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5 Storylines Heading Into Training Camp


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Geno Smith & Michael Vick

New York Jets Training CampWith less than 3 weeks left until training camp begins for the Jets, here are 5 storylines to watch.

1) Thunder & Lightning

The Jets have a stacked backfield coming into the 2014 season. Chris Ivory led the team in rushing yards last year with 833 yards, and is arguably one of the best power backs in the league. The Jets also acquired Chris Johnson this offseason, who is infamously known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yard rushing season. Johnson has an unblemished 4.24 40 yard dash time, the fastest ever recorded at the combine. The only other combine entry with a 4.24 was Rondel Melendez who was drafted in the 7th round by the Falcons, and never panned out in the NFL. With both of those halfbacks in the stable it can be hard to remember the Jets also have Bilal Powell. Powell lead the Jets in total offensive yardage with 969 yards, 697 rushing and 272 receiving. With Thunder & Lightning (Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson) it will be hard for Jets RB coach Anthony Lynn to find many carries for Powell, but Lynn would be wise to incorporate Powell as much as possible. According to Lynn the Jets are going to be “strategic” when it comes to determining Johnson’s workload. Lynn’s comment makes it seem that it will be a fairly even workload between the 3 halfbacks to preserve Johnson and keep him from being overworked; Lynn also added that the team has “always played the hot guy.” Johnson doesn’t seem too interested in a timeshare though saying: “Once the season starts and once we’re playing and I’m doing my thing, I’m pretty sure if I’m making plays they’re going to want to keep handing the ball off to me. If they want me to continue making plays, I’m pretty sure I can’t do that if I’m on the sideline.” One thing is for sure, the Jets have plenty of talent at halfback. Once training camp rolls around we may get a clearer picture of who the lead HB will be for the 2014 season.

2) Geno vs Vick

Who will start week 1? Competition or not? So far the #1 QB spot seems to be Geno’s job to lose. According to Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets offensive coordinator, Geno will get 70 to 75 percent of the reps in training camp. 70 to 75 percent sounds pretty one sided. Vick has stated that it is “not an open competition” multiple times to the media, and Vick isn’t the type of guy to willingly sit back and hold a clip-board. Vick has a had a long, and at times prosperous career and is also regarded as the pioneer of the “mobile QB” by many. Geno on the other hand is entering his 2nd year in the NFL after a very up and down rookie season. While the majority of Geno’s rookie campaign was shaky, he ended on a high note recording 790 yards passing with 4 touchdowns to 2 interceptions while adding 186 yards on the ground and 3 rushing touchdowns in the last 4 games of the season. It seems that every year in recent memory the Jets head into training camp with a quarterback competition or “controversy.” The Jets can avoid any unwanted attention or distractions by declaring a starter before the preseason or at the latest before the regular season. The Jets never declared Geno the starting quarterback last year, and it would be a big boost to his confidence to embrace him as the starter rather than being indecisive.

3) Eric Decker and who?

The biggest move of the offseason for the Jets was acquiring former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker. Decker had 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns receiving in his last two seasons with the Broncos. The biggest argument against Decker’s stats is that they are inflated by playing with future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. While it may be true that catching passes from Peyton is very different from Geno Smith or Michael Vick, it is also important to keep in mind that in 2011 Decker caught 8 TDs, 4 from Tim Tebow and 4 from Kyle Orton. While Decker is slotted as the Jets #1 WR it is still a blur beyond that as to who will take the #2 role. Kerley is almost a lock to be the slot receiver for the Jets at the #3 position, Kerley has proven to be a reliable and versatile slot receiver. Training camp should be a big stepping stone for all the rookie WRs including Jalen Saunders, Shaq Evans, and Quincy Enunwa. Saunders seems to be the most likely candidate out of the rookie class to have a shot at a significant role this season.

Returning wideouts such as Stephen Hill, David Nelson, and Clyde Gates all have a chance to grab the #2 role. This is a make or break year for Stephen Hill who has had 2 lackluster seasons for the Jets. Hill has not lived up to his 2nd round pick in 2012. Nelson was a mid-season addition for the Jets last year, who came on strong later in the season. Nelson has been a good soldier for the Jets, and will have the chance to be awarded an upgraded role this season. Gates is a speedster, but has never really caught on for the Jets. Gates will need to impress in camp to get an opportunity at a bigger role. Will it be one of the rookies or one of the veterans that gets the nod for the #2 spot?

