon Richardson: 3.5 to 8
Warren Sapp: 3 to 9
Bruce Smith: 6.5 to 15
Neil Smith: 2.5 to 6.5
Jason Taylor: 5 to 9
Derrick Thomas: 10 to 20
Osi Umenyiora: 1 to 7
Olivier Vernon: 3.5 to 11.5
J.J. Watt: 5.5 to 20.5
Reggie White 13 to 18 (post-USFL)
Muhammad Wilkerson: 3 to 5

I showed the list to Williams, and he said: “Yeah, that’s crazy.”

I said: “That must give you a little more hope or excitement, or whatever, right?”

Williams replied: “I already knew that it was gonna be a little more of a leap for me going into Year 2, but seeing the numbers, like you said, it gets me a little excited, and makes me feel less bad about my numbers last year. I didn’t feel bad about my rookie year, but I definitely wanted more sacks.”

Wilkerson has already told him not to worry.

“I talked to Mo after my rookie year, and he was saying he had low numbers when it came to sacks his rookie year as well,” Williams said.

Modal Trigger
Williams on Aug. 8Photo: Paul J. Bereswill
Big Cat is on the prowl for more tackle for losses and tackles as well. He is driven to be a dominant, great player.

“Ever since I could play since high school, I’ve always been one of the most dominant players on my team, and in the area, and like all that type of stuff,” Williams said. “… I think I did good my rookie year, but at the same time I wasn’t as dominant as I wanted to be.

“That’s definitely something I’m striving for, and that definitely is something I want to be for a long time.”

Williams paused when asked the biggest lesson he learned as a rookie.

“Basically, it’s just you can’t take any plays off,” he said. “Every play you gotta go 100 percent. I got away with that sometimes in college just ’cause I’d be more physical or more athletic than the guy in front of me.”

He is 6-foot-5, 300-310 pounds with 17 percent body fat. A year ago he played at 315 pounds with 20 percent body fat.

“I feel physically the same as last year, but now I just feel a lot more comfortable in the system. Just being more comfortable helps me play with a high motor. I’m able to play full speed every play, and not have to think,” Williams said.

With Wilkerson and Richardson demanding attention, Williams can wreak havoc on the inside.

“I think I’m more on the inside, just because I feel like they’re more comfortable with having Sheldon and Mo on the outside right now,” Williams said. “But once I keep graduating and progressing, they’ll feel more comfortable having me out there.”


He was the sixth pick of the 2015 NFL draft out of USC, and recognizes how much fun it will be playing on a modern-day New York Sack Exchange. “Playing with other stars on your D-line frees up a lot of other people,” Williams said. “I mean, I’m just real excited about it.”

He has the most recognizable hair in New York sports outside of Odell Beckham Jr. now that Ryan Fitzpatrick has been sheared.

“I’m big, so people are already looking at me. And then with my hair, I like, stand out even more. So not many people look like me, I guess, and it’s easy for people to notice me when I’m just walking around,” Williams said.

He’d prefer a low profile.

“In high school and college, you just keep getting more fans and stuff like that, people love watching you and all that. I love when people are cheering for me when I’m on the field and in uniform, and out here and stuff like that, but when I’m just walking around trying to be a normal person, I just want to be a normal person,” Williams said.

Fullback Tommy Bohanon knows that Big Cat, who purrs more than he roars off the field, is not a normal person on the field and in uniform.

“You can definitely tell and notice a difference with him being able to be in this system for one more year, and kinda work on his technique and do those different types of things,” Bohanon said. “He’s an explosive player. He’s in the backfield a lot, and that’s something that is very noticeable as a fullback. I’m having to chip him and do things like that. Like I said, he gets off blocks very well and he’s in the backfield doing a lot of different things, and it’s pretty impressive.”

Big Cat last year.

Big Lion this year.

