WR's, TE's, RB's - jets receivers

[jtomm]

Jets receivers will be put to ‘test’ with critical Aaron Rodgers signals

Story by Ryan Dunleavy

The Jets are about to green-light Aaron Rodgers to install signals at the line of scrimmage.

Training camp practices begin Wednesday, and one of the main points of emphasis for the offense will be getting its two factions on the same page as it relates to Rodgers’ preferred form of post-huddle communication.Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, C.J. Uzomah and other pass-catchers who have not previously played with Rodgers have to learn the quarterback’s many hand gestures that former Packers receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, already know.

“It’s something that he takes a lot of pride in, and it’s something that we love to see because he takes advantage of certain areas on the field,” Hackett said. “It definitely puts a little pressure on the wide receivers because they can’t ever just lock in on something that they’re going to be doing. If the quarterback sees an advantageous look for something, he’ll give you something very quick, and you have to have your eyes on him and eyes on the ball.”

Rodgers ran weekly in-season hand-signal meetings with the Packers offensive skill players and the expectation is that will continue with the Jets.Brushing his arm or tapping his helmet is how the details-oriented Rodgers alerts receivers and tight ends to alter routes based on the pre-snap look and spacing of the defense.“We get some simple ones to start and then we’ll start ramping them up once camp comes,” Rodgers said on the final day of OTAs. “Just ease into that, test them every single day. The fun part is in the walk-throughs to not just turn your brain off and be a robot. Test them on signals, test them on cadence, test them on alignments and slight adjustments we might have talked about just in the locker room. The guys pick it up good.”

The reward for paying attention is earning Rodgers’ trust and the opportunity to put up big numbers.

Rodgers took major exception last season with an article in The Athletic that connected his complex, not-written-down signals to the Packers’ history of ineffective rookie receivers throughout his career.They are hard for young players to remember while playing fast, rookie Romeo Doubs, veteran Sammy Watkins and backup quarterback Jordan Love alleged.Second-year Garrett Wilson is one of the wide receivers that will need to learn Rodgers’ cues.Noah K. Murray-NY Post.Complaints that Rodgers was a pop-quizzer on information that he didn’t teach is far from the vibe inside the Jets.

“He’s a great communicator and he’s a great teacher,” quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese said. “When he’s talking with the receivers or tight ends on how he wants certain routes just from experience, it’s special.”

It seemed that the Giants’ secondary had no problem learning Rodgers’ signals in their matchup last season.When Rodgers touched his shoulder before a crucial fourth-down pass, safety Julian Love communicated that the ball was coming to cornerback Nick McCloud’s side and Xavier McKinney blitzed the passing lane for a batted incompletion.Whereas the Packers heavily relied on rookie receivers last season, the Jets’ top eight pass-catchers average six years of NFL experience and the youngest, Wilson, is the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

How much responsibility is on the receivers to learn those signals?

Jets wide receiver Corey Davis speaks to the media after practice in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post“That’s all on them,” receivers coach Zach Azzanni said. “I don’t want to speak for Aaron and Hack, but we’ve probably done about less than 10 percent of that stuff signal-wise [in the spring]. Those things grow exponentially as we grow.”Azzanni is another newcomer learning Rodgers’ signals under the pressure that he might “get the side-eye” if a receiver messes up.He pointed to an example of ironing out kinks in a June 9 walk-through.

“The guys are like, ‘What’s that signal?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know,’ ” Azzanni said. “It might have been from 2011, but let’s get on the same page. That’s what’s cool about those guys all being here [voluntarily], working through those things.”Attendance is mandatory come Wednesday.Lazard and Cobb will interject in meetings to let the others know some of Rodgers’ preferred intricacies on a given play.But Rodgers’ voice carries the most weight — and the Jets understand they have to be ready for when he talks with his hands.

“He does it quite a bit,” Hackett said.

 >>  https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/jets-receivers-will-be-put-to-test-with-critical-aaron-rodgers-signals/ar-AA1dWVqw

[Bobby816]

Some of you guys bash Cobb and Lazard here but they will only help Wilson, Hardman and Davis get on the same page. And as a #2 guy Lazard is good and Cobb isn’t a bad 5th WR. That learning curve to get in sync with Rodgers shouldn’t be long after mini camp and a whole 6 weeks of TC

[OtherwiseHappyinLife]

Shocking!  We're going to let our QB actually audible at the LOS.  I can't recall the last time we allowed this.  Not to suggest that Zach Wilson was ready for it but it feels like Chad Pennington was the last QB who had this core flexibility.  Maybe I'm just making stuff up but it's great to have a cerebral QB who can identify pre-snap advantages, change up the play, and increase the play's probability of success.        

[32EBoozer]

17 minutes ago, jtomm said:

Jets receivers will be put to ‘test’ with critical Aaron Rodgers signals

Story by Ryan Dunleavy

The Jets are about to green-light Aaron Rodgers to install signals at the line of scrimmage.

Training camp practices begin Wednesday, and one of the main points of emphasis for the offense will be getting its two factions on the same page as it relates to Rodgers’ preferred form of post-huddle communication.Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, C.J. Uzomah and other pass-catchers who have not previously played with Rodgers have to learn the quarterback’s many hand gestures that former Packers receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, already know.