4) Who will step up for the O-line?

The Jets still have two Pro-Bowlers on the offensive line in center Nick Mangold and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Other than those two though, the depth gets a little questionable. The Jets failed to resign Austin Howard, a right tackle who ended up signing with the Raiders; instead the Jets signed Breno Giacomini, a tackle who played for the Seattle Seahawks championship team last year. Brian Winters is the most likely candidate to fill the left guard position. Winters started 12 games for the Jets last year at left guard. While Winters struggled at times, he came along towards the end of the season. Another offseason should be crucial for Winters if he is to retain the starting role at left guard. Willie Colon started at right guard for the Jets last year all 16 games, and was resigned on a one year deal. It was assumed that Colon would resume his starting role at right guard until he received a knee scope (arthroscopic knee surgery) in March. Colon says he will be ready and was on the field during minicamp. Oday Aboushi, and Dakota Dozier are favorites to replace Colon for training camp. If Aboushi, Dozier, and William Campbell can step up the Jets shouldn’t worry too much, if not they may want to seek out an insurance policy in a veteran guard.

5) Milliner Island? Will the Louisville Slugger be Defensive Rookie of the Year?

There are two parts to this storyline, both are about the Jets secondary. The Jets are taking a gamble with their secondary this year by putting all their stock in Dee Milliner. Milliner came on strong at the end of the season with 3 interceptions in 2 games, and solid coverage, but struggled mightily during most of the season. Milliner got his fair share of the bench last season, and will need to continue the play of those last two games to keep his #1 role and not make the Jets look bad. The Jets passed on many big names at cornerback this offseason such as Brandon Flowers, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Alterraun Verner. The Jets also failed to resign Antonio Cromartie, and decided not to make an attempt at a Revis-Jets reunion which ended up with Revis signing with the Patriots. The Jets must feel very confident in Milliner because behind him there are many question marks. After Milliner the Jets have Dimitri Patterson at the #2 CB spot, and Kyle Wilson maintaining the Nickel. The Jets do have good depth but a lack of proven, and consistent talent. Dexter McDougle is a player who is on the rise coming into camp, if he performs well he could edge out either Patterson or Wilson. Behind McDougle the Jets also have Darrin Walls, Ras-I Dowling, Jeremy Reeves, Brandon Dixon, Ellis Lankster, Johnny Patrick, and Rose Lowell.

The Jets 1st round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, Calvin Pryor, is set to make a big impact in his rookie season. Rex Ryan and Dennis Thurman are expecting big things from Pryor, and according to them he has impressed so far. Sheldon Richardson was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year for a dominating rookie season in 2013; Pryor should definitely be in the conversation for 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year if he lives up to expectations. To quote Rex Ryan regarding Pryor: “We expect this young man is going to contribute, and in a big way for us.” The bar will be set high for Pryor, but he will have every opportunity to make his presence felt early. In training camp players will be wearing pads, and it should be a perfect opportunity for Pryor to show off his abilities.


Even though the Jets are regarded as a defensive team, many of the big stories going into training camp will be about the offense. The Jets have changed the face of their offense, and added some important pieces. The key to success for the Jets will weigh heavily on the quarterback position and the leadership provided by whoever is declared starter. NY Jets Training Camp kicks off on July 24th at 10AM in Cortland.

As always stay tuned to JetNation for more information on Jets Training camp, as well as other news. Check out our forums for more discussion about Jets training camp.

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By John Viscardi

 

With less than 3 weeks left until training camp begins for the Jets, here are 5 storylines to watch.  