“I was younger [21] last year. It was my first year with new coaches, new teammates and my first year in the big leagues. I was probably the youngest one on the field every time I was out there. Now being older and more mature and more comfortable, I know what I’m doing now, so I’m looking forward to a big year,” Big Lion Williams said.



http://nypost.com/2016/08/08/the-evidence-jets-leonard-williams-will-explode-this-year/

 

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9 Practice Takeaways: 8/8
Posted 16 hours ago

Eric Allen
Sr. Reporter/Director, Internet Programming
Email @eallenjets On the Inside
Decker Gets a Rest, Revis Continues to Ramp Up


Offensive POD: In a got to have it situation, TE Jace Amaro got it done. With the offense in need of a touchdown and time ticking off the clock, Ryan Fitzpatrick stepped up in the pocket and fired a laser into the end zone. The window was tight and Amaro had three defenders circling like seagulls searching for french fries, but the big target hung on to the rock after the contact. Excited after the score, Amaro got up and emphatically spiked the ball to the ground. Earlier in practice, Amaro also was on the receiving end on a nice scoring fade from Geno Smith.

Defensive POD: On a day void of turnovers and full of plays where it was hard to determine would-be sacks, there were a number of PDs in team drills. And while Julian Stanford had a nifty pass break-up on a ball intended for TE Zach Sudfeld, there was nothing more exquisite than CB Darrelle Revis’ diving PD of a Geno Smith rocket to WR Chandler Worthy.

Marshall vs. Revis: Speaking of Revis, he saw a lot of WR Brandon Marshall early in today’s session before team drills kicked off. (After Marshall had a brilliant one-handed scoring catch in team, he watched a lot of the young receivers get reps with the first unit.)

Follow
Eric Allen @eallenjets
Revis and Marshall matched up against each other in 1-on-1s. After a Marshall score (24 wanted a flag), Rev answers with a pick off 14.
2:41 PM - 8 Aug 2016
14 14 Retweets 38 38 likes

Stuffed at the Crossbar: After Ryan Fitzpatrick displayed his sneaky athleticism on a scoring run in goal line drill, the veteran QB provided some comedy relief. He attempted to dunk the ball over the crossbar two consecutive times, but he was denied on each occasion. We still think Fitzpatrick, who apparently shaved his mustache, can throw a basketball down on a regulation rim.




Notables: Rookie WR Charone Peake is starting to show up a little more as today he hauled in a long pass down the sideline from Fitzpatrick…With Revis seeing more reps, Marcus Williams saw a lot of action in team on the outside and Buster Skrine would shift inside in nickel situations… Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana continue to get reps with the first offense at RT…. Rookie CB Juston Burris nearly had himself a one-handed highlight reel grab, but he had to settle for a PD instead of an a INT… QB Geno Smith was sharp all afternoon and particularly excelled during red zone drills.

Robinson Returns: After being activated, RB Khiry Robinson took part in individual drills with the running backs. The 6’0”, 220-pounder, who played in 28 games the past three seasons with the Saints while averaging 4.1 yards per carry, is working his way back from a tibia fracture. Head coach Todd Bowles did not rule Robinson out of Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.




Decker Gets a Rest: Veteran WR Eric Decker was held out of team drills as he was dealing with leg soreness. He is expected to practice full on Tuesday.

DNP: RBs Matt Forté (hamstring) and RB Bernard Pierce (hamstring), S Ronald Martin, CB Dexter McDougle (hamstring), LB Trevor Reilly, TE Wes Saxton and WRs Eric Decker (leg) and Kyle Williams (leg).

PUP List: RT Breno Giacomini (back), WR Devin Smith (knee) and DL Muhammad Wilkerson (leg).

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/art...aways-88/07edf3f4-be09-42c6-9d7a-55be178b363e

 

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FLORHAM PARK— Just going to throw this out there as a new (and probably first?) rule for NJ Advance Media's 3 stars:

If you throw six touchdown passes in practice, you get the No. 1 ranking. So Geno Smith, come on down and collect your hypothetical award.

The Jets' quarterback was, simply put, on fire Monday. In red zone and team drills, Smith threw touchdown after touchdown to five different receivers. Not only that, he was accurate, completing 16-of-19 passes. It was arguably his best practice of camp thus far.

As for the other two stars? Well, you're going to have to watch the video above and find out.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

 

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Should Jets give Christian Hackenberg more camp reps? | Mailbag


Jets camp Week 2: 4 big takeaways
Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com By Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 08, 2016 at 6:00 AM, updated August 08, 2016 at 7:56 AM




Jets mailbag time, gang.

On to your questions, and our answers ...