“It’s something that he takes a lot of pride in, and it’s something that we love to see because he takes advantage of certain areas on the field,” Hackett said. “It definitely puts a little pressure on the wide receivers because they can’t ever just lock in on something that they’re going to be doing. If the quarterback sees an advantageous look for something, he’ll give you something very quick, and you have to have your eyes on him and eyes on the ball.”

Rodgers ran weekly in-season hand-signal meetings with the Packers offensive skill players and the expectation is that will continue with the Jets.Brushing his arm or tapping his helmet is how the details-oriented Rodgers alerts receivers and tight ends to alter routes based on the pre-snap look and spacing of the defense.“We get some simple ones to start and then we’ll start ramping them up once camp comes,” Rodgers said on the final day of OTAs. “Just ease into that, test them every single day. The fun part is in the walk-throughs to not just turn your brain off and be a robot. Test them on signals, test them on cadence, test them on alignments and slight adjustments we might have talked about just in the locker room. The guys pick it up good.”

The reward for paying attention is earning Rodgers’ trust and the opportunity to put up big numbers.

Rodgers took major exception last season with an article in The Athletic that connected his complex, not-written-down signals to the Packers’ history of ineffective rookie receivers throughout his career.They are hard for young players to remember while playing fast, rookie Romeo Doubs, veteran Sammy Watkins and backup quarterback Jordan Love alleged.Second-year Garrett Wilson is one of the wide receivers that will need to learn Rodgers’ cues.Noah K. Murray-NY Post.Complaints that Rodgers was a pop-quizzer on information that he didn’t teach is far from the vibe inside the Jets.

“He’s a great communicator and he’s a great teacher,” quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese said. “When he’s talking with the receivers or tight ends on how he wants certain routes just from experience, it’s special.”

It seemed that the Giants’ secondary had no problem learning Rodgers’ signals in their matchup last season.When Rodgers touched his shoulder before a crucial fourth-down pass, safety Julian Love communicated that the ball was coming to cornerback Nick McCloud’s side and Xavier McKinney blitzed the passing lane for a batted incompletion.Whereas the Packers heavily relied on rookie receivers last season, the Jets’ top eight pass-catchers average six years of NFL experience and the youngest, Wilson, is the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

How much responsibility is on the receivers to learn those signals?

Jets wide receiver Corey Davis speaks to the media after practice in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post“That’s all on them,” receivers coach Zach Azzanni said. “I don’t want to speak for Aaron and Hack, but we’ve probably done about less than 10 percent of that stuff signal-wise [in the spring]. Those things grow exponentially as we grow.”Azzanni is another newcomer learning Rodgers’ signals under the pressure that he might “get the side-eye” if a receiver messes up.He pointed to an example of ironing out kinks in a June 9 walk-through.

“The guys are like, ‘What’s that signal?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know,’ ” Azzanni said. “It might have been from 2011, but let’s get on the same page. That’s what’s cool about those guys all being here [voluntarily], working through those things.”Attendance is mandatory come Wednesday.Lazard and Cobb will interject in meetings to let the others know some of Rodgers’ preferred intricacies on a given play.But Rodgers’ voice carries the most weight — and the Jets understand they have to be ready for when he talks with his hands.

“He does it quite a bit,” Hackett said.

 >>  https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/jets-receivers-will-be-put-to-test-with-critical-aaron-rodgers-signals/ar-AA1dWVqw

Not every article needs a new thread @jtomm 

“Prodigious thread starter”

 

[rangerous]

Ever watch Brady or manning and their signals? Manning was always flailing his arms. It’s gonna be no different from Rodgers. But I also think these talking heads are making way too much of it.  They’re getting ready to start their knocking down schtick once passes aren’t being caught.

[jtomm]

2023 Jets Country Player Profile: TE Izaiah Gathings (43)

Meet every player on the New York Jets' 90-man roster through our preseason series

• RALPH VENTRE

Undrafted rookie tight end Izaiah Gathings is one of the fortunate few. 

In a rare occurrence, the overlooked prospect turned his rookie camp tryout into a UDFA contract and landed on an NFL team's 90-man roster. Gathings, a converted receiver, is one of six tight ends competing for the New York Jets this preseason. The Middle Tennessee product began his college career at Division I FCS member Gardner-Webb, but left after the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

The 6-foot-4 Gathings made 12 appearances (11 starts) at receiver for MTSU last year, totaling 559 yards and two touchdowns on 60 receptions. He caught at least four passes in seven different games during his final collegiate campaign. Gathings finished as the team's second-leading receiver in a 25-23 victory in the 2022 Hawai'i Bowl. He made seven catches for 69 yards, including an 11-yard third-down conversion on the game-winning, fourth-quarter scoring drive.

Prior to transferring up to the FBS, Gathings enjoyed a 1,000-yard receiving season with Gardner-Webb in 2019.In addition to returnees Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah and Jeremy Ruckert, Gathings joins a tight ends group that includes fellow UDFA E.J. Jenkins and seventh-round rookie Zack Kuntz.

