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Offseason Minicamp Review

Maxman

By Maxman
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Maxman

Maxman

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By win4ever

 

The three day mandatory minicamp for the Jets has come to a conclusion, and the players will be free to return home and resume their personal workouts in preparation for training camp in July.  Here are some of the things that took place during camp:

 

Geno SeeSaw

Geno Smith started out camp reenacting the first Bills game from 2014, by throwing three interceptions, and causing  fans.  The biggest issue with the interceptions were that it happened in the red zone, an area of much concern for the Jets, after finishing dead last in red zone efficiency last year.  The interceptions rekindled the QB controversy, with backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick looking better on the first day of camp, albeit with an interception of his own.   However, akin a phoenix, Geno rose from the ashes of No. 7 jerseys that were burned, and dominated the next two days of practice.  Smith looked more comfortable in the offense, and even beat Darrelle Revis on a 70 yard throw, to Walter Powell.  Most importantly, the stats for these practices don’t matter as much as Geno’s grasp of the offensive system, and the last two days of practice seem to indicate that he’s making strides, and learning from his mistakes.  With a strong defense, good running game, and a talented group of WRs, Smith is the key to a successful season for the Jets.

 

The Return of Mo

Mo Wilkerson, reported to mandatory minicamp, albeit he still seemed  to be upset at his contract situation.  Wilkerson said all the right things about wanting to come back to the team, meet the new coaches, and players.  The Jets should boast one of the top defensive lines in the league with the return of Wilkerson, causing headaches for opposing quarterbacks this season.  Mo’s linemate, Sheldon Richardson, claimed that Wilkerson should get “Suh Money”, referencing the $100 million contract given to Ndamukong Suh by the Miami Dolphins this offseason.  The Jets, however, hold the leverage in negotiations right now with Wilkerson, since he has one more year left on his rookie contract, and they can franchise tag Wilkerson after the upcoming season.

 

Marshall Plan

Brandon Marshall, made a great catch over Darrin Walls, in day 2 of minicamp, providing a glimpse of his abilities in the red zone.  The Jets have lacked a true No. 1 WR for years, and the addition of Marshall could go a long way in solving the aforementioned redzone issues.  Marshall, however did hurt his toe, sitting out day 3 of minicamp with a stubbed toe, however the team does not consider the injury serious.  Marshall should be fully healed by the time training camp commences.

 

Dexter’s Revenge

Dexter McDougle is back on the practice field, after sitting out last year with an ACL injury, and intercepted Geno Smith during day 1 of minicamp.  McDougle impressed the Jets last year in training camp, and had a shot at being a starter before getting injured in practice during the preseason.

 

Cornerback Abundance

The Jets have an abundance of CBs this season, a stark difference from last year, when players like Marcus Williams were signed off the free agent market, and promptly inserted into the starting lineup.  The Jets now have, Revis, Cromartie, Skrine, Milliner, McDougle, Walls, and Williams assembling a formidable depth chart at one of the most crucial spots of the Todd Bowles defense.   Both Walls and Williams were highlighted by the first year head coach during his press conference,for being consistent during minicamp.   There may not be another team in the league, that can boast this sort of talent at the CB position, be it the elite level talent at the top, nor the amount of overall talent in depth.

 

WR Notes

Shaq Evans, fighting for a roster spot, looked good in camp and made a nice catch in day 3 of minicamp.  This is an improvement over last year, when Evans looked lost at training camp, after staying back at school to finish his courses.  He is fighting for one the last spots on the roster, since Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, and Devin Smith are most likely locked into positions.  Kerley, made a great catch in camp, as he looks to rebound from a down year in 2014.  Devin Smith missed minicamp for personal reasons, as his girlfriend is expected to give birth this week.  The speedster should be back in time for training camp, and ready to provide a deep threat the Jets have lacked since the ghost of Stephen Hill was seen running aimlessly down the sideline.

 

Sudfeld Injured

Zach Sudfeld is injured, and the extent of these injuries could end up serious.  Sophomore Calvin Pryor was over-anxiousand started to hit players during non contact drills, when the injury occurred.  While Sudfeld may not be an important cog in the starting lineup, he did provide decent depth at the TE position, and seeing someone get injured because of contact in non contact drills is discouraging.

