Shared practice with the Commanders 8/8

[Larz]

Not sure if this is from today but …..

 

 

[The Crusher]

Jamal Adams is somewhere wondering how to get around the tapestry over the fence thing. 

[Larz]

 

In many ways, joint practices are more valuable than preseason games.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had an interesting perspective about this topic while speaking ahead of his team’s upcoming joint practice with the New York Jets.

Contrary to preseason games, which play out in an unpredictable fashion, opposing coaching staffs work together on orchestrating joint practices to play out however they’d like. These joint practices are not merely scrimmages; rather, they are largely built around choreographed events designed to evaluate specific players and scenarios.

Another benefit is having the entire roster included in the action. Most teams will only use their first-team units for no more than a couple of drives in the third preseason game. In joint practices, though, everyone participates. It’s in these practices where veterans like Aaron Rodgers and stars like Sauce Gardner will get the majority of their “game-like” preparation ahead of the season opener.

The Commanders are a team in transition, but Washington’s roster does have a good deal of high-end talent at certain spots. Here are a few of the most interesting head-to-head matchups we will see during Thursday’s joint practice in Florham Park.

 

Sauce Gardner vs. Terry McLaurin

The beauty of the Jets’ talent-stocked roster is that just about everybody enjoys the luxury of facing a star-caliber player in practice on a daily basis. For Sauce Gardner, there aren’t many players who would provide a tougher daily challenge than Garrett Wilson.

Still, it’s great to shake things up and see a different face across the line of scrimmage. Gardner will get to pivot from Wilson to another upper-echelon receiver in Terry McLaurin. These reps will be valuable for Gardner, as he will likely play no more than a couple of drives in this year’s preseason. With the Panthers and Giants up next, McLaurin is likely the best wide receiver Gardner will see before the regular season (perhaps Malik Nabers will have something to say about that, but the rookie needs to prove it first).

Whereas Wilson primarily challenges Gardner using quickness and route-running finesse, McLaurin will provide a tougher challenge in the physicality and contested catching departments. McLaurin is listed as 18 pounds heavier than Wilson (210 vs. 192) and is much more proven at securing 50-50 balls, boasting a career contested catch rate of 54.5% versus Wilson’s 32.9%.

 

Jets interior offensive line vs. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen

The Commanders’ interior defensive line has been one of their few beacons of consistency over the past few seasons. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen anchor the unit.

This matchup would be interesting enough if we were solely talking about the blocking aspect of it, but all eyes will be on Joe Tippmann’s snapping as he faces a different opponent for the first time. After Tippmann launched a killer snap in the red zone during the Jets’ recent Green and White Scrimmage, it will be interesting to see how he responds to another high-pressure situation. With two talented defensive tackles in front of him, Tippmann will have enough to worry about after the ball is snapped. Hopefully, he does not let it affect the snap itself.

The snap debacle should not distract us from Tippmann’s actual post-snap performance. Tippmann has the potential to become one of the league’s best centers. While he needs to nail down the snapping first and foremost, we should give him credit where it’s due if he can win his matchups with Payne and Allen.

 

In addition to Tippmann, I am fascinated to see how Alijah Vera-Tucker performs. Vera-Tucker’s presence has been transformative for the Jets’ offense over the past two years. We know he has the ability to be one of the best guards in football, but will he be the same player after an Achilles tear?

Jets edge rushers vs. Commanders tackles

Washington’s starting tackle duo should be viewed as a delicious meal for a defensive front that holds itself to as high of a standard as the Jets do.

At right tackle is Andrew Wylie. In 2023, he allowed the 13th-most pressures (42) and fourth-most sacks (9) among tackles.

At left tackle is a competition between rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman and long-time journeyman backup Cornelius Lucas.

We don’t have to dive too deep into this one. The entire Jets’ edge-rusher unit has a chance to feast. It’s a perfect time for players like Will McDonald, Takk McKinley, and Eric Watts to make statements. Jermaine Johnson also has a chance to assert his dominance and prove he’s capable of another leap in Year 3.

