The New York Jets offense is slowly progressing
Becoming one of the best offenses in the league, even if you have the talent, takes time and effort. The New York Jets are learning that firsthand.
While making some improvements, the team’s offense ran into more issues on Tuesday, which was their second padded practice of training camp. Some carried over from Monday, and some were new issues that haven’t been seen yet.
You cannot make sweeping assertions based on one practice, but Tuesday provided even more insight into the Jets’ current situation.
The offense takes a minimal step forward
It may be an unpopular opinion, but the offense should not be expected to be a well-oiled machine in late July. And based on Tuesday’s practice, the Jets’ overall unit is still working toward having full synergy.
There were some improvements that could immediately be seen. Rodgers was in more command of the offense at the line, which helped to open up running lanes for the likes of Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. He hit a few great passes to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, while also involving Hall, Tyler Conklin, and Malachi Corley in the passing game. The offensive line had an even battle with the defensive line in pass protection.
Second team series for Rodgers begins with a laser across the middle to Lazard. Fit it between the defenders and hit the WR in stride. Next play is another high snap, which likely results in a Solomon Thomas sack. Next play is a no-look laser to Lazard across the middle. Slick…
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
The improvement extended to Tyrod Taylor’s unit, as the veteran quarterback was in command of the offense and had one of the best plays of the day on a long pass to Malik Taylor.
Taylor²@TyrodTaylor ➡️ @Taylor12Malik pic.twitter.com/XnCzgCmNTM
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 30, 2024
However, the improvements were offset by other issues occurring during the practice. Center Joe Tippmann struggled again with his snaps, with one particularly bad one likely resulting in Aaron Rodgers getting de-cleated by Solomon Thomas if it were a real game. Rodgers was errant on some of his throws, missing behind Wilson on multiple occasions.
Multiple miscommunications also occurred by the offense. Whether blocking assignments from players in motion or routes from wideouts, the Jets’ offense was just slightly off in the communication area.
On 4th down, Rodgers misfired to Garrett. Either a miscommunication or misfire. Lots of time to work these things out.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
There is plenty of time for the unit to mesh together and reach its maximum output. Despite the issues early on in camp, it is not time to worry yet. New York has talented players and leaders all along the offense, and based on how players have spoken about the overall unit, the arrow will only point up going forward.
The Jets’ defense continues to roll
As the offense works out its kinks, the Jets’ defense continues to roll.
In yesterday’s recap, I mentioned that every defense unit has made contributions and played at a high level. That only continued on Tuesday morning.
The defensive line, while not winning every rep, had some significant contributors. Quinnen Williams was his usual dominant self, having a highlight-reel sack in which he tossed Joe Tippmann aside and got to Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers finds Garrett on a a screen the next play. Great job by Sherwood getting an angle and making the tackle. Quinnen Williams then blows by Tippmann for a sack. Great pass rush move. That is followed by WMD beating Smith. Likely a sack, but Rodgers dumped it to Breece for a…
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas each had sacks as well, continuing their good starts to camp. Will McDonald even got in on the action, notably beating Tyron Smith around the edge for a sack on one rep. Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts both continued to get after the quarterback as they push for a roster spot. Watts had two sacks, while McGregor came close to one.
At linebacker, Jamien Sherwood looked fast and explosive in his reads, especially when he had an awesome angle and tackle on a Garrett Wilson screen pass play. Sam Eguavoen and Chazz Surratt also played fast downhill and showed off their coverage ability.
First down play is a screen play that would’ve been blown up by Surratt. Next play is a nice pass to Brownlee down the sideline. Placed it between Stiggers and Monroe.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
In the secondary, Sauce Gardner was tested but had a few pass breakups, notably on a deep Allen Lazard target. D.J. Reed, despite being beaten by Wilson a few times, rebounded to make some nice pass breakups.
Brownlee, in for Lazard on the next play, dropped a pass slightly behind him. Rodgers then missed Lazard down the field on a bomb. Had a step on Sauce, but he had great coverage and forced the incompletion.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
Outside of the main cornerbacks, Chuck Clark made his presence known by laying out Allen Lazard on a vicious hit. The veteran also provided nice coverage throughout practice.
Backups Qwan’tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse had pretty good days in coverage as well. Despite losing a few reps deep down the field, Bernard-Converse was never beaten by a wide margin. He always stayed with his man and provided sticky coverage. He also ended practice with an interception.
JBC ends the practice with a pick on a heave down the field on 4th down. McGregor with some nice pressure on the play too. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 30, 2024
Stiggers was lockdown in coverage for the majority of the day. He stonewalled Jaosn Brownlee and then had a great pass breakup on Tyler Harrell on back-to-back plays. More impressively, he was vocal with Jarius Monroe after a completion, showing early leadership ability.
Qwan'tez Stiggers is gonna take the league by storm 😤#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/dXZnhzaDT7
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 30, 2024
It is a positive that the Jets’ defense is shining this early in training camp. If they can continue to show this level of play throughout the preseason, they could be set up to hit the ground running in an even better spot than last season.
Improved roster depth shines through
After two padded practice days, and specifically Tuesday’s practice, it is evident that the Jets’ roster is much deeper this season.
At running back, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis have shown that their play style will immediately translate to the next level. Tarik Cohen looks shifty and quick as a runner. Even Xazavian Valladay has shown some burst and athleticism shifting through holes and outracing defenders.
Wide receiver has seen Malachi Corley start to emerge, while Malik Taylor and Tyler Harrell seem to be challenging Jason Brownlee for reps. Olu Fashanu and Wes Schweitzer provide the luxury of being depth pieces who can start when needed. Linebackers and cornerbacks have seen late picks or UDFAs, such as Jamien Sherwood, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Chazz Surratt, and Qwan’tez Stiggers, make plays consistently during camp.
The true talent of the depth will not be known until it is tested elsewhere, such as in the preseason and joint practices. However, it is very encouraging to see that the Jets may have a deeper roster than any of their recent seasons.
Other notes
- Kohl Levao had arguably one of my favorite pass-pro reps of the day. Had an awesome anchor that stonewalled the defensive tackle rushing at him.
- Tyler Harrell is my sleeper pick to make the team at wide receiver. Arguably one of the most explosive players on offense during camp so far.
- Breece Hall looks like himself. Very comfortable and explosive in the running and passing games.
- Malachi Corley is making the most of his reps. He had an awesome one-handed catch and played a role on underneath routes. I’m excited to see his development beyond the reps he is already getting.
- Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, and Tyler Harrell worked on kickoff returns, along with Corley and Tarik Cohen. Three words: Ball-Carrier Vision.
Robert Saleh speaks
The Jets’ head coach spoke about the offense, saying that the “execution” is cleaner with guys doing their jobs but that they have to win their matchups now. He also stressed that it is very early and that the team has time to improve.
“We’re very, very early. It’s July 30th. There’s plenty of time to evaluate the one-on-one aspect of it. There’s a lot of installation going in, so there’s still a lot of thinking going on with regard to the playbook,” said Saleh.
“As far as being concerned about one area or the other, I’m not. We are installing, teaching, and fine-tuning our techniques. I’ll start worrying after the Giants preseason game.”
