When it comes to evaluating training camp practices, and specifically the New York Jets, people are very short-sighted at times. Shocking, I know.
Due to a desire for greatness and winning for the first time in over a decade, the team’s fanbase is already on edge. With so much anticipation, hype, and expectations surrounding the team, Jets fans are likely to not accept anything less than a playoff berth at minimum in 2024.
Check out Robby Sabo's New York Jets training camp report from Tuesday's fight-filled practice.
This anticipation and excitement cause strong reactions to the day-to-day happenings around the team. Panic, anger, confusion, questioning, joy, and hope are typically the ones most frequently seen.
I am not writing this piece to say that those emotions should not be felt; in fact, they should be felt, as they are the very foundation of what it means to be a passionate fan of a team. However, what this piece is meant to do is capture the broader context of training camp within the NFL season.
Where a football team starts training camp is not where they finish it, usually for better and for worse. Injuries can make things worse and force backup players to step up, while teams usually mesh well together midway through the summer and play much better heading into Week 1. Players need time to acclimate to their surroundings and truly get into football-playing shape.
For the Jets’ specific scenario, there are plenty of examples to point to. On offense, Joe Tippmann is learning new techniques and taking on a bigger role as the center for an Aaron Rodgers-led offense. This has led to some snapping issues that would be utter drive-killers in real games. An issue like this popping up late in the preseason would have likely been a disaster; however, the early timing of the issue affords the Jets time to either fix Tippmann or find a veteran backup option.
Rodgers has looked outstanding for large portions of camp, operating the offense at a high level and frequently connecting with Garrett Wilson. At the same time, Rodgers has had some bad miscommunications with players and missed some throws he usually hits. The dichotomy has created a hit-or-miss offense that lacks full consistency.
Just like with Tippmann, it is important to remember the context of the situation. Rodgers utilizes training camp to see what he can and cannot get away with. He is more experimental and aggressive against the defense, usually in an effort to push himself and the offense to a higher level. Combine this mentality with an ultra-talented Jets defense, and some bad days are likely for the quarterback.
This same line of thinking could be applied to D.J. Reed, Will McDonald, and others. While some things are concerning on the surface level, an understanding of the context helps one realize that panic and stress are not needed at this point in the season.
So, what is the take-home message then? Enjoy the ride.
The Jets have a loaded roster and two extremely talented units that push each other every day in practice. They have some of the NFL’s best players at their respective positions and others who are ready to take a leap in 2024. It is very much okay to be excited and optimistic about the team.
There will be bumps in the road, though. Things will not be perfect, and the Jets will lose a few games to teams they are not supposed to. It is those moments that will truly show what this version of Gang Green is all about.
In the meantime, do not make sweeping assessments about the team before the first joint practice. Do not declare the season over or the team champions before Week 1. As I referenced above, training camp is about progress, and the team should have some runway to make some this offseason.
Football is meant to be fun. It’s meant to be enjoyed with family at home or friends in the stands of a stadium. Most importantly, it is meant to be enjoyed over the course of a full season.
A season is not decided in a day, week, or month. Reactions and discussions are always fun, but in the grand scheme of things, remember to enjoy the Jets’ progression during their important 2024 season.