 

Aaron Rodgers vs. Bobby Wagner

We’ve heard a lot about Rodgers’ pre-snap duels with C.J. Mosley during Jets practices. By now, these guys probably know each others’ cadences and tendencies inside-and-out, so they’re certainly ready to hear a different voice across the field.

In his first action against a different team since he tore his Achilles last September, Rodgers will enjoy the challenge of going up against nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner. A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Wagner still has plenty left in the tank at 34 years old. Regardless of his physical ability, it’s Wagner’s experience that makes him a perfect opponent for Rodgers in this situation.

Rodgers holds himself and his teammates to an extremely high standard. On the quest to achieve that standard, he seeks the toughest of challenges. Toying with a young or shoddy linebacker wouldn’t do the four-time MVP much good. But he should take a lot from a full practice of mental chess battles with one of the best linebackers in NFL history.

[nycdan]

18 minutes ago, The Crusher said:

Jamal Adams is somewhere wondering how to get around the tapestry over the fence thing. 

[Joe W. Namath]

Should be a fun one today.

[Jethead]

9 minutes ago, Larz said:

 

In many ways, joint practices are more valuable than preseason games.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had an interesting perspective about this topic while speaking ahead of his team’s upcoming joint practice with the New York Jets.

Contrary to preseason games, which play out in an unpredictable fashion, opposing coaching staffs work together on orchestrating joint practices to play out however they’d like. These joint practices are not merely scrimmages; rather, they are largely built around choreographed events designed to evaluate specific players and scenarios.

Another benefit is having the entire roster included in the action. Most teams will only use their first-team units for no more than a couple of drives in the third preseason game. In joint practices, though, everyone participates. It’s in these practices where veterans like Aaron Rodgers and stars like Sauce Gardner will get the majority of their “game-like” preparation ahead of the season opener.

The Commanders are a team in transition, but Washington’s roster does have a good deal of high-end talent at certain spots. Here are a few of the most interesting head-to-head matchups we will see during Thursday’s joint practice in Florham Park.

 

Sauce Gardner vs. Terry McLaurin

The beauty of the Jets’ talent-stocked roster is that just about everybody enjoys the luxury of facing a star-caliber player in practice on a daily basis. For Sauce Gardner, there aren’t many players who would provide a tougher daily challenge than Garrett Wilson.

Still, it’s great to shake things up and see a different face across the line of scrimmage. Gardner will get to pivot from Wilson to another upper-echelon receiver in Terry McLaurin. These reps will be valuable for Gardner, as he will likely play no more than a couple of drives in this year’s preseason. With the Panthers and Giants up next, McLaurin is likely the best wide receiver Gardner will see before the regular season (perhaps Malik Nabers will have something to say about that, but the rookie needs to prove it first).

Whereas Wilson primarily challenges Gardner using quickness and route-running finesse, McLaurin will provide a tougher challenge in the physicality and contested catching departments. McLaurin is listed as 18 pounds heavier than Wilson (210 vs. 192) and is much more proven at securing 50-50 balls, boasting a career contested catch rate of 54.5% versus Wilson’s 32.9%.

 

Jets interior offensive line vs. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen

The Commanders’ interior defensive line has been one of their few beacons of consistency over the past few seasons. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen anchor the unit.

This matchup would be interesting enough if we were solely talking about the blocking aspect of it, but all eyes will be on Joe Tippmann’s snapping as he faces a different opponent for the first time. After Tippmann launched a killer snap in the red zone during the Jets’ recent Green and White Scrimmage, it will be interesting to see how he responds to another high-pressure situation. With two talented defensive tackles in front of him, Tippmann will have enough to worry about after the ball is snapped. Hopefully, he does not let it affect the snap itself.

The snap debacle should not distract us from Tippmann’s actual post-snap performance. Tippmann has the potential to become one of the league’s best centers. While he needs to nail down the snapping first and foremost, we should give him credit where it’s due if he can win his matchups with Payne and Allen.

 

In addition to Tippmann, I am fascinated to see how Alijah Vera-Tucker performs. Vera-Tucker’s presence has been transformative for the Jets’ offense over the past two years. We know he has the ability to be one of the best guards in football, but will he be the same player after an Achilles tear?