 

1) Thunder & Lightning

The Jets have a stacked backfield coming into the 2014 season. Chris Ivory led the team in rushing yards last year with 833 yards, and is arguably one of the best power backs in the league. The Jets also acquired Chris Johnson this offseason, who is infamously known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yard rushing season. Johnson has an unblemished 4.24 40 yard dash time, the fastest ever recorded at the combine. The only other combine entry with a 4.24 was Rondel Melendez who was drafted in the 7th round by the Falcons, and never panned out in the NFL. With both of those halfbacks in the stable it can be hard to remember the Jets also have Bilal Powell. Powell lead the Jets in total offensive yardage with 969 yards, 697 rushing and 272 receiving. With Thunder & Lightning (Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson) it will be hard for Jets RB coach Anthony Lynn to find many carries for Powell, but Lynn would be wise to incorporate Powell as much as possible. According to Lynn the Jets are going to be “strategic” when it comes to determining Johnson’s workload. Lynn’s comment makes it seem that it will be a fairly even workload between the 3 halfbacks to preserve Johnson and keep him from being overworked; Lynn also added that the team has “always played the hot guy.” Johnson doesn’t seem too interested in a timeshare though saying: “Once the season starts and once we’re playing and I’m doing my thing, I’m pretty sure if I’m making plays they’re going to want to keep handing the ball off to me. If they want me to continue making plays, I’m pretty sure I can’t do that if I’m on the sideline.” One thing is for sure, the Jets have plenty of talent at halfback. Once training camp rolls around we may get a clearer picture of who the lead HB will be for the 2014 season.

 

2) Geno vs Vick

Who will start week 1? Competition or not? So far the #1 QB spot seems to be Geno’s job to lose. According to Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets offensive coordinator, Geno will get 70 to 75 percent of the reps in training camp. 70 to 75 percent sounds pretty one sided. Vick has stated that it is “not an open competition” multiple times to the media, and Vick isn’t the type of guy to willingly sit back and hold a clip-board. Vick has a had a long, and at times prosperous career and is also regarded as the pioneer of the “mobile QB” by many. Geno on the other hand is entering his 2nd year in the NFL after a very up and down rookie season. While the majority of Geno’s rookie campaign was shaky, he ended on a high note recording 790 yards passing with 4 touchdowns to 2 interceptions while adding 186 yards on the ground and 3 rushing touchdowns in the last 4 games of the season. It seems that every year in recent memory the Jets head into training camp with a quarterback competition or “controversy.” The Jets can avoid any unwanted attention or distractions by declaring a starter before the preseason or at the latest before the regular season. The Jets never declared Geno the starting quarterback last year, and it would be a big boost to his confidence to embrace him as the starter rather than being indecisive.

 

3) Eric Decker and who?

The biggest move of the offseason for the Jets was acquiring former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker. Decker had 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns receiving in his last two seasons with the Broncos. The biggest argument against Decker’s stats is that they are inflated by playing with future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. While it may be true that catching passes from Peyton is very different from Geno Smith or Michael Vick, it is also important to keep in mind that in 2011 Decker caught 8 TDs, 4 from Tim Tebow and 4 from Kyle Orton. While Decker is slotted as the Jets #1 WR it is still a blur beyond that as to who will take the #2 role. Kerley is almost a lock to be the slot receiver for the Jets at the #3 position, Kerley has proven to be a reliable and versatile slot receiver. Training camp should be a big stepping stone for all the rookie WRs including Jalen Saunders, Shaq Evans, and Quincy Enunwa. Saunders seems to be the most likely candidate out of the rookie class to have a shot at a significant role this season.

 

Returning wideouts such as Stephen Hill, David Nelson, and Clyde Gates all have a chance to grab the #2 role. This is a make or break year for Stephen Hill who has had 2 lackluster seasons for the Jets. Hill has not lived up to his 2nd round pick in 2012. Nelson was a mid-season addition for the Jets last year, who came on strong later in the season. Nelson has been a good soldier for the Jets, and will have the chance to be awarded an upgraded role this season. Gates is a speedster, but has never really caught on for the Jets. Gates will need to impress in camp to get an opportunity at a bigger role. Will it be one of the rookies or one of the veterans that gets the nod for the #2 spot?

 

4) Who will step up for the O-line?

