FLORHAM PARK, NJ—Two days ahead of their joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets had their longest practice of training camp so far.
There were plenty of plays and situations for each level of the team. Aaron Rodgers and the offense got a multitude of different looks against the first-team defense, while the defense experienced the chess match of dealing with Rodgers at the line of scrimmage. That does not even include the various reps from the second and third-string players on the team.
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Who won the day, though? Follow along to find out in today’s training camp report.
Rodgers’ Surgical Summer Continues
After a shaky start, Aaron Rodgers continued his extremely strong summer on Tuesday.
The quarterback was in full command of the offense, reading every aspect of the defense and getting the Jets’ offense in the best position to succeed. He took multiple short gains when the defense provided them, such as hitting Tyler Conklin in the flat and Breece Hall on screen passes. Rodgers repeatedly found Garrett Wilson in this area, too, beating the coverage with quick routes and a lightning-quick release.
Second set of team drills starts with a quick pass to Breece. He finishes the run hard by truck sticking Quincy. Rodgers then finds Conklin for a short completion.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
A first down pass to Allen goes for a few. Sherwood almost flys in for a sack on the play. Wilson then beats Reed on a quick hitter again for another first down.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
This methodical rhythm allowed Rodgers to open up the rest of the field. With his signature cadence, he got the defense to jump offsides and hit Garrett Wilson on a deep touchdown pass.
Garrett Wilson had a great day catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, hauling in 6 of his 7 targets & getting 2 TDs
Top QB-WR duo incoming 🔥✈#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/JbbF9809mY
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 13, 2024
He hit Wilson on a laser of a back shoulder pass that Sauce Gardner could not defend, followed by another touchdown to cap off a move-the-ball drive. Rodgers also hit Breece Hall on a perfectly placed touchdown pass that beat linebacker C.J. Mosley over the top and connected with Allen Lazard on a ball that perfectly beat Gardner again.
Two quick Breece runs brings it to third down. Rodgers then hits Wilson across the middle for a TD. Very nice throw again. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
.@AllenLazard caught a pass from @AaronRodgers12 & then made someone's day in the same play 💚 pic.twitter.com/h985f7Jtun
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 13, 2024
GREAT touchdown catch by Breece Hall on a pass from Aaron Rodgers 🔥🔥#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/CPf48fwWUu
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 13, 2024
Outside of his passing, Rodgers was mobile on Tuesday. He looked comfortable scrambling around the pocket and even took off for a first-down run at one point during practice.
In totality, the practice was everything Jets fans want Rodgers to be in 2024. He bounced back from a slow start, commanded the Jets’ offense at a high level, and consistently scored points. Despite the opposing unit’s talent, Rodgers made them struggle and put his players in the best position to succeed.
It is only August 13, but Rodgers looks ready to roll right now. Jets fans should be excited about what Rodgers could be capable of in 2024.
The Three-Headed Monster
As the summer continues, it is becoming a possibility that the Jets will have a three-headed monster of a running back room.
The obvious star is Breece Hall. He has proven his play at the highest level, posting a season of over 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2023. Hall looks primed to take a step forward in 2024, whether due to a more power-based running scheme or a higher utilization of his upper-tier receiving ability.
The making of the monster, though, comes from Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Allen has shown his versatility this summer, mainly through his surprising prowess as a blocker and soft hands as a receiver. However, Allen is at his best getting downhill in the running game. The Wisconsin product hits the hole decisively and moves like a locomotive, barreling over defenders consistently. This creates a dangerous combination with Hall’s speed and explosiveness.
On second down, Braelon Allen gains a few. Strong downhill running from him as usual. Rodgers then hits Wilson on a quick hitter to move the chains.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
The third wrinkle in the room is Davis. He has a very smooth running style, quickly choosing a lane and getting downhill to pick up yards. It is similar to Allen but with more short-area quickness. He combines this with good receiving ability, which allows him to show off his explosiveness. This was evident on a pass from Taylor as Davis dusted Jamien Sherwood for a significant gain.