Izaiah Gathings, Tight End

Number: 43
Current Status: Rookie
How/When Acquired: UDFA tryout / 2023
College: Middle Tennessee
2022 Final Stats: 12 GP, 11 GS, 60 receptions, 559 rec yards, 2 TD receptions, 9.3 ypc (at MTSU)

 rest of above article  >>   https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/players/izaiah-gathings

[jtomm]

Denzel Mims to be waived if Jets can't trade WR, source confirms

Rich Cimini, -  ESPN Staff WriterJul 19, 2023

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- On the day they opened training camp with Aaron Rodgers-fueled optimism, the New York Jets parted ways with a disappointing draft pick from their recent past.

Wide receiver Denzel Mims, a second-round selection in 2020 who never gained traction with the Jets' current coaching staff, was informed that he will be waived, a source confirmed Wednesday to ESPN.The Jets are trying to trade Mims, who requested a trade one year ago but will be placed on waivers if New York is unable to reach a deal with another team. The Jets' plan to waive Mims was first reported by the New York Post.Mims was excused from training camp and didn't report with the rest of the team. The move came as no surprise, as Mims failed to establish a consistent role and had just 42 catches for 676 yards while failing to score a touchdown in three seasons.

It's the latest move in a shakeup at wide receiver for the Jets, who traded Elijah Moore -- a 2021 second-round pick -- to the Cleveland Browns in March and also declined to re-sign Braxton Berrios, a former All-Pro kick returner who wound up with the Miami Dolphins.The next Jets receiver on the hot seat could be Corey Davis, who has an uncertain role and an $11 million cap charge, making him a pay-cut candidate.The Jets believe they upgraded their receiving corps by signing Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, both of whom played with Rodgers in Green Bay. They also signed speedster Mecole Hardman.

Mims was seen as a fifth or sixth receiver on the depth chart and doesn't play on special teams, minimizing his value in the eyes of the team.The overall mood was upbeat on Day 1 as it always is in camp, but this felt different, according to players."You can start with all the cameras that are around to start off the first day," linebacker C.J. Mosley said. "We have a big name in Aaron Rodgers here. His first day here, you can kind of feel a lot of screws and bolts tighten up. That's expected with the name and the way he carries (himself). ... Everybody is excited from top to bottom -- coaches, players."

The Jets are being featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks," which has further increased the spotlight.

 >>  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38036280/denzel-mims-waived-jets-trade-wr-source-confirms

[jtomm]

New wide receiver on joining Jets: Taxes bad, Aaron Rodgers good

Updated: Jul. 20, 2023

By  Joey Chandler | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Allen Lazard kept things real at the podium after Jets training camp practice on Thursday afternoon. The former Packers receiver, who signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Jets in March, had everyone in stitches.When asked about the biggest positives and negatives of joining the Jets, Lazard didn’t hesitate:

“The biggest positive? Playing with Aaron Rodgers. The comfortability of not having to learn a new offense, and develop chemistry with a new quarterback.”

“The negative? Taxes.”

No truer words in the tri-state area have ever been spoken.And it wasn’t the only time Lazard got laughs.

When asked how sure he was that Rodgers was also on his way to the Jets after he signed in March, Lazard didn’t sugarcoat it: “There was like an eight-hour period of time where I was like, what the f***, bro?” he said.

“And, he was like, it is going to happen and I was like, alright. We also had a very deep conversation and talked about the possibility of where he would go and I would go. Not to say that him coming here was the only reason I came here or me coming here is the only reason why he didn’t want to retire or stay in Green Bay per se, but I knew he was doing everything he could do.”

He also made sure, when questioned on whether or not the Jets are implementing the Packers offense, to make it known “it’s the Aaron Rodgers offense.”Lazard, 27, spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Packers. In 2022, he finished with 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns.

 >>  https://www.nj.com/jets/2023/07/new-wide-receiver-on-joining-jets-taxes-bad-aaron-rodgers-good.html

[Joe W. Namath]

This offense hinges on Corey Davis,  He needs to step up and be an alpha number 2 receiver.  900 yards and 8 tds.  If not, we are in deep trouble.  The rest of the receivers are all jags.

[jgb]

12 hours ago, Joe W. Namath said:

This offense hinges on Corey Davis,  He needs to step up and be an alpha number 2 receiver.  900 yards and 8 tds.  If not, we are in deep trouble.  The rest of the receivers are all jags.

“Alpha number 2”

[Bronx]

14 hours ago, Joe W. Namath said:

This offense hinges on Corey Davis,  He needs to step up and be an alpha number 2 receiver.  900 yards and 8 tds.  If not, we are in deep trouble.  The rest of the receivers are all jags.

Hold on, I thought you mentioned that Ruckert was going to the next one...

 

[jtomm]

Jets’ Garrett Wilson Showing Shades of Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers Says

• CAMERON FLYNN

Garrett Wilson is well on his way to becoming one of the best wideouts in the NFL. 

The former Ohio State star won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, and heading into his 2023 campaign, Wilson is receiving high praise from Jets signal caller Aaron Rodgers. Speaking to John Pullano of the team's website on Thursday, Rodgers had this to say about the Jets' WR1. 