The Jets still have two Pro-Bowlers on the offensive line in center Nick Mangold and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Other than those two though, the depth gets a little questionable. The Jets failed to resign Austin Howard, a right tackle who ended up signing with the Raiders; instead the Jets signed Breno Giacomini, a tackle who played for the Seattle Seahawks championship team last year. Brian Winters is the most likely candidate to fill the left guard position. Winters started 12 games for the Jets last year at left guard. While Winters struggled at times, he came along towards the end of the season. Another offseason should be crucial for Winters if he is to retain the starting role at left guard. Willie Colon started at right guard for the Jets last year all 16 games, and was resigned on a one year deal. It was assumed that Colon would resume his starting role at right guard until he received a knee scope (arthroscopic knee surgery) in March. Colon says he will be ready and was on the field during minicamp. Oday Aboushi, and Dakota Dozier are favorites to replace Colon for training camp. If Aboushi, Dozier, and William Campbell can step up the Jets shouldn’t worry too much, if not they may want to seek out an insurance policy in a veteran guard.

 

5) Milliner Island? Will the Louisville Slugger be Defensive Rookie of the Year?

There are two parts to this storyline, both are about the Jets secondary. The Jets are taking a gamble with their secondary this year by putting all their stock in Dee Milliner. Milliner came on strong at the end of the season with 3 interceptions in 2 games, and solid coverage, but struggled mightily during most of the season. Milliner got his fair share of the bench last season, and will need to continue the play of those last two games to keep his #1 role and not make the Jets look bad. The Jets passed on many big names at cornerback this offseason such as Brandon Flowers, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Alterraun Verner. The Jets also failed to resign Antonio Cromartie, and decided not to make an attempt at a Revis-Jets reunion which ended up with Revis signing with the Patriots. The Jets must feel very confident in Milliner because behind him there are many question marks. After Milliner the Jets have Dimitri Patterson at the #2 CB spot, and Kyle Wilson maintaining the Nickel. The Jets do have good depth but a lack of proven, and consistent talent. Dexter McDougle is a player who is on the rise coming into camp, if he performs well he could edge out either Patterson or Wilson. Behind McDougle the Jets also have Darrin Walls, Ras-I Dowling, Jeremy Reeves, Brandon Dixon, Ellis Lankster, Johnny Patrick, and Rose Lowell.

 

The Jets 1st round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, Calvin Pryor, is set to make a big impact in his rookie season. Rex Ryan and Dennis Thurman are expecting big things from Pryor, and according to them he has impressed so far. Sheldon Richardson was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year for a dominating rookie season in 2013; Pryor should definitely be in the conversation for 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year if he lives up to expectations. To quote Rex Ryan regarding Pryor: “We expect this young man is going to contribute, and in a big way for us.” The bar will be set high for Pryor, but he will have every opportunity to make his presence felt early. In training camp players will be wearing pads, and it should be a perfect opportunity for Pryor to show off his abilities.

 

Even though the Jets are regarded as a defensive team, many of the big stories going into training camp will be about the offense. The Jets have changed the face of their offense, and added some important pieces. The key to success for the Jets will weigh heavily on the quarterback position and the leadership provided by whoever is declared starter. NY Jets Training Camp kicks off on July 24th at 10AM in Cortland.

 

As always stay tuned to JetNation for more information on Jets Training camp, as well as other news. Check out our forums for more discussion about Jets training camp.

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Just want to welcome John to the JN Team!  He is going to be writing for us and is and active JN Forum member, his username here is:   NYJetsVets91

 

Thank you John and hopefully everyone will join me in wishing you good luck!

 

To those of you on twitter, please give John a follow:  https://twitter.com/JSteeze_91

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I think the OG position in one of the most interesting battles coming in to camp.  It's a boom or bust position depending on the health of Colon.  If Winters shows some growth from where he left off last season then he should be solid and Colon is a quality starter.  Plenty of praise for Aboushi stepping up his game and Dozier sounds like a solid prospect.  To be honest I haven't heard much of anything about Campbell, but there should be enough competition within this group to produce more depth at the position than we've seen in years.  

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If Chris Ivory was a top power back, Sheldon Richardson wouldn't've been the goal line back at the end of the season.

The Jets should not name Geno the starter just to boost his confidence. That would be reminiscent of the way they "developed" Mark Sanchez. One of the knocks on Geno is his mental toughness, but he needs to strengthen that on his own. He needs to become more resilient. Giving him a title would be empty and superficial. It's his job to lose, but he still needs to earn it. They can make that announcement before the third preseason game, when the starters generally play into the third quarter.

