During the New York Jets’ Green and White scrimmage, the offense and defense had one of their most even battles yet
While the autumn wind usually means the regular season is near, the summer heat usually means teams are in the heart of training camp.
That was turned up to 11 on Saturday, as the New York Jets had their annual Green and White scrimmage.
The heat was palpable, the vibes were intense, and the play on the field was as close to live action as it has been all summer. As a result, it was arguably one of the best training camp practices for the Jets as a team.
Why was that the case, though? Read along to hear all of my takeaways from Florham Park.
Punch, counterpunch
If I were to summarize the practice scrimmage, I would describe it as an evenly-matched UFC fight.
On the offensive side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers was in full command of the unit. The star quarterback constantly got the offense into the correct play calls and in position to make plays. His connection with Garrett Wilson was thriving, whether on quick hitters across the middle or on deep back-shoulder fades.
What a catch @GarrettWilson_V #NYJ pic.twitter.com/Cs1pTZ11oZ
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) August 3, 2024
Allen Lazard (more on him later) continued to impress, including a leaping catch over Brandin Echols in a two-minute drill that helped the Jets put more points on the board. Breece Hall looked shifty and explosive with the ball in his hands, while Braelon Allen looked like a locomotive rolling downhill.
up, up, and away ✈️@AaronRodgers12 | @AllenLazard pic.twitter.com/Yj5e0zujJ1
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 3, 2024
No look pass from Aaron Rodgers 👀
And then a filthy juke by Breece Hall 🔥🔥#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/dxnMiy9OW0
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 3, 2024
The second unit even had some standouts, with Jason Brownlee (more on him later, too) and Isaiah Davis having two of the best overall performances. Davis had the longest run of the day, which was 30+ yards down the sideline, and Brownlee had the only touchdown of the day.
As for the second team offense, Davis has fully bounced back after his early practice mistake. Likely would’ve had a long, long gain down the sideline in this most recent series. https://t.co/lrT19aHdN2
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 3, 2024
Although the offense moved the ball, they only had the singular Brownlee touchdown. A large part of that was the offense’s mistakes, whether it was drops from receivers, penalties from offensive linemen, or a brutal snap from Joe Tippmann.
Joe Tippmann sailed a snap over Aaron Rodgers head in the redzone 😔#Jets | 🎥 @JetNews_ pic.twitter.com/Ey4OZXdGYk
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 3, 2024
The other part of the equation was a stifling defense, particularly in the red zone.
Defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson had arguably one of his best days of practice. He was a force in the running game, setting the edge and forcing plays to his defensive help on multiple occasions. And while Olu Fashanu stymied him at times, the third-year edge rusher showcased his pass-rush arsenal.
Micheal Clemons did not do much in the pass-rushing game but had some great run-stuffing reps. If not penetrating up the field, he scraped across the line to make plays.
First down is a run for Allen. Shut down by Johnson and Clemons. Next play is an in-breaker to Lazard for a first. Beat JBC and would’ve been for a good gain in a reps game. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 3, 2024
Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor stood out in the second and third units. Both have displayed run-stuffing ability and a pass-rush arsenal, specifically their club and rip moves.
McGregor continues to get after the passer today. Really like what him and Watts are showing as potential options for the #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 3, 2024
The most impressive players on the defense were the linebackers. Quincy Williams was flying around the field as usual, providing run-game support and playing great coverage in space. C.J. Mosley had a great pass breakup, closing in on the ball and making a play at the perfect time.
Mosley with the nice PD in the RZ on first and goal, then a high Tippmann snap sails over Rodgers’s head. Third and 30 gives Corley a shot to make something happen in RAC. 5-8 more yards sets Zuerlein up for 3, which he converts. #Jets
Tippmann isn’t pulled. Saleh was pulling…
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) August 3, 2024
Jamien Sherwood might have been the best linebacker on the field, though. The converted safety was constantly flying downhill in the running game and was around to make tackles on multiple occasions. He blew up Garrett Wilson on a hit and likely would have had a sack on Aaron Rodgers in a real game. Most impressively, he was a force in coverage, deflecting multiple passes in red zone situations.
On second down, Rodgers hits Wilson again to make it third and very manageable. Sherwood there for the tackle. And Sherwood is there again for the pass breakup in the end zone to make it fourth down. Out of the linebackers, he’s been the most impressive imo. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 3, 2024
Zaire Barnes and Sam Eguavoen were flying around the field, making plays in the running and passing games, which helped their second-unit defense shut down the second-unit offense on multiple drives.