"Look,” Rodgers said “I love Davante [Adams], and I saw him this summer. He is in a category all by himself still. But, that 17 [Adams] reminds me of the other 17 [Wilson] as far as his ability to get in and out of breaks and his quick twitch at the line of scrimmage.”

Rodgers is right, that is, Adams may still be in a category all by himself - but Wilson isn't that far off. Amid less-than-stellar quarterback play last season, Wilson broke the Jets' rookie record with 1,103 receiving yards. He also finished the year with four touchdowns and 83 total receptions.Adams, on the other hand, logged 1,516 receiving yards and an NFL-leading 14 touchdowns last season. 

We're excited to see if Wilson can take the next step this fall. 

rest of above article  >>   https://athlonsports.com/nfl/aaron-rodgers-garrett-wilson-similar-davante-adams-nfl-jets

[jtomm]

Robert Saleh: Breece Hall looks strong and is in really good shape

By Myles Simmons - Published July 21, 2023

 

The Jets may or may not be in the market for free-agent running back Dalvin Cook.But one of the running backs already on the roster is apparently making solid progress as he returns from injury.Head coach Robert Saleh said after Thursday’s training camp practice that second-year RB Breece Hall “looks really good” in his recovery from a torn ACL.

“Someone gave me a little whisper that he hit 23 [mph] on his GPS, so he looks really good,” Saleh said in his press conference. “He looks strong, he’s in really good shape. Obviously, we’re going to do good by him and make sure that we slow play it, but he’s in really good shape.”As for when Hall might be cleared, Saleh said, “When he’s ready, he’s ready.”

“The one thing with these ACLs, you don’t want to go too quick, but at the same time, you don’t want to go too slow, so there’s a balancing act,” Saleh said. “Trust our trainers, trust our doctors, and as of now, knock on wood, things are going really well.”

Saleh added that the club wants to see Hall run, cut, and change direction properly before he’ll be declared ready for action.Before tearing his ACL last season, Hall rushed for 463 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. The 2022 second-round pick out of Iowa State also had 19 receptions for 218 yards with a touchdown as a rookie.

 >>  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/new-york-jets

[Joe W. Namath]

Rodgers and Corey Davis (WR2) connected on a nice 1st down today.  This is great news for this team!!!!

[jtomm]

Jets Sign WR Alex Erickson and S Dane Cruikshank

Erickson Has Played in 99 Games, Has Return Experience; Cruikshank Has Played in 52 Games

Jul 20, 2023 

--- The Jets have signed WR Alex Erickson and S Dane Cruikshank.

Erickson (6-0, 195) played in two games last season for the Commanders and played in two games. He originally signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Wisconsin. He played 80 games (14 starts) in Cincinnati over five seasons and totaled 93 receptions, 1,086 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. Erickson played the 2021 season with the Panthers and had 3 catches for 55 yards. He also has return experience with an 8.0 career punt return average and a 24.8 kick return average.

rest of above article  >>  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-wr-alex-erickson-and-s-dane-cruikshank

[jtomm]

Tyler Conklin: The Tight-End Group Really Likes This New Offense

Jul 21, 2023

TE Tyler Conklin speaks with the media on the second day of 2023 Jets Training Camp.

video  >>   https://www.newyorkjets.com/video/tyler-conklin-the-tight-end-group-really-likes-this-new-offense

[jtomm]

by Billy Riccette - July 21, 2023 

The Jets announced the signing of wide receiver Alex Erickson Thursday.Erickson is entering his eighth NFL season. His first five were in Cincinnati followed by a season each with the Panthers and Commanders.

Erickson was a core returner in his early years with the Bengals and was also a punt returner for the Panthers in 2021.Throughout his career, he has averaged eight yards per punt return and 24.8 yards per kick return. He gives the Jets an intriguing option there.

 >>  https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/21/jets-sign-wr-alex-erickson/

[Joe W. Namath]

Big time td today for WR2 from Rodgers.  If Davis stays healthy, and that is a big if, he is going to have a monster season.  He is the most physically talented receiver we have.

WR2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Lets go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jtomm]

Corey Davis happy to be back with Jets after uncertain offseason

by Colin Martin - July 23, 2023

When the Jets signed Corey Davis to a three-year, $37.5 million deal during the 2021 offseason, he was expected to become the team's No. 1 WR for years to come.Davis made just 34 receptions for 492 yards and four touchdowns in nine games during his first year in New York, prompting the Jets to take Garrett Wilson with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Wilson proved throughout his rookie season that he's one of the best young receivers in the league and would be the team's clear No. 1 option in 2023. The Jets then added Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb to the receiver room during the offseason, creating an uncertainty if they were going to bring Davis back for the 2023 season.

New York opted to keep Davis on the roster, despite the remaining $10.5 million in salary that he's owed. Davis spoke to reporters Sunday after practice and discussed how the offseason was for him while not knowing if he'd be back in New York."Obviously all of it was out of my control. Offseason was long, there was a point where there was uncertainty, obviously with all the moves going on it's hard not to think that," Davis said. "I trusted in God and knew that whatever happened was going to happen, gotta control what I can control and try to take it one day at a time. It was kind of a long offseason, but I'm happy to be here."

