After the offensive took command over the past few practices, the defensive won the day during Saturday’s practice
To keep the Star Wars puns going, it was the return of the defense for the New York Jets (Episode VI is the best one, argue with a wall).
After some impressive offensive performances in the previous two practices, the Jets’ defense won the majority of the reps on Saturday morning. But who stood out as the main headliners? What were the main takeaways?
Well, that’s what I’m here for today. Follow along for the recap of Saturday’s New York Jets practice, which was open to the fans.
Defensive improvements
As mentioned above, the defense performed much better on Saturday than on previous days.
The defensive line generated more pressure against the offense, whether it was Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, or Andrew Peasley at the helm. Pockets were closing quickly, forcing the quarterbacks to either quickly check the ball down or scramble to escape the pressure. Additionally, the coverage was lockdown for the most part, which also contributed to the large number of checkdowns.
In the running game, holes closed quickly and were stopped for short gains. Outside of a big Braelon Allen run (more on him later), each defensive line and linebacker unit did a good job swarming to the football.
Up to this point of practice, defense has beat the offense. Lots of good downfield coverage and have gotten pressure consistently. Interested to see how the offense responds in the next portion of 11-on-11s #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
In terms of notable performances, Takk McKinley continued a dominant start to camp. He had a few more sacks and was a force in the running game as well. Jarrick Bernard-Converse had another great pass breakup against Jason Brownlee, while Jamien Sherwood looked fast and decisive in stuffing the run and defending the pass.
Taylor getting a move the ball drive here. After a few short runs to Davis, Taylor finds Brownlee to end his drive. Nice catch from the WR. Also, Sherwood would’ve had a nice tackle on a run. Looks very, very fast on defense.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
Micheal Clemons had a much better day, having a nice run stop working across the field, and helped blow up a pass play with McKinley. Will McDonald also had a good day, getting after the quarterback on multiple occasions.
It is good to see a balance from the Jets as a team. The offense winning every day would mean that the defense could be in some trouble in 2024. By showing out in today’s practice, the unit reminded everyone why they are one of the best in football.
Garrett Wilson domination
Despite an overall win by the defense, the offense still had some good performances on Saturday.
To nobody’s surprise, Garrett Wilson continues to dominate practice. In his battles against Sauce Gardner, the Ohio State product has an even opponent. Wilson has beaten the star cornerback a handful of times, such as on a pass across the middle in which Wilson gained a decent chunk of yards. However, Gardner has also beat Wilson, breaking up multiple passes intended for the wideout over the first four practices.
After finding Lazard on another short gain, Rodgers hits Wilson across the middle. Beat Gardner on the route for the catch. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
When it comes to D.J. Reed, however, Wilson has had his way. The veteran has struggled in every facet of covering Wilson. A short screen to the widout would have turned into a long gain due to Reed falling for a juke and getting beat to the angle by Wilson. Wilson also beat him on an out route to the sideline.
GARRETT WILSON 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/NivcaREfEU
— Let's Talk Jets! (@TalkJetsRadio) July 27, 2024
The biggest gain Reed gave up, however, was a deep bomb down the field. Falling for a double move and having a busted coverage, Reed allowed what would have been a 40+ yard touchdown.
AARON RODGERS TD TO GARRETT WILSON 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5gLLr0OvlP
— Let's Talk Jets! (@TalkJetsRadio) July 27, 2024
It is no slight to Reed that he has struggled with Wilson, as the veteran has had great coverage otherwise in camp. Instead, it is a testament to how talented Wilson is and a preview of what kind of season the wideout could have in 2024.
WR and RB room posies interesting battles
Outside of Wison’s performance, one of the main offensive attractions was the depth of the wide receivers and the running backs.
At running back, Braelon Allen continued to impress in both the running game and passing game. On the ground, the Wisconsin product had arguably one of the day’s best runs. He immediately got downhill and looked smooth, shifting through the holes and contact.
Braelon Allen 💪 pic.twitter.com/3Kyhup00qB
— Let's Talk Jets! (@TalkJetsRadio) July 27, 2024
As a receiver, Allen looks smooth and crisp in his route running. His most notable route was a vertical one, running downfield against Sauce Gardner. While likely not in the progression, Aaron Rodgers had a shot to get the ball to Allen, signaling how truly explosive the running back is in all facets of the game. These aspects have likely solidified Allen as RB2.
Outside of Allen, Isaiah Davis continued to show burst and vision. Tarik Cohen showed off his signature shiftiness in the running and passing game, while Abanikanda and Valladay showed some burst with Andrew Peasley.
After missing Garrett over the middle(pass was a little too high for the WR), Davis gets a run for a short gain. Nice vision on the cutback from the rookie though. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
At receiver, Malik Taylor and Allen Lazard continue to lead the charge behind Wilson. Taylor made another leaping grab over rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers despite some great coverage by the rookie, continuing his great camp. Lazard had a running catch along the sideline and caught yet another touchdown from Rodgers, which is helping to establish him as a key situational player for the offense.
Malik Taylor having a nice camp so far. Made a leaping catch over Stiggers for a big chunk. Good coverage, but a better ball and a better catch. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
Just some @AaronRodgers12 to @AllenLazard heat 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3dY7kwmB3V
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 27, 2024
Additionally, Malachi Corley made his presence known with a sliding catch over the middle from Tyrod Taylor. Tyler Harrell had two catches, one of which was a deep pass in which he looked smooth and explosive down the field. Jason Brownlee and Lance McCutcheon had nice catches, with Brownlee’s leaping catch being a highlight of the practice.
Depth at wideout and running back will be paramount for the Jets this season. They cannot afford a steep falloff if one of their key contributors gets hurt or struggles to start the season. As a result, these battles will be key to watch as training camp progresses.
Other practice notes
- Olu Fashanu looks excellent in pass protection, as advertised. He also held his own in the running game on Saturday. Moses and Smith will do wonders for the rookie, on and off the field, in 2024.
- Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts are two players to watch. Their size and ability should help them compete for a roster spot.
- Sam Eguavon hit the Naruto run after making a nice run stop. If you know, you know.
- Some of the rookies fired t-shirts into the stands. Unfortunately, I did not see any future emergency quarterbacks in the making.
#Jets players firing t-shirts into the stands after practice pic.twitter.com/X07vA8OWvK
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 27, 2024
Injury/Reddick updates
Regarding injury updates, Robert Saleh said cornerback Brandin Echols has a “contusion” in his ribs, but they are not worried about him long-term. The head coach also spoke about the update that the Jets were progressing with Haason Reddick on a contract.
“Until he’s here, he’s not. But it’s good to hear, though,” Saleh said with a smirk.
Quote of the Day
“I’ll just say that eight (Rodgers) and Garrett are in a different zone right now…with their chemistry, they’re doing stuff on the go. They are definitely in a different element, but that will make me better.”- D.J. Reed