Follow
Tyler McAndrew @TylerMcAndrew
@DarrylSlater If Hackenburg is supposed to be QB of future, wouldn't you think he would be getting more reps in TC?
10:47 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets likes

Christian Hackenberg, the Jets' second-round draft pick, has received barely any team periods reps in this training camp. He is No. 4 on the Jets' quarterback depth chart. Obviously, they need to get starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and backup Geno Smith a bunch of reps, to prepare them for the season. But what about No. 3 guy Bryce Petty, a second-year pro? (He is clearly well behind Smith, by the way.) Should Petty get more reps than Hackenberg? Remember, the Jets have no plans to play Hackenberg this season. They want him to sit and develop. Of course, it's difficult to develop when you're not getting a lot of practice reps. But here's the thing with Petty: The Jets must determine, this month, if they want to retain him on the active roster, cut him and try to stash him on their practice squad, or move on from him altogether. So they need to get a thorough evaluation of him in this camp. Which is why they have to see a bunch of Petty. They're not under any pressure to make a decision about Hackenberg. He's not going anywhere. Another factor: Fitzpatrick and Smith both will be free agents next offseason. If the Jets get rid of Petty, Hackenberg would be their only quarterback definitively under contract for 2017. If Petty departs in a few weeks, Hackenberg's reps will increase. We'll see how it all shakes out.

Ira in Staten Island, via email: A few battles going on in camp. With running back Bernard Pierce getting hurt and Khiry Robinson not ready from his injury, Dominique Williams is really going to get a shot at starting Thursday. To me, kickers Nick Folk and Ross Martin are even. I think one or both have a real shot at making the final 53-man roster. Especially Martin, since they could save the money from cutting Folk and get a veteran offensive lineman, which they really need. Thoughts?

Some ailing guys at running back (Matt Forte, too), so I'd expect Bilal Powell to get the initial reps Thursday, and then a bunch of Williams after that. (Todd Bowles said he's not going to rest any of his healthy guys Thursday.) Folk and Martin absolutely are even so far. I don't think the Jets will keep two kickers. I expect Folk to eventually win the job. But you're right: Cutting him would create $2.1 million in salary cap space. And there's that lingering issue of right tackle Breno Giacomini's back injury. He hasn't practiced yet in this camp, and the Jets have no proven backup offensive linemen.

Follow
paul newbold @yetsober
@DarrylSlater Daryl. How do you see this OL coming together? Young guys getting reps due to injuries, any standouts in camp?
11:09 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets 1 1 like

Really hard to judge this until preseason games begin. Left guard James Carpenter (hamstring) is back from his injury. Dakota Dozier was getting his reps. Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana have been splitting Giacomini's reps, in his absence. The starting offensive linemen have all looked fine. Backup center Wesley Johnson has had some shaky snaps. Again, until this is proven otherwise, the Jets have a precarious situation with all of their offensive line backups, as Ira alluded to.

@DarrylSlater Is anyone standing out for the return job? Does McLendon look like he'll fill Snack's shoes?

— Cale Upshaw (@Calerblind) August 7, 2016

Jeremy Ross and Jalin Marshall appear to be the primary candidates for the punt/kickoff return jobs. Steve McLendon is a different kind of player from Damon Harrison, who is a pure nose tackle. McLendon is more of a defensive tackle who can play various roles on the line. Too early to determine whether McLendon can stop the run like Harrison did. Need to see a bigger body of work. Here's McLendon, in his own words, on how he is different from Harrison.

Follow
Brendan Byrne @Booboobyrne
@DarrylSlater has Giaco lost his job, and Howe has Winters looked
10:55 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets likes

No, Giacomini hasn't lost his job because he missed the first nine practices of camp due to a back injury. As I mentioned, it's not like he has proven players behind him. Right guard Brian Winters has looked fine, but it's really hard to judge this sort of thing in a non-game situation.

Follow
Robert Thee @jerricho89
@DarrylSlater Haven't heard that much about Marcus Williams so far. How's he doing in TC?
10:54 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets likes

He did some positive things in Saturday night's practice against Brandon Marshall. Williams held his own. He can play outside or in the slot. The Jets continue to have him as their outside cornerback in their nickel package, with Buster Skrine in the slot. Can Williams challenge Skrine for the outside cornerback job in the base defense, opposite Darrelle Revis? Perhaps. But Skrine has looked good, too, in this camp. Don't be surprised if the Jets maintain their current cornerback deployment, in terms of Williams' and Skrine's roles.