Davis said he stayed in contact with head coach Robert Saleh and the team during the offseason, noting that Saleh told him "not to worry, everything's gonna work out for the better."

"Like I said, I'm happy to be here, happy they kept me," Davis said.

Now entering his third season with Gang Green, Davis will get the opportunity to play with future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers after catching passes from a combination of Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco the past two years. Davis said "it's been awesome" to work with Rodgers so far this summer, adding that his knowledge of the game has been very helpful."It's been good, real good," Davis said. "You guys know the caliber and type of talent he brings. Obviously it's been awesome. He's a great quarterback, great dude. It's like having another coach out there, especially in the meeting rooms. Nothing's too small for him to coach, ball security, whatever it may be, our stance. He's always getting us right, so it's been real good."

Prior to coming to New York, Davis spent the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. There he played with one-time Pro Bowl QB Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota in a more run-focused offense, but he did put up nearly 1,000 yards during the 2020 season. Davis was asked Sunday if he can tell the differences between all of his prior quarterbacks and Rodgers so far during training camp, and didn't hesitate to praise the signal caller."Yes, no doubt," Davis said. "Mainly just at the line, he sees things a lot different, he's able to dissect it a lot quicker than most. You guys know that, he's obviously, like I said, a top caliber quarterback in this league. So he's able to dissect it and see things that others may not see, which helps us. He gets us lined up right and makes sure that everything goes smooth."

Davis went on to acknowledge the team's expectations to compete for a Super Bowl this season with Rodgers, but stayed grounded by saying the Jets still need to take it "one day at a time."

"That's always the goal is Super Bowl, never changes no matter who's in here," Davis said. "Obviously we got a great chance now. We got a great defense, great offense, great QB. We got a lot of talent, it's a matter of putting it all together now and taking it one day at a time out here, coming out here competing and taking care of each other."

 >>  https://www.yahoo.com/sports/corey-davis-happy-back-jets-175730501.html

[Ghost420]

On 7/20/2023 at 2:57 PM, Joe W. Namath said:

This offense hinges on Corey Davis,  He needs to step up and be an alpha number 2 receiver.  900 yards and 8 tds.  If not, we are in deep trouble.  The rest of the receivers are all jags.

If lazard is a jag so is Corey Davis. 

[Dunnie]

If lazard is a jag so is Corey Davis. 

Corey Davis has the tools to be an elite No. 2. Hence why he was drafted where he was. Lazard is a walk on good story.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

[Beerfish]

I still very much wish the Jets had drafted JS Njigba over McDonald in this past draft.  

[jtomm]

39 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

I still very much wish the Jets had drafted   * dan marino *   over  * ken o'brien *  in   * the 1983  *   draft.  

*  *   ^^   

[jtomm]

By  Ryan Dunleavy - July 23, 2023

Corey Davis went from savior to spared from the chopping block in the span of a quick Jets’ wide receiver overhaul.

Two years ago, when the Jets were desperate to upgrade over Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder, Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million free-agent contract to be their unquestioned No. 1 target.But continued additions — drafting Garrett Wilson in 2022 and signing Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Mecole Hardman this offseason — plus Davis’ non-guaranteed $10.5 million salary left his roster spot in jeopardy.And yet there was Davis catching a pass in the end zone Saturday.There he was again on a go-route Sunday as Aaron Rodgers uncorked a deep ball.

“All of that was out of my control,” Davis said. “It was kind of a long offseason. There was a point where there was uncertainty. Obviously with all the moves going on, it’s hard not to think that. It’s still a business, but I’m happy to be here. Happy they kept me.”

Head coach Robert Saleh’s behind-the-scenes message through all the speculation was “not to worry, it’s all going to work out for the better,” Davis said.There is a school of thought that the 6-foot-3 Davis might not be totally in the clear yet because he and the 6-foot-5 Lazard offer overlapping skill sets as physical receivers.But Davis, who skipped most voluntary OTAs in the spring, isn’t relying on competition for motivation when he already has plenty.

“That fire is never not going anywhere, whether I’m the [No.] 1, 2 or 3,” Davis said. “We’ve got a lot of talent in that room — a lot of dudes who bring different stuff to the table. I’m just trying to play my role as best I can and lead these young boys the best I can.”Davis has at least one new advocate in the Jets’ building: Pass-game coordinator Todd Downing was the Titans’ tight ends coach in 2020, when Davis set all his career highs — 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns with Tennessee — leading into his free agency.

“Super Bowl is always the goal and that never changes no matter who is in here,” Davis said. “We’ve got a great chance now. We’ve got a lot of talent. It’s a matter of putting it all together now.”Like everyone other than the two former Packers, Lazard and Cobb, Davis is trying to build trust with Rodgers and take advantage of an “awesome” opportunity by learning his hand-signal audibles at the line of scrimmage and securing passes thrown into tight windows.

“Allen and Randall have that rapport with Aaron, so we’ve got to catch up,” Davis said. “There are a lot of different signals and a lot of things he can do. We’re getting there. It’s going to be really beneficial for us once we all get that down, and we’re able to play fast.”Until now, the best in-his-prime quarterback that Davis ever played with was Ryan Tannehill.With all due respect, playing with a four-time MVP is different.