 

Leonard Williams

Jets’ first round pick, Leonard Williams got in some work with the first team in nickel packages during the minicamp.   This is a very important development in where Williams might play this year, because the nickel package is very prominent in the Todd Bowles defense.  He was the nickel package coach with the Browns from 2001 to 2003, and he does have a penchant for playing that personnel package from his days in Arizona.

 

News from other team’s camps:

  • Miami Dolphins rookie first round WR Devante Parker had foot surgery to replace a screw that was inserted during a previous surgery on his left foot. The surgery limits Parker until training camp (and possibly more), and could make a dent in the revamped WR core for the Dolphins.
  • The Eagles have released Evan Mathis, amid a contract dispute. The Pro Bowl guard was scheduled to make $5.5 million in the upcoming season, and $6 million in the following season.  The Jets could have interest in the guard, but it’s unlikely that a deal gets done, because there are plenty of other teams with better cap space, that are also in need of a guard.  He does have a connection to Todd Bowles, as Bowles was a coach with the Eagles in 2012, when Mathis was also on the team.
  • Bears WR Marquess Wilson may not make the 53 man roster, so the situation could be interesting to monitor if the back end of the Jets WR group fails to impress. The 6’3” Wilson, ran a 51 forty yard dash at the combine, and does possess some potential.
  • Browns QB Josh McCown seems all but a lock to be the starting quarterback for the start of the season. The Jets face off against the Browns in their season opener, so this should be music to their ears.
  • Dolphins offensive lineman Brandon Albert may not be ready for Week 1. The Dolphins are thin in the offensive trenches, alas this is a situation that could have far reaching implications for the division rival.
  • The Patriots are under investigation again, this time for the absence of Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler from OTAs, after he was late to the first practice of voluntary practice. The CBA precludes the punishment of a player for missing voluntary workouts.  Please check in with  receive up to the minute updates, and some humor.
  • Sam Bradford is still “hobbled” during Eagles practice, while Mark Sanchez has been impressive so far. The news doesn’t affect the Jets quite as much, but it should make for an interesting preseason of QB battle for former Jet, Mark Sanchez.

The Jets have concluded their OTAs, while some other teams still have camps going on.  The Jets escaped relatively healthy, with all of their core players healthy besides minor injuries.  This upcoming training camp will be very important for the Jets as they instill new defensive and offensive schemes for the first time in many years.  The QB battle between Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick, the stare down between Mo Wilkerson and Mike Maccagnan, and the implementation of Leonard Williams into the lineup should make this one of the most intriguing training camps in the league.

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JetsFanInDenver

JetsFanInDenver

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That's as great summary of the 3 day minicamp as i have ever seen.

 

The WR battle should be interesting to watch. There are 4 to 5 very good players for most likely 3 spots at the bottom of the depth chart.

 

There was not much talk about JETS RB's. Its minicamp so i am not alarmed but i hope the RB's make some noise in training camp.

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Maxman

Maxman

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That's as great summary of the 3 day minicamp as i have ever seen.

 

The WR battle should be interesting to watch. There are 4 to 5 very good players for most likely 3 spots at the bottom of the depth chart.

 

There was not much talk about JETS RB's. Its minicamp so i am not alarmed but i hope the RB's make some noise in training camp.

 

I agree and we are very excited that win4ever is writing for us.

 

Thanks Alvin!

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win4ever

win4ever

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That's as great summary of the 3 day minicamp as i have ever seen.

 

The WR battle should be interesting to watch. There are 4 to 5 very good players for most likely 3 spots at the bottom of the depth chart.

 

There was not much talk about JETS RB's. Its minicamp so i am not alarmed but i hope the RB's make some noise in training camp.

 

Thanks.  

 

Yeah, the WR battle should be interesting, especially so since I doubt they use Smith in the return man role, and Kerley may as well stand on the sideline and waive his arms for a fair catch.  So I would love to see how the battle plays out because I don't think Evans/Enunwa have much experience on special teams, and Owusu has a bad history of concussions.  It could be two different competitions all together, one for a WR spot, and one for a return man/WR spot.  