In the secondary, Qwan’tez Stiggers had another great day. On one of the few plays in which he was tested, he made a leaping pass breakup against Jason Brownlee down the field. It was yet another flash from one of the breakout defensive stars of the summer.
Defense rolling against the second unit. Barnes and Eguavoen flying around the field making tackles. Stiggers had a great PBU against Brownlee. And Watts steamrolled his way to what would have been a sack. Great to see for depth purposes.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 3, 2024
Filling in for Sauce Gardner, Jarrick Bernard-Converse was beaten a few times but had some great reps against Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. While not his best performance, JBC holding his own will likely help him improve and give him a great chance to get on the field as a depth option in 2024.
From an overall team view, this is what the Jets should want to see. The offense, despite some mental and physical miscues, drove the ball down the field and put three points on the board on multiple occasions. Even against some adversity, the defense battled back and shut down the offense on other drives.
Even battles mean that both sides are learning from these practices. If this continues for the remainder of the preseason, the Jets should be in a great spot heading into Week 1.
Brownlee and Lazard stand out
Wide receiver depth is critical for the Jets. On Saturday, two players staked their claim to make the back end of the Jets’ wide receiver depth chart.
New York’s starting unit includes Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. Rookie Malachi Corley, while not a full-time player yet, already plays a role in the first-team offense.
Behind them, though, is a big mystery. Allen Lazard and Jason Brownlee made a case for at least two of those spots.
With Rodgers back in the fold, Lazard looks much closer to the player he was in Green Bay. His route running looks crisp, and he consistently makes contested catches on the outside or in the middle of the field. Additionally, he is showing some RAC ability, which was non-existent in 2023.
Brownlee turned in his best practice of camp on Saturday. While not as consistent with his separation, the wideout consistently makes contested catches. He also displayed excellent body control, specifically on his touchdown reception.
Another day, another Tyrod Taylor to Jason Brownlee TD 🏈#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/UoZpdR9YnN
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 3, 2024
Unless the team adds Davante Adams early in the year or midway through the season, an injury to Wilson would seriously challenge New York’s depth at receiver. If Brownlee and Lazard become consistent and productive, though, that blow would likely be more manageable in the catastrophic scenario in which it occurred.
Defensive depth
While it may appear ridiculous on the surface, the Jets may have more defensive depth on the 2024 roster than in 2023.
The defensive line is, at this moment, a wash or worse than the previous year. This is mainly due to the current absence of Haason Reddick and the departure of Bryce Huff, John Franklin-Myers, and Quinton Jefferson. However, the additions of Kinlaw and Fotu, along with the potential emergence of Watts, McGregor, and McKinley, could help elevate the unit.
The depth is elevated at the linebacker and cornerback positions.
At linebacker, the potential emergence of Jamien Sherwood and Zaire Barnes would make the Jets’ room one of the deepest in the league. That does not even include the likes of Chazz Surratt and Sam Eguavoen, who have each made great plays over the course of practice. Cornerback has seen the likes of Stiggers and Bernard-Converse make plays, in addition to Isaiah Oliver showing versatility and a high level of play.
Having this level of depth means roster cuts will be difficult. However, it also means that even if injuries strike the Jets in 2024, their defensive unit may not miss too much of a beat.
Other notes
- Isaiah Davis made two mistakes early – frustrating Rodgers by running the wrong route on a screen and fumbling on the next play. But I liked how Davis bounced back. He looked like the best running back of the day afterward.
- Olu Fashanu continues to impress in both phases. The Jets got a good one.
- Irvin Charles showed some burst on a run play. Very unexpected to see!
- Corley, Tyler Harrell, Davis, and Brandon Codrington were the main returners today. Given their return ability, I am interested in seeing if Codrington or Harrell can push for a roster spot.
- Shemar Bartholomew had some nice coverage and a nice tackle on the third-team defense.
- There were a lot more flexibility-based warmups before the game-like environment. A nice change to see.
Saleh speaks
During his media availability, Robert Saleh said they have to “continue working” with center Joe Tippmann to correct his snapping issues. He added that Tippmann had two good practices in a row, but the heightened environment caused it to “get away from him.”
The head coach also said that Sauce Gardner was excused from practice and that he “did not want to expose him to injury after traveling.” Saleh added that Michael Carter’s ankle injury will keep him out for a week or two and that Malik Tayor is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Quote of the Day
“Garrett Wilson, I’m pretty sure y’all know. I’m not sure why he’s not the best receiver in the league, but I think he’s the best receiver in the league.” – Qwan’tez Stiggers talking about facing Garrett Wilson