Follow
NFLSpecialist @NFLSpecialist
@DarrylSlater how do the 3 young linebackers look overall? Prediction on their playing time when it counts?
10:52 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets likes

I confirmed here that you're referring to Lorenzo Mauldin, Jordan Jenkins, and Darron Lee. Mauldin and Jenkins are the early favorites to start at outside linebacker, though Bowles said other guys will get work with the first team in the coming days (like Mike Catapano and Freddie Bishop). Lee has worked exclusively with the backup so far. He'll be a part of the Jets' sub packages early this season, but it's not clear how the Jets will use him. He's not going to be the starter next to David Harris — not initially, and perhaps not all season. And I do think Mauldin and Jenkins will be the starting outside linebackers.

Follow
Michael @pumaukno
Chances of J.Marshall climbing to the #3 WR spot?@DarrylSlater
10:48 AM - 7 Aug 2016
Retweets likes

Not going to happen, at least not initially. Quincy Enunwa, though he's an H-back, currently holds that role. And Kenbrell Thompkins is the No. 4 receiver right now. Jalin Marshall is just fighting to make the roster as a fifth receiver and return guy. He has done some good things in this camp, but it's way too early to move him that far up the depth chart.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

 

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Jets replaced a Brick by trading for a gem ... and the payoff will be big
11:45 AM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- General manager Mike Maccagnan, who once considered a career on Wall Street, showed last season that he has the ability to identify undervalued stocks. His trades for Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick cost him only two late-round draft picks, and the payoff was huge. Those moves changed the New York Jets’ season.

He might have done it again with Ryan Clady.

Because he's an offensive lineman, Clady won't grab as much attention as Marshall and Fitzpatrick, but he will be vital to the Jets' chances in 2016. It's still early, of course, but this has the look of another winning trade.


The Jets hope Ryan Clady can return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed during his time in Denver. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Capitalizing on an unusual left-tackle situation in Denver, Maccagnan bought low and landed a player with a Pro Bowl pedigree. He got Clady on the cheap because of his injury history -- Clady missed last season because of knee surgery -- but the lineman has shown no residual ill effects. He's taking the vast majority of the practice reps, perhaps more than any other starter on the offensive line.

This could be a new version of the Marshall trade. The Jets gave up a fifth-round pick, receiving a seventh-rounder and a highly motivated, elite player looking to recapture his previous form. Clady's last three injury-free seasons (2011, 2012 and 2014) all culminated with a Pro Bowl selection.

And he believes it can happen again.

"I'm feeling really good right now," Clady said. "[The Pro Bowl] is definitely always the goal. My main goal is to stay healthy and win a lot of games."

Clady is replacing the popular D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who retired abruptly in April. Ferguson didn't miss a practice in 10 years, much less a game, but his performance slipped last season in the opinion of the organization. Truth be told, the Jets went into the offseason with a succession plan. They made a bid for Kelechi Osemele, but he signed a monster deal with the Oakland Raiders. They continued to explore the free-agent market and draft prospects.

Meanwhile, the Jets watched from afar as Clady's situation in Denver deteriorated. The Broncos wanted him to take a massive pay cut and, when he refused, they signed Russell Okung to a below-market contract. Just like that, Clady was looking for a new team. Cold business, the NFL.

As they monitored Clady, the Jets floated the idea of a pay cut to Ferguson, who decided he'd rather be an ex-Jet than stick around for a discount. The Clady trade was announced the day after Ferguson retired, but in reality it had been in the works for several days.

Essentially, Clady is stepping into the shoes of football's Cal Ripken Jr. If Clady misses a game, he'll hear about Ferguson's ironman streak -- 160 straight games and no plays missed because of injury. Just the other day, Clady and left guard James Carpenter were talking about it after practice, marveling at Ferguson's durability.

"Unbelievable," Clady said.

Clady always admired Ferguson, ever since Clady's college days at Boise State. In a way, Ferguson inspired him.