“It’s like having another coach out there, especially in the team meeting rooms,” Davis said. “Nothing is too small for him to coach. Ball security, our stance, he’s always getting us right. He is able to dissect it a lot quicker than most and see things that others may not see.”When Davis boxed out cornerback D.J. Reed to catch a side-arm floating two-point conversion pass from Rodgers during a red-zone period, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett ran downfield for a chest-bump celebration.Davis looked like the kind of red-zone threat that the Jets hoped for but haven’t yet gotten as he totaled 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns through 22 games of quarterback dysfunction.

“Credit to Corey,” Saleh said, “using his big body to shield off D.J. to bring the ball down to catch it.”

Added Davis, “Aaron put it where only I can get it, no doubt.”

And, so, less doubt than before that Davis has a place on these Jets.

 >>  https://nypost.com/2023/07/23/corey-davis-survives-offseason-of-uncertainty-after-jets-flurry-of-receiver-signings/

[jtomm]

WR Mecole Hardman Determined to Expand Role on Offense

Speedy Wideout Notices Similarities Between Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers

Jul 24, 2023  -  John Pullano

During WR Mecole Hardman's four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, the blazing-fast wideout was heavily utilized in the return game and on gadget plays. As a rookie in 2019, Hardman averaged 26.1 yards on kickoffs and his special teams prowess earned him Pro Bowl and 2nd Team All-Pro selections.With the Jets, Hardman is looking to expand his role and put opposing secondaries on their heels with his 4.33 speed.

"[In Kansas City] I knew I could do those things," Hardman said when asked about playing as a traditional wideout. "But in my last situation, I wasn't required to do those things. We had people to do it. I was doing the things that people couldn't do. When you got Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, they are doing most of those things."Playing alongside All-Pro and future Hall of Famers in Hill and Kelce in Kansas City, Hardman, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, was often asked to be a gadget guy for head coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes' high-flying offense. He had 21 touchdowns in four seasons including three in the playoffs.

In the punt game, Hardman averaged 9.0 yards a return over four seasons including a 12.1 number in 2021 that lead the league. He scored on several end-around plays, screens and jet sweeps during his stint, including a three-touchdown game against the 49ers where on each score he got the ball behind the line of scrimmage.The Green & White won't stop using Hardman in specialist and specialty roles, but the fifth-year wideout is determined to increase his role on offense.

"I am not just a gadget guy, that is just what I am good at in this role on my team," Hardman said. "I wouldn't say I am motivated, just want to show y'all I can do that stuff too."

HC Robert Saleh added: "When we talked to him during free agency, we said embrace your superpower. That's not going to go away. When he has the ball in his hands, it's elite. His vision is elite, his field presence is elite, his ability to find lanes and gain yards is elite, but the thing we're committed to is helping him evolve his route running and get him away from just being a high-cross guy and a go-ball guy and see if we can help him in the intermediate game and help him strengthen that part of his game. He's working at it, and it's going to take more deliberate work from everybody, but he's off to a good start."Hardman had 34 receptions for 297 yards and 4 touchdowns and added two scores on the ground last season. He has exceeded 500 yards receiving each of his first three seasons including career highs of 693 yards and 59 catches in 2021.

After joining the Jets in March following the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Eagles, Hardman worked to the side with trainers during the spring. Hardman, who had surgery in February to repair a core muscle, was a full-go when training camp commenced last week."Coach (Nathaniel) Hackett is doing a good job moving me around and putting me in different spots on the field," Hardman said. "But also letting me do the things that I am good at, which are the gadget stuff and the jet sweeps and all the deep balls. [Hackett] is implementing it very well and I am enjoying it."During practice Saturday, QB Aaron Rodgers got the defense to jump offside in a red-zone period. With the free play, Rodgers whipped a pass over the top of a defender to a leaping Hardman for a touchdown in the back of the end zone.

Hardman said he sees similarities between Mahomes and Rodgers, but he thinks the 39-year-old signal-caller's experience is unmatched."I think [Rodgers] is very intelligent and he is a great QB," Hardman said. "He is definitely on time with everything. He tells us to be open on time and it has been good building chemistry with him."They are both Hall of Fame QBs. With 19 years, I just think Rodgers' maturity and experience are a level above. He has seen everything, and you can't trick him. He has been in every situation, and I think that is what separates the two. As far as their playmaking ability, I think it is similar."

 >>  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/wr-mecole-hardman-determined-to-expand-role-on-offense

[JKlecko]

On 7/18/2023 at 4:34 PM, Bobby816 said:

Some of you guys bash Cobb and Lazard here but they will only help Wilson, Hardman and Davis get on the same page. And as a #2 guy Lazard is good and Cobb isn’t a bad 5th WR. That learning curve to get in sync with Rodgers shouldn’t be long after mini camp and a whole 6 weeks of TC

Cobb picked up a lot of 1st downs last year and was Rodgers' most reliable WR.

[jtomm]

Jul 24, 2023  - Jack Bell

The Jets' rapid-fire signings of wide receivers Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman Jr., and Randall Cobb created a crowded room. An obvious question was whether there would be an open seat in the room for the veteran Corey Davis.The matter of whether he would be back to possibly catch passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers or perhaps be a cap casualty became an earworm that dogged Davis through what he described as a long offseason.

