Every time a brand new coach is employed, modifications are naturally anticipated throughout the group.
Below Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ practices have been very completely different throughout the three organized workforce actions practices noticed by the media.
Not like the earlier regime, Glenn is dealing with practices very like many school soccer coaches do. He and his workers are actively speaking with gamers and letting them know after they do one thing improper on the sphere. The Jets teaching workers can also be giving gamers fives and complimenting them after constructive performs on the sphere.
“Hard working,” Jets vast receiver Josh Reynolds stated in regards to the tradition Glenn is constructing. “I’m not going to make use of grit, however it’s grit.
“You realize, if we get hit within the mouth, we get again up. We’re going to get again up and hit you again.
“So, that’s kind of what this team needs. He is going to bring that here.”
FIELDS’ PLAY IMPROVES
Clearly, the participant most individuals wish to focus on in the case of the Jets is quarterback Justin Fields. Throughout his three practices obtainable to the media, it has been a combined bag.
Fields’ passing was subpar throughout the windy, wet climate two weeks in the past. However his third follow with the media in attendance on Tuesday was his better of the bunch.
Fields accomplished 12-of-14 passes between 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. He didn’t throw an interception and had some memorable performs. A kind of was a cross close to the sideline to Garrett Wilson, the place solely his receiver was capable of make the catch.
Fields threw a foul cross, however Wilson jumped over Michael Carter II and made the play.
One other noteworthy attribute about Fields is that he has a reside arm and might make nearly each throw down the sphere. One space he must proceed engaged on is holding the ball too lengthy within the pocket.
All through his profession, whether or not in Chicago or Pittsburgh, Fields has been criticized for holding onto the ball too lengthy. This led to him being sacked 151 occasions throughout his first 4 seasons. With the Jets’ improved offensive line, not less than on paper, that ought to enhance.
We gained’t know exactly the place Fields is passing-wise till the pads come on throughout coaching camp. Nevertheless, the Jets have complimented Fields for his management and play throughout OTAs.
“He has this quiet confidence about himself,” Glenn stated about Fields. “He leads by the way in which that he needs to steer. His affect with the blokes on the market, I feel you guys can see it.
“He can galvanize a group of men. Obviously, he’s a talented player and I’m happy that I have him as my quarterback, I really am, because I think the sky’s the limit for this player, I really do. I’m not going to go out there and say that he’s the next Joe Namath or anything like that, but I will tell you what, he’s going to be a good player for us, and I’m excited with what he’s going to do for us this season.”
JETS’ DEFENSE SHOULD BE SMARTER UNDER GLENN, WILKS
The Jets led the NFL in penalties every of the final two seasons (361). That would presumably change underneath Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
“It’s not really about our playbook, it’s about our play style,” Wilks stated. “That’s the thing that we’re trying to emphasize and communicate with these guys. The physicality, the effort, the demand, being smart, not beating ourselves, understanding situational football, and we’re going to make sure that we cater to our players.”
Clearly, penalties and errors are going to occur, however the Jets teaching workers is making an attempt to attenuate them as a lot as potential and so they have achieved that in camp. The Jets aren’t in pads, so there’s no physicality on show from the gamers. Nevertheless, the Jets’ teaching workers is making an attempt to place them in the most effective place to succeed throughout coaching camp in order that they will react extra shortly.
One of many gamers who stood out throughout OTAs is Will McDonald, who’s coming off a ten.5-sack season in 2024. He has gained 15 kilos from his listed taking part in weight of 236 kilos final season, placing him over the 250-pound mark. McDonald didn’t attend Tuesday’s follow.
Jermaine Johnson is one other participant the Jets will rely on this season, however he hasn’t been totally cleared after tearing his Achilles final season.
OTHER PLAYERS MAKING NOISE
With such a younger workforce, there will likely be many spots open for grabs on the Jets roster. Rashad Weaver might be a kind of gamers who may have an opportunity to make the 53-man roster.
Weaver has flashed throughout follow and registered a sack on Tuesday after he was lined up towards first-round choose Armand Membou. Weaver signed with the Jets in March after stops with the Titans, Rams and Texans. The Jets want pass-rushing depth exterior of McDonald and Johnson, and Weaver might be the one who offers that.
Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor has been a formidable safety blanket for the Jets’ quarterbacks. Nevertheless it isn’t simply his catching expertise which have turned heads. Glenn praised his blocking expertise, that are uncommon for a younger participant getting into the league. However at LSU, Taylor was requested to assist with double-teaming gamers, sealing, and stalk blocking.
Large receiver Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson, who performed at Florida State, has made a number of terrific catches together with one coming from a cross from Tyrod Taylor close to the left sideline.
MISSING IN ACTION
Throughout the first week of OTAs, Glenn reported that the Jets had 100% attendance. However along with McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner and Micheal Clemons weren’t seen throughout Tuesday’s follow. OTAs are elective, however a compulsory minicamp shouldn’t be.
The Jets will maintain obligatory minicamp subsequent week, scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Glenn wasn’t forthcoming in regards to the absences, however it’s value noting that Gardner is searching for a contract extension.