"Great dude," he said. "When I was a younger guy in college, I started looking at the draft and thinking, 'Yeah, maybe I can make it to the NFL.' He was a high pick, a few years before me. I always looked at his career and always respected him.

"When my agent first told me I had the opportunity to come here, I was like, 'What's going on with Brick?' My agent was like, 'I don't know, I think he may retire.' I was happy for him. It was a great career."

Clady is similar to Ferguson in that he's quiet and studious, not a "me" guy. Center Nick Mangold raved about Clady's "attention to detail" and work ethic. This is an unusual situation for Mangold, who played with Ferguson for 10 years. It's surreal not seeing No. 60 to his left.

"It's been a long time since I had to think about the left-tackle perspective, because I always knew Brick was there," Mangold said. "Carp and I have our own little language and we have to make sure [Ryan] gets that. It's been fun doing that because I haven't done it in 10 years."

No one wants to disparage Ferguson, who will be in the Jets' Ring of Honor someday, but Clady is younger, more cost effective and simply better than his esteemed predecessor. The Jets were lucky that he was available and that they could make it happen.

Trader Mike has done it again.

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-j...-trading-for-a-gem-and-the-payoff-will-be-big

 

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Jets replaced a Brick by trading for a gem ... and the payoff will be big
11:45 AM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- General manager Mike Maccagnan, who once considered a career on Wall Street, showed last season that he has the ability to identify undervalued stocks. His trades for Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick cost him only two late-round draft picks, and the payoff was huge. Those moves changed the New York Jets’ season.

He might have done it again with Ryan Clady.

Because he's an offensive lineman, Clady won't grab as much attention as Marshall and Fitzpatrick, but he will be vital to the Jets' chances in 2016. It's still early, of course, but this has the look of another winning trade.


The Jets hope Ryan Clady can return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed during his time in Denver. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Capitalizing on an unusual left-tackle situation in Denver, Maccagnan bought low and landed a player with a Pro Bowl pedigree. He got Clady on the cheap because of his injury history -- Clady missed last season because of knee surgery -- but the lineman has shown no residual ill effects. He's taking the vast majority of the practice reps, perhaps more than any other starter on the offensive line.

This could be a new version of the Marshall trade. The Jets gave up a fifth-round pick, receiving a seventh-rounder and a highly motivated, elite player looking to recapture his previous form. Clady's last three injury-free seasons (2011, 2012 and 2014) all culminated with a Pro Bowl selection.

And he believes it can happen again.

"I'm feeling really good right now," Clady said. "[The Pro Bowl] is definitely always the goal. My main goal is to stay healthy and win a lot of games."

Clady is replacing the popular D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who retired abruptly in April. Ferguson didn't miss a practice in 10 years, much less a game, but his performance slipped last season in the opinion of the organization. Truth be told, the Jets went into the offseason with a succession plan. They made a bid for Kelechi Osemele, but he signed a monster deal with the Oakland Raiders. They continued to explore the free-agent market and draft prospects.

Meanwhile, the Jets watched from afar as Clady's situation in Denver deteriorated. The Broncos wanted him to take a massive pay cut and, when he refused, they signed Russell Okung to a below-market contract. Just like that, Clady was looking for a new team. Cold business, the NFL.

As they monitored Clady, the Jets floated the idea of a pay cut to Ferguson, who decided he'd rather be an ex-Jet than stick around for a discount. The Clady trade was announced the day after Ferguson retired, but in reality it had been in the works for several days.

Essentially, Clady is stepping into the shoes of football's Cal Ripken Jr. If Clady misses a game, he'll hear about Ferguson's ironman streak -- 160 straight games and no plays missed because of injury. Just the other day, Clady and left guard James Carpenter were talking about it after practice, marveling at Ferguson's durability.

"Unbelievable," Clady said.

Clady always admired Ferguson, ever since Clady's college days at Boise State. In a way, Ferguson inspired him.

"Great dude," he said. "When I was a younger guy in college, I started looking at the draft and thinking, 'Yeah, maybe I can make it to the NFL.' He was a high pick, a few years before me. I always looked at his career and always respected him.

"When my agent first told me I had the opportunity to come here, I was like, 'What's going on with Brick?' My agent was like, 'I don't know, I think he may retire.' I was happy for him. It was a great career."