"It was a lot of that, but it was all out of my control," Davis said on Sunday, the final day the Jets will train before the pads come on for Tuesday's workout. "The offseason was long, and I was at the point where there was uncertainty with the moves they made. It was hard not to think that. I've got to control what I can control."

Davis, 28, is preparing for his third season in Green & White and seventh campaign in the NFL after playing for four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Over his two seasons with the Jets, Davis has had to deal with a series of injuries that limited him to 9 games, 34 receptions for 492 yards and 4 TDs in 2021 and then 13 games, 32 catches for 536 and 2 TDs last season. Those number came after Davis turned in two 65-reception seasons (2018 and 2020).As public as head coach Robert Saleh was in the offseason about Davis' place on the team, he also maintained communication with the imposing 6-3, 209 inviting target.

"He kept in touch all the time," Davis said. "It's still a business, but I'm happy to be here. Saleh was telling me not to worry, things will work out for the better."Whenever he's been asked about Davis and his place on the team, Saleh has consistently pointed to the intangibles that the Western Michigan product brings to the Jets."There's a lot of grinding that goes on in the run game, the red zone, all those big-boy catches that happen off the play-action pass," Saleh said in May. "Those things are where Allen [Lazard] and Corey excel."

In camp so far, and admittedly it's early, Davis has done his part collaborating with Rodgers. He caught a TD pass in the red zone, saying that Rodgers "put it where I can get it."

"The caliber and talent he brings have been awesome," Davis said about Rodgers. "Great dude, like a coach out there. There's nothing too small for him to coach, always getting us right. Things mainly at the line. He sees things differently and he's able to dissect it quicker. He's able to see things others may not see, and that helps us."Davis was quick to admit that the team's returning pass catchers -- Garrett Wilson, C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert -- are acclimating themselves to the Rodgers way of doing things.

"Aaron brings a different system," Davis said. "I've been in the same offense my whole career, and this is definitely different. We have to catch up. Allen and Randall have that rapport with Aaron having been in Green Bay. Again, we have to catch up. There's a lot of different things he can do. Wwe have to catch up, and we're doing it."

Saleh remains juiced about the possibilities with a talented and jam-packed receivers room catching dots from Rodgers, and he hasn't been bashful about saying so."The cool thing with what [offensive coordinator] Nathaniel [Hackett] is bringing, and this whole system, is there is a lot of versatility amongst the receivers in terms of being able to play multiple spots," Saleh said. "To have a guy like Allen [Lazard] and Corey [Davis], then you add Garrett [Wilson] and Mecole [Hardman] with all the speed and all the competition that's going to happen at that five-six spot, Randall [Cobb] and all that. It's a really cool group of receivers and exciting to see how it shakes out." He added: "You can never have enough receivers."

On Sunday, Davis was clear: He's accepted the challenge and has immersed himself in the competition."That fire has never gone away," he said. "Whether I'm a 1, 2, or 3, I have a lot of talent to bring and put different stuff on the table. Doing the best I can and to lead these young boys."

 >>  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-veteran-wr-corey-davis-i-ve-got-to-control-what-i-can-control

[jtomm]

Billy Riccette  - July 26, 2023 

Jets running back Michael Carter started off his NFL career on a solid note, leading the team in rushing with 639 yards and had almost 1,000 total yards as a rookie in 2021. He took a step back in Year 2, rushing for just 402 yards and three touchdowns even with Breece Hall out for the last ten games of the season.

Carter is back for his third season and is ready to bounce back after what he called a “long-ass year” saying that there were “some moments where I could have come up big and I probably just didn’t.”With Carter’s struggles in 2022, the Jets started turning more to other backs such as undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson. They even traded for James Robinson in October, but Robinson ended up hardly playing for the Jets. Robinson recently signed with the New York Giants.

That trade made Carter perhaps a little too emotional. “This job is the only job I’ve ever had. Never worked at Publix, nothing. When something doesn’t go your way, it hurts you extra,” Carter said Tuesday. He’s learned from that and is ready to prove he can still be a valuable weapon for the Jets, especially entering a season where Hall still isn’t 100 percent and is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list and at a time where the Jets are still rumored to be in on former Vikings running back Dalvin Cook.

Carter is having a good start to camp, so he may already be on the road to a bounce-back season. If he can, the Jets could quietly have one of the better running back rooms in the NFL.

 >>  https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/26/michael-carter-confident-hell-bounce-back-from-disappointing-2022/

[jtomm]

Billy Riccette  -  July 26, 2023 

The Jets will have one more player available the next time they hit the practice field. Tight end C.J. Uzomah passed his physical Wednesday and was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Uzomah had an undisclosed injury and was one of a handful of players, including running back Breece Hall and offensive tackle Duane Brown, who were placed on the PUP list at the start of camp. Players are able to be removed from the list at any time.

With Uzomah off the list, the only other players still on the list other than Hall and Brown are wide receiver Randall Cobb and defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

 >>   https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/26/c-j-uzomah-passes-physical-jets-take-tight-end-off-pup-list/

[jtomm]

How Does TE Jeremy Ruckert Feel Going into Year Two with the Jets ?