I guess anyone could be in the running for the #2 WR spot, but I really don't see Clyde Gates as a viable candidate. I think Shaq Evans has a better shot at it than he does, but really, it's almost certainly between Nelson and Hill - with the fan favorite Hill being the favorite.

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If Chris Ivory was a top power back, Sheldon Richardson wouldn't've been the goal line back at the end of the season.

The Jets should not name Geno the starter just to boost his confidence. That would be reminiscent of the way they "developed" Mark Sanchez. One of the knocks on Geno is his mental toughness, but he needs to strengthen that on his own. He needs to become more resilient. Giving him a title would be empty and superficial. It's his job to lose, but he still needs to earn it. They can make that announcement before the third preseason game, when the starters generally play into the third quarter.

I guess anyone could be in the running for the #2 WR spot, but I really don't see Clyde Gates as a viable candidate. I think Shaq Evans has a better shot at it than he does, but really, it's almost certainly between Nelson and Hill - with the fan favorite Hill being the favorite.

 

Agreed about the WRs, but I also think it's going to depend on how you end up defining "#2 WR".  The truth is that I think there's a very good chance that when the Jets are running 2 WR sets, it will be Kerley lining up across from Decker as much as anyone else.  While he'd certainly kick into the slot on any 3+ WR sets, that doesn't necessarily automatically relegate him to the bench in other circumstances.  Let's not forget he's been the Jets leading receiver in each of the last two seasons.  Of course if Hill steps up and starts to recognize his potential, that kind of changes everything.

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First thanks for writing for the site.

 

The job is clearly Geno's to lose-the team wants him to step and go. Still if he struggles we have a experienced QB to step in with Vick

 

If Clyde gates is on this roster I will be the most shocked person.

The O/L we need Winters to improve and Dozier and Aboushi to be able to show they can play if needed instead of Colon

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What most people who ridicule Clyde Gates forget is that he had a strong training camp last season and most guys were looking to him to make some useful contributions.

 

So i wont be surprised if he once again has a strong training camp as long as he has recovered completely from his injury and make a strong case for inclusion on the roster. Now how he actually performs in the regular season is another story.

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What most people who ridicule Clyde Gates forget is that he had a strong training camp last season and most guys were looking to him to make some useful contributions.

 

So i wont be surprised if he once again has a strong training camp as long as he has recovered completely from his injury and make a strong case for inclusion on the roster. Now how he actually performs in the regular season is another story.

Already knowing what they had in Clyde Gates, Idzik added two free agent WRs, and another three in the draft. Hard to imagine him making the final roster.

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Already knowing what they had in Clyde Gates, Idzik added two free agent WRs, and another three in the draft. Hard to imagine him making the final roster.

 

Its going to be tougher no doubt. Specially since Idzik would wanna keep the two 4th rounders on the roster. Its very rare that teams cut their 4th rounders.

 

I am just saying he could have a strong training camp if he is healthy and that would not surprise me.

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The RG competition if Colon is out should be interesting. Aboushi has received a lot of praise from his work in mini camp and OTA's, I would assume he'd outperform Campbell and Dozier. Dozier is a nice prospect though, he may surprise. What a sick name for an O-lineman.

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the fridge took carries from whats his name ?

 

What's his name had 1500 yards and 9 TDs, and the champs that year seemed to run The Fridge at the goal line for the fun of it. 

 

Chris Ivory had 800 yards and 3 TDs last year. They needed Richardson to get across the goal line. 

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A side note about the O-Line; if Colon is indeed healthy the right side of our line plays nasty and both have Super Bowl rings and experience. Colon and Breno both have mean streaks in them. Come to think of it so does Winters who Idzik drafted, he seems to like his O-linemen to play with attitude.

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What's his name had 1500 yards and 9 TDs, and the champs that year seemed to run The Fridge at the goal line for the fun of it. 

 

Chris Ivory had 800 yards and 3 TDs last year. They needed Richardson to get across the goal line. 

 

it wasn't about fun.  when they did it in the SB it was a serious insult to walter, he never forgave ditka

 

325 > 225

 

physics

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