Clady is similar to Ferguson in that he's quiet and studious, not a "me" guy. Center Nick Mangold raved about Clady's "attention to detail" and work ethic. This is an unusual situation for Mangold, who played with Ferguson for 10 years. It's surreal not seeing No. 60 to his left.

"It's been a long time since I had to think about the left-tackle perspective, because I always knew Brick was there," Mangold said. "Carp and I have our own little language and we have to make sure [Ryan] gets that. It's been fun doing that because I haven't done it in 10 years."

No one wants to disparage Ferguson, who will be in the Jets' Ring of Honor someday, but Clady is younger, more cost effective and simply better than his esteemed predecessor. The Jets were lucky that he was available and that they could make it happen.

Trader Mike has done it again.

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-j...-trading-for-a-gem-and-the-payoff-will-be-big

Good article by Cimini

IMO Clady may be the most important player on the Jets this year. if he holds up, again IMO, Fitz will have as good a year as he did last year. if Clady goes down, Look out!!!!!!!!

Hasn't been much written about the OL in camp so far. I was really wondering how Clady was doing. The first few days some scribes were talking about how rusty he looked (chris nimbley) Since then not much, which I guess is good for an OL.

Really happy Cimini thinks he is approaching his old self.

BTW Rich please don't call Macc "Trader Mike" we've been down that road before.

 

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Analyzing progress of Bilal Powell so far

by Luis Tirado Jr. 1 hour ago Follow @LTJ81

As the New York Jets prepare for their first preseason game, running back Bilal Powell has been quite impressive so far during training camp.

Preseason action will finally be upon the football world soon as the New York Jets are starting to have a good idea on what kind of roster they plan to have heading into the regular season. Many players are earning their reps while others are using the opportunity to get ready for another memorable season ahead.

RELATED STORY: Early fantasy football predictions for Bilal Powell

For running back Bilal Powell, it’s another huge opportunity to prove that he can be a consistent, durable and above all else dynamic weapon on offense. So far during training camp, he’s been handling extra reps at the positional group due to injuries to others as many see his speed, awareness and execution have all increased during the offseason.


It’s no secret that last season, Powell was a key factor for the Jets towards the latter part of the year. His ability to be a dual-threat running back brought a dimension on offense that opposing defenses couldn’t contain. Powell missed significant amounts of time due to injury but when he was on the football field, made his presence known early and often.

Last season, Powell totaled 313 rushing yards, 70 carries and one touchdown. As a receiving option, Powell totaled 388 receiving yards, 47 receptions and two touchdowns. While the stats might not be extraordinary, his ability to come through in the clutch during key situations during the regular season tremendously helped the Jets win plenty of football games.


If Powell can be healthy throughout the upcoming season, he could very well have a breakout year.

Entering his sixth season in the NFL, he could surpass all expectations thanks to how well he’s been doing in training camp.

The momentum he could bring into the regular season after having an excellent training camp could be exactly what the Jets need to have a fighting chance against a tough slate of opponents early on in 2016.

It won’t be easy but Powell could easily be an x-factor on offense and enable the Jets to pick up exactly where they left off from last year.

Even head coach Todd Bowles gave some praise to Powell and what he’s seen him do so far during training camp. When asked several questions about Powell by the media, here is what Bowles had to say, courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

On Bilal Powell’s camp so far…

He’s been healthy, he’s been quick, he looks a lot quicker than he did last year. He’s always smart, he’s always talking, he’s steady. What you see is what you get all the time from him. I’m happy about that.

On how Powell keeps getting quicker every year…

I guess he works in the offseason, I don’t know. He looks quicker. He does a good job training. He keeps his mouth shut, he’s very smart, he’s very studios and he’s very attentive.

On if he has any concern with the number of reps Powell is getting…

Not at this time. He hasn’t been banged around a lot, so he’s getting the same amount of reps they will be getting.

Overall, expectations for Powell are high as the Jets face a tough schedule with defenses knowing what makes their offense tick. While all eyes will be on guys like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte and Eric Decker, Powell could be that offensive spark that gets this team to surprise many once the regular season arrives.

http://thejetpress.com/2016/08/09/new-york-jets-analyzing-progress-bilal-powell-so-far/

 

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BGA: Analyzing the first official depth chart

By Bent | 12:00PM



As is customary after their main intra-squad scrimmage, the Jets released their first official depth chart of training camp on Monday. As always, this throws up a few interesting wrinkles, as we seek to gather clues as to which way the coaching staff might be leaning in terms of some of the main position battles.