Jul 26, 2023

Watch Jets TE speak with Team Reporter Ethan Greenberg during training camp.

video  >> https://www.newyorkjets.com/video/how-does-te-jeremy-ruckert-feel-going-into-year-two-with-the-jets

[jtomm]

Top 10 running backs entering the 2023 NFL season

Jul 27, 2023  - David Carr

Rank

10

Breece Hall - New York Jets

Hall exploded onto the scene as a rookie, helping the Jets to a 5-2 start as he averaged 5.8 yards per carry, highest among running backs (min. 80 carries), before his season was cut short by a torn ACL. In just seven games, he displayed elite explosiveness and the skill set to become a star in this league. It felt like he was on his way to claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which his teammate Garrett Wilson ultimately won. Now, he's focused on getting the knee "as strong as possible" -- and despite being placed on the active/PUP list last week, he plans to be ready to go for the Jets in Week 1. If that knee is healthy, Hall should enjoy a big sophomore season on a talented Jets team.

 >>  https://www.nfl.com/news/top-10-running-backs-entering-the-2023-nfl-season

[FootballLove]

Good stuff!

So Aaron's 'hand signals' had me thinking a few things. First, Denzel Mims. If Mims truly struggled to master the playbook and rout-tree, he probably struggled to learn Aaron's sign language too. Could be a factor in trading him to the Lions.

Changing plays at the LOS is not new....I recall Sanchez changing a play from quick slant to butt fumble 🤣

 

[jtomm]

20 minutes ago, FootballLove said:

Good stuff!

 **** butt fumble 🤣

[jtomm]

5 hours ago, FootballLove said:

Good stuff!

So Aaron's 'hand signals' had me thinking a few things. First, Denzel Mims. If Mims truly struggled to master the playbook and rout-tree, he probably struggled to learn Aaron's sign language too. Could be a factor in trading him to the Lions.

Changing plays at the LOS is not new....I recall Sanchez changing a play from quick slant to   butt fumble 🤣

[jtomm]

Jets Jeremy Ruckert Wants to be Complete and 'Get After Guys'

HC Robert Saleh Likes the Tight End’s ‘Nasty Streak’

Jul 29, 2023  - Randy Lange

It's no secret that Long Island native TE Jeremy Ruckert has been a Jets fan his entire life.

"The fan is still in me," the Lindenhurst native said during the first week of training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.

Of his devotion to the Green & White, there is little doubt. But after a rookie season punctuated by a nagging foot injury and subsequent limited contributions on the field, Ruckert said that he's primed and ready to show he belongs."I'm definitely more comfortable this year," the 6-5, 250-pound Ohio State product said. "I've been through it the whole year, the game is slowing down and I have a lot of room to improve. Being here for a year, things are making a lot more sense. I'm trying to use that going into the season and keep my confidence."

As a third-round draft pick (No. 101 overall) by his hometown team, a foot injury (plantar fasciitis) limited Ruckert to 9 games (48 snaps on offense) and 2 targets. His only reception came in the Week 18 game at Miami, but in that game he also drew praise from head coach Robert Saleh and tight ends coach Rod Middleton for laying on a couple of crushing blocks. The late, positive flourish offered encouragement ahead of the 2023 NFL season."Ruckert's had a really good offseason," Saleh said last Sunday. "He was really strong in OTAs. I don't know if any of you [reporters] have had plantar fasciitis, but it's probably one of the more annoying injuries in the world, because you can go and sometimes the doctor will say it's better if you just tear it, and so it just lingers and it's just an annoyance. But to his credit, he fought all the way through and now he looks really, really good."

Ruckert, who will turn 23 years old on Aug. 11, is part of a crowded and talented tight ends room. On paper right now, Ruckert slots in as the No. 3 TE behind C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, both of whom signed last year in free agency. The Jets also drafted towering Zack Kuntz (6-7) in the seventh round in addition to bringing back Kenny Yeboah, who suited up in a reserve/special teams role in 19 games in 2021-22."Being healthy this year has been a great load off, mentally and physically," Ruckert said. "At the end of last year I was playing with confidence and started to feel like myself again and I just used that to springboard me into a good offseason. Now they can put me in any spot, run or pass game, whatever it is — I'm ready to go in and play physical."

He is in a position that demands the physicality to excel in the run game and the agility to burst off the line of scrimmage and offer the quarterback -- in this case Aaron Rodgers -- an inviting target. Saleh likes Ruckert, especially his "nasty streak.""He looks awesome, he's hungry," Saleh said during OTAs. "I'm excited about him and the direction he's going in for sure. He's really attacked the offseason. He looks fluid. He's athletic. I think he's very physical, he has a physical mindset to him."

Ruckert said that he's ready to fulfill the expectations of his coaches. Even more, he wants to fulfill his own expectations."I take pride in being able to do whatever they want me to do," Ruckert said. "I want to be a complete tight end, put my nose in the ground and get after guys. My goal as a player is to be put anywhere and be able to thrive. I need to fine tune all those aspects and be the most complete tight end I can be."

 video  >>  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-jeremy-ruckert-wants-to-be-complete-and-get-after-guys