 

Yeah, there wasn't a lot on RBs, besides the given depth chart which wasn't anything ground breaking.  I would like to see how Gailey sets up his blocking system, because with the Bills he used a zone blocking system.  Geno is familiar with the system I believe because WV used it with their spread, and I think the Jets are configuring their roster to fit into it.  This is an old article, about FSU switching to zone blocking, but I found it interesting:  

 

http://www.tomahawknation.com/2009/6/9/900288/understanding-zone-blocking-and

 

It goes into detail about the type of backs they look for in zone blocking schemes, guys that can consistently get yards instead of breaking big ones and then getting stuffed.  Also, said, since the second level of zone blocking is also inhabited by OL, it's more crowded, so guys that can keep their legs moving after contact and gain yards by breaking tackles are ideal for the zone.  That would explain, why we didn't go for speed guys as much, instead going for power backs that can get those yards in traffic, yet still have the ability to run deep if the situation presents itself.  

 

I think the set up there is going to be interesting, see how they incorporate it more (Marty used zone blocking too, but I don't think it's to the extent that Gailey uses it) and how it affects the RBs.  

 

I agree and we are very excited that win4ever is writing for us.

 

Thanks Alvin!

 

Thanks for letting me write on the website.  

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32EBoozer

32EBoozer

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That's as great summary of the 3 day minicamp as i have ever seen.

 

The WR battle should be interesting to watch. There are 4 to 5 very good players for most likely 3 spots at the bottom of the depth chart.

 

There was not much talk about JETS RB's. Its minicamp so i am not alarmed but i hope the RB's make some noise in training camp.

 

 

Never smart to shoot your wad straight out of the gate. No where else to go but DOWN!

 

Good job by Win4.... I expect this kind of excellence during the off-season as well!  :winking0001:

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32EBoozer

32EBoozer

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What the **** are you you ? And what did i ever do to you to you ? Why the unprovoked attack  ?

What the **** are you you ?

 

Denver.... C'mon man! There's no attack in anything I wrote!

 

Having a little fun with you! Attacks are when you you curse at a person and call them "moron" or "Idiot"

 

I have a little fun about Colo. cannibus laws and you take it as an attack?

 

Lighten up. Didn't you see my "Winking Emoticon"?

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DoubleDown

DoubleDown

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Thanks for the nice write up!

 

There is a good balance of seasoned and raw talent on the current roster.  If some of the young players like Milliner, McDougal, Pryor, Amaro, and Evans can realize their potential and become solid contributors, this is going to be a very good team.  It's been five years since the Jets had this type of talent and depth at most positions.

 

It goes without saying that Geno is the key to this season.  His performance can swing this team anywhere from first to fourth in the division.

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win4ever

win4ever

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Good job by Win4.... I expect this kind of excellence during the off-season as well!  :winking0001:

 

Thanks,

 

Nice job of a recap- hah go from one year not having any CB's to an abundance

 

Thanks, it actually has to be pretty unprecedented for a position to go from so barren to so full in such a short time.  The only other instance I can think of is when the Pats added Gronk and Hernandez to their TE ranks, but I don't think that upgrade was this instant.   

 

Great summary, thanks! 

 

Thanks.

 

Thanks for posting it. It was very well-written!

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks for the nice write up!

 

There is a good balance of seasoned and raw talent on the current roster.  If some of the young players like Milliner, McDougal, Pryor, Amaro, and Evans can realize their potential and become solid contributors, this is going to be a very good team.  It's been five years since the Jets had this type of talent and depth at most positions.

 

It goes without saying that Geno is the key to this season.  His performance can swing this team anywhere from first to fourth in the division.

 

Thanks,  I think this is the roster with the most potential that I've seen in a long time.  Pretty much everything but the QB, lol.  I think it's the pass catching group that I'm most excited about, because it fits so well together.  Assuming 11 personnel, the defense has to account for Brandon Marshall going up against their top corner and Eric Decker against their second corner.  For both these guys, they have to try and slant defenses to give the corners help in some way.  Then have Devin Smith (who I think will take over for Kerley pretty soon) in there, and either you back off of him at the line and pretty much give a hot read short slant each time, or you have to position the safety to act as deep cover over him.  Then you deal with a pass catching option like Amaro, who can get open one on one.  All this, while trying to bring down a RB in Ivory who runs through contact, so LBs can't drop quite as far back.  And if that wasn't enough, a QB that can run as well if need be.  

 

In years past, the defense stacks the box to take care of RB/QB runs, and we didn't have anyone that posed a threat to opposing CBs, and we had Cumberland running around.  As long as everyone is healthy, this is just a stacked team, except at the most important position.  