What does it mean?

The Jets would traditionally issue unofficial depth charts to all players early on in the offseason, often with a separate defensive depth chart for the sub-packages. The staff will also have their own working depth chart which will be constantly updated in real time. However, this first annual release can sometimes tip us off to a few things we didn't realize.

It's telling that whenever Todd Bowles is pressed to comment on young players who have been impressive in practice, he almost always downplays it by saying things like "we only just got into pads" or "we've only been practicing for a few weeks". That's consistent with how the team tends to display its first depth chart because late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies will typically be listed as "other".

To some extent, that will depend on how much room there is, though. For example, fourth round pick Juston Burris is listed in the "other" column at the stacked cornerback position, while fifth rounder Brandon Shell is listed as the second string left tackle.

Those youngsters are joined in the "other" column by the four players who were inactive due to being on the PUP list as of last weekend. That's why the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson and Breno Giacomini are not listed as first, second or third-string, despite being presumptive starters. However, Matt Forté - who has missed most of the practices so far, but did not spend any time on the PUP list - and James Carpenter - who came off the PUP list last week - are listed as starters.

From what we've learned in the past, this depth chart can often already be a few days out of date when published. We'll have heard of a player getting reps ahead of a positional rival over the past few days, only for them to still be listed behind that rival player when the depth chart is published.

Due to the limitations of the depth chart format, it's difficult to account for overlap between players who might be capable of playing more than one role. You might therefore find a player who might seem more suited to back up at one position ends up being listed as another, in order to display them as a second or third stringer in line with their standing on the roster, rather than listing them lower down the depth chart on what might be their preferred position.

For example, on the offensive line, since there are five starting positions and only 14 active players, they can fit each active player in as first, second or third-string. However, at wide receiver, there are only two spots and multiple options, forcing the team to make liberal use of the "other" column.

Who is higher than expected?

Ben Ijalana - Ijalana is listed on the first unit at right tackle. With Giacomini out, someone had to be the starter and Ijalana edges out Brent Qvale, which is probably fair based on their on-field résumés. Giacomini is still dealing with a back injury suffered in mandatory mini-camp, so the possibility for him not to be ready in time for the start of the season has to be considered.

Jordan Jenkins - As noted, unproven rookies don't always earn immediate recognition on these lists. For example, Calvin Pryor wasn't initially listed as a starter on the first depth chart release of 2014, even though he did go on to basically start all year. However, Jenkins already finds himself listed as a starter at one outside linebacker position. He seems to have been getting more and more reps with the first team as camp goes on and, based on reports, is handling that well.

Lawrence Thomas - We figured the Jets would be higher on Thomas than most of their undrafted rookies due to the guaranteed money they gave him when they signed him. However, it's surprising to see him listed as a second-stringer already, especially since he seems to have had a mostly quiet camp, following some positive comments from coaches earlier on in the offseason. He will presumably move down to third-string once Wilkerson returns though. Those top six spots would appear to be locks, so Thomas will have to keep the momentum going to be a practice squad candidate or an active roster stash during the season.

Who is lower than expected?

Jarvis Harrison -We were recently wondering whether Harrison would take the next step. However, currently listed as the third-string right tackle, it doesn't look good for Harrison right now. Craig Watts is surprisingly listed as the second unit right guard, in the spot where you might have expected to find Harrison. We'd heard Harrison had been playing some tackle, but assumed this was for emergency duties and that he'd continue to compete at guard, where most draft experts projected him. As a talented player with work ethic concerns, maybe they've put him on the third unit as a motivational ploy. As for being at tackle, that might just be because the limitations of the depth chart prevented them from fitting everyone on that unit if he was listed in place of one of the other guards who doesn't play tackle.

Trevor Reilly -Reilly landing on the third unit is definitely a surprise, especially since the team said he was listed as a first-stringer during the first week of camp. Mike Catapano has apparently moved ahead of him, while Freddie Bishop is the second-stringer on the other side. Could Reilly's roster spot be in jeopardy? I don't see much of a pattern in terms of who is backing up each spot, so right now I suspect there's some overlap and everyone is in the mix for both roles.