Davis continuing to look strong in the passing game. Torches Sherwood on a route and takes a Taylor pass for a big gain. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
Outside of Hall, New York could not rely on any running backs last season. With Allen and Davis both bursting onto the scene and showing signs of contributing, the Jets could have a deep running back room that can hit opponents from all angles.
Sir Charles, First of his Name
Outside of Garrett Wilson, Irvin Charles dominated the day at wide receiver.
The 2022 UDFA from Sicklerville, N.J. made some impressive plays during two of his series with Tyrod Taylor. He dominated the first one, making a leaping catch in traffic and beating some good coverage from Qwan’tez Stiggers for a touchdown.
.@SwirvingtonTon did his thing with this one 👏 pic.twitter.com/HxHBYOGq5w
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 13, 2024
On the last drive of practice, Charles had a big gain after making a snag in between multiple defenders. He then made a leaping, bobbling, contested catch on a Tyrod moon bomb for a long score.
Irvin Charles, have yourself a day! After Tyrod fits one in-between the coverage for a big gain, he makes a tip drill, contested catch for a long, long TD. Pretty deep ball from Taylor too. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
Already a talented player on special teams, it would be excellent news if Charles emerged as a legitimate depth option at receiver for the team. He has the upper-end size to play a role on the team and just needs to show off consistent separation ability. Competing with the likes of Brownlee and Malik Taylor, Charles will need to string together more performances like Tuesday to solidify his standing on the roster.
Edge Rusher Emergence
On the defensive side of the ball, Takk McKinley was one of the standout players.
The veteran defensive end was applying pressure consistently, regardless of who he was facing. He likely would have had a sack of Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Martinez on separate occasions. Additionally, he was explosive off the ball and provided great run defense, playing strong at all times.
McKinley having a nice start to practice. Got pressure on two straight passing plays, one of which might have been a sack in a game. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) August 13, 2024
Regardless of the Haason Reddick situation, having McKinley emerge would be huge for the Jets. The team needs as many pass rushers as possible, especially without Bryce Huff, John Franklin-Myers, or Quinton Jefferson in the fold. McKinley brings raw ability to a room that needs as much of it as possible.
The veteran is still competing with players like Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts, and Braiden McGregor. They have all shown their own flashes, but McKinley could leap all of them if he consistently causes havoc as a pass rusher.
Other Notes
- Stiggers had another nice day despite giving up a touchdown. He had two nice pass-break-ups.
- Jaylen Key was flying around on defense. Although he only had one pass breakup, he is a player to watch in terms of his development.
- Jason Brownlee continues to improve. He looks miles better than what he did at the beginning of camp.
- Olu Fashanu looked natural pass blocking at right tackle. He is a special talent who is constantly improving as a player.
- Malachi Corley is going to be an extremely fun weapon in the offense. There will be plenty of opportunity for creativity with him, and Rodgers is already beginning to look his way.
- Martinez looked great as a passer, and Andrew Peasley had some great pocket movement. A fun QB3 battle is brewing.
- Zack Kuntz flashed some RAC as a receiver, while Kenny Yeboah filled the Jeremy Ruckert role as a blocker with Ruckert out due to a concussion.
- Chazz Surratt had a nice day. Very fast downhill, sound tackles, and had a pass breakup.
- Leonard Taylor III had a tackle for loss, while Eric Watts had a few nice pass rush reps.
Reddick Reports: Saleh Edition
When asked about Haason Reddick, Robert Saleh said, “I’m not going to elaborate any more than Joe (Douglas) did.” He also spoke about whether he was frustrated with the situation.
“It’s not frustrating because I don’t have control over it, but as I said, we’re excited about our group, still looking forward for him to get here when he’s ready, and when he’s ready we’re going to embrace him with open arms and get ready to attack the moments that he brings to us. ”
Furthermore, Saleh declined to comment on the team’s “position” with Reddick.
Quote of the Day
“Obviously, we’d love for him to be here, but we don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for him. I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride, but, you know, he’s got to make the best decision for him and his family.” Aaron Rodgers on Haason Reddick