 

Thanks!

 

1 minor correction - you said he ran a "51 forty yard dash", I think you meant 4.51...   :-)

 

Lol, yeah, I think it got cut off when I inserted the link over it for some reason. 

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Shadetree

Shadetree

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Thanks for write-up. Great, easy read.

Got anything in OLB & ILB situations? Always a concern of mine.

-ive always liked harris, but i don't like Harris' speed. That signing surprised me.

-other than great back-story, did Mauldin make any noise?

-what about the old men babin and pace?

-what are these LB units gonna look like on Sundays?

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Bugg

Bugg

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In short-Geno Smith sucks-

http://nypost.com/2015/06/12/new-coach-same-old-crippling-issue-haunts-geno-fated-jets/ Brian Costello Yesterday's Post-

At the end of most Jets practices this spring, new coach Todd Bowles conducted a “competition” period, when the offense and defense squared off with the losers running sprints.

The way things went this spring, the Jets’ offense might be the best 4×100 team in the NFL.

It was the same old story at this camp, with the all-world defense dominating the also-ran offense … again. For all of the money the Jets spent this offseason on upgrades and changes made from the front office to the coaching staff, the offense looks ordinary … again.

The Jets finished minicamp Thursday, beginning a six-week break before training camp. When they return to Florham Park, the biggest question mark around this team is the offense, something that feels like it could have been written every year since Namath and Maynard left town.

You have to back nearly 20 years to find a Jets’ offense that finished in the top 10. It was in 1998 when Vinny Testaverde, Curtis Martin and Bill Parcells took the team to an AFC East title. Since then, it has been a lot of down years with a few mediocre ones mixed in. The closest they came to returning to the top 10 was 2010, when they finished 11th.

For some reason, defense rules at One Jets Drive. Owner Woody Johnson continued his trend of hiring head coaches with defensive backgrounds when he tabbed Bowles, who was the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator last year. Johnson has hired five head coaches — Al Groh, Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan and Bowles — all from the defensive side of the ball.

Bowles may turn out to be a fine coach, but it was surprising the Jets wanted to go down the defensive road again in their coaching hire. One of the biggest problems with Ryan’s coaching was that his love for his defense often made the offensive players feel like second-class citizens. Ryan’s only involvement with the offense usually came when he was screaming, “Run the ball” at whichever offensive coordinator was on the other end of the headset that year.

This spring, Bowles has made an effort to pay attention to the offense as well as the defense. He acknowledged Thursday it requires extra effort and film work by him, but he seems committed to it … for now. Ryan always talked a big game about being involved with the offense during the offseason. When the season comes, coaches usually revert to who they truly are, and Bowles is a defensive guy.

The bigger issue than Bowles, though, is this offense does not look much better than last year’s, which finished 28th in the NFL in scoring. The offensive line is shaky, there is no speed back in the backfield, and the ever-present question at quarterback remains.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall will make an impact in the red zone and will bail out Geno Smith at times with his playmaking ability, but will he get enough passes to keep him happy? It feels like a matter of time before Marshall is griping about the offense being run-heavy, which clearly Bowles wants it to be.

Smith appears to be on his way to a third straight season of being the starting quarterback on opening day. His teammates and coaches are saying the right things about Smith now, but how can anyone expect consistency from him until he actually shows it? This spring he has looked like the same guy that has an 11-18 record as a starter. One pass looks good. The next looks terrible. One day he throws three interceptions. The next he has none.

“It’s been up and down,” Bowles said Thursday of Smith. “He makes some good throws. He makes some bad throws. There’s got to be more consistency for the quarterbacks overall.”

Smith is the biggest piece of the Jets’ offensive puzzle, but new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey also is a key. Can Gailey draw out the best of Smith? He takes a job that has been Mission Impossible for coaches such as Paul Hackett, Brian Schottenheimer, Tony Sparano and Marty Mornhinweg. Fixing the Jets’ offense is a tougher job than guarding LeBron James.

As the offensive players sprinted from sideline to sideline this week after another practice loss, you had to wonder if the 2015 season will follow the same script of recent years, when the Jets’ defense was top-notch and the offense dragged the team down.

One thing is certain — the offense will be in great shape.

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