Deion Barnes - Barnes is unable to even make it onto the third unit at either outside linebacker spot, as he finds himself listed in the "other" column despite being neither a rookie nor injured. According to linebacker coach Mike Caldwell, Barnes was the player who improved the most on either side of the ball in the offseason, but he seems to have had a quiet camp so far. This underlines the fact that while the Jets have unproven players contesting the two outside linebacker spots, they have a wealth of options.

Close battles to watch

Back-up safety - Ronald Martin v Dion Bailey - Bailey saw more time than Martin last year - and fared well - but he's had some injury issues and finds himself listed behind Martin. However, Martin has had some injuries himself in the last few days, so Bailey has a chance to narrow the gap.

Back-up wide receiver/return specialist - Jeremy Ross v Jalin Marshall - Marshall and Ross are both looking for a spot, with the winner expected to be the one who proves the most as a return man. However, Marshall has made some good offensive contributions in practice and seems to be moving up the offensive depth chart, despite still being listed as "other". Ross is unable to crack the top three at receiver, but is listed as the top return man, with Marshall again classified as "other". Curiously, Kyle Williams and Chandler Worthy are both listed as third-stringers on offense while Williams is listed as the second-string return man and Worthy isn't even listed there. With Williams injured, apparently Marshall and Ross will get most of the return work in Thursday's game.

Back-up MIKE linebacker - Bruce Carter v Taiwan Jones - Carter worked with the first unit while David Harris took a day off last week, so it stands to reason that he's listed as the second stringer. Unlike Jones, he's also capable of contributing at the other linebacker spot, though. At that spot, Erin Henderson is listed as the starter ahead of rookie Darron Lee, but that will probably hold on the basis that if Henderson gets running downs and Lee plays in coverage situations, Lee will play more even though he won't be in the starting line-up as often.

Starting cornerback - Buster Skrine v Marcus Williams v Dee Milliner - Skrine seems to be hanging on to the starting role with Williams and Milliner competing to be the guy who plays outside in the nickel package when Skrine reverts to the slot. It's interesting that Milliner is listed as backing up Darrelle Revis and that's been the case in camp with Milliner seeing most of his first team reps when Revis is out, but not playing much when he is in there. He's perhaps the guy best equipped to replace Revis' role in terms of shadowing a receiver and being left on an island, but if he continues his solid camp, the team might look to find him reps in other roles.

Kicker - Nick Folk v Ross Martin - The much-anticipated punter battle never materialized but the kickers have been going toe-to-toe since camp opened. Martin has held his own against Folk, even out-kicking him a couple of times last week. However, it will likely come down to preseason and, if Folk doesn't make a mistake, I still believe the team will retain him regardless of what Martin does, even though they'd save a little money (about $1.5 million) by going with the youngster.

Tight end - Kellen Davis v Jace Amaro - Davis is listed as the starter here, but he and Amaro basically play two different roles. Davis will be primarily an in-line tight end, while Amaro plays H-back. So, again, while Davis is listed as the starter, it could be that Amaro gets more snaps, depending on the personnel packages employed in any given week. Unless someone else steps up to challenge Davis, it looks like this will be the situation and that would free up Quincy Enunwa to play more conventional wide receiver reps, at least until Devin Smith is ready to return.

Conclusions

The most important thing to remember is that this is not necessarily the way things are destined to shake out in the long run. While the staff might not get too concerned about any preseason struggles from their more established veterans, performing well in preseason is definitely more significant than anything that takes place in practice, especially for young players aiming to prove they can cut it at this level.

The best example of this was back in 2012, where the initial depth chart had Austin Howard as the third string right tackle behind Wayne Hunter and Dennis Landolt. By the end of preseason, Howard had established himself as the starter and ended up starting all 16 games.

Nevertheless, the depth chart does give us some insight into who might be winning these battles right now and also the level and quantity of reps we can expect for each player in preseason. With the first game just a couple of days away, we'll soon get a sense of which players are destined to move up or down the pecking order.


https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/bga-analyzing-the-first-official-depth-chart/194535738