Jets edge rushers vs. Commanders tackles

Washington’s starting tackle duo should be viewed as a delicious meal for a defensive front that holds itself to as high of a standard as the Jets do.

At right tackle is Andrew Wylie. In 2023, he allowed the 13th-most pressures (42) and fourth-most sacks (9) among tackles.

At left tackle is a competition between rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman and long-time journeyman backup Cornelius Lucas.

We don’t have to dive too deep into this one. The entire Jets’ edge-rusher unit has a chance to feast. It’s a perfect time for players like Will McDonald, Takk McKinley, and Eric Watts to make statements. Jermaine Johnson also has a chance to assert his dominance and prove he’s capable of another leap in Year 3.

 

Aaron Rodgers vs. Bobby Wagner

We’ve heard a lot about Rodgers’ pre-snap duels with C.J. Mosley during Jets practices. By now, these guys probably know each others’ cadences and tendencies inside-and-out, so they’re certainly ready to hear a different voice across the field.

In his first action against a different team since he tore his Achilles last September, Rodgers will enjoy the challenge of going up against nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner. A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Wagner still has plenty left in the tank at 34 years old. Regardless of his physical ability, it’s Wagner’s experience that makes him a perfect opponent for Rodgers in this situation.

Rodgers holds himself and his teammates to an extremely high standard. On the quest to achieve that standard, he seeks the toughest of challenges. Toying with a young or shoddy linebacker wouldn’t do the four-time MVP much good. But he should take a lot from a full practice of mental chess battles with one of the best linebackers in NFL history.

Good read.

Always fun to see the new kiddos too. 

No injuries on either side pls.

[FootballLove]

How long before we hear this at a TC Presser: "Robert, will you be playing any of your starters at today's joint practice?"

[Larz]

[nycdan]

5 minutes ago, Larz said:

[ARodJetsFan]

29 minutes ago, Jethead said:

Good read.

Always fun to see the new kiddos too. 

No injuries on either side pls.

From your mouth to God's ears.

[Sperm Edwards]

I still can't get past Washington's stupid team name.

Calling themselves Washington Denzels would have been an improvement.

[freestater]

Thank you @Larz for all the updates. The other guys who step up too. Makes for an easy way to get updates while on job sites. Much appreciated. 

[freestater]

1 minute ago, Sperm Edwards said:

I still can't get past Washington's stupid team name.

Calling themselves Washington Denzels would have been an improvement.

[HighPitch]

here come the injuries!

 

why do we even play starters still?

[Joe W. Namath]

5 minutes ago, Sperm Edwards said:

I still can't get past Washington's stupid team name.

Calling themselves Washington Denzels would have been an improvement.

They are and always will be the Redskins.

[ARodJetsFan]

3 minutes ago, HighPitch said:

here come the injuries!

 

why do we even play starters still?

Is this really the best you can do?

Why bother....

[Joe W. Namath]

4 minutes ago, HighPitch said:

here come the injuries!

 

why do we even play starters still?

[The Crusher]

1 minute ago, Joe W. Namath said:

Agreed 

[The Crusher]

8 minutes ago, HighPitch said:

here come the injuries!

 

why do we even play starters still?

 

[Joe W. Namath]

2 minutes ago, The Crusher said:

Agreed 

Its time to stop this nonsense.  From here on out, unless something actually negative happens, lets all have some fun here and get pumped about this season.  

This is the best team we have put together since 1998.  Lets enjoy it for once.

[The Crusher]

6 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said:

Its time to stop this nonsense.  From here on out, unless something actually negative happens, lets all have some fun here and get pumped about this season.  

This is the best team we have put together since 1998.  Lets enjoy it for once.

Knock it off, I’m starting to agree with you and that’s not ok. 

[AFJF]

4 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said:

Its time to stop this nonsense.  From here on out, unless something actually negative happens, lets all have some fun here and get pumped about this season.  

This is the best team we have put together since 1998.  Lets enjoy it for once.

[Bronx]

Next man up!

[Larz]

There are plenty of obvious matchups that fans will want to watch, such as Garrett Wilson going up against the Commanders’ secondary or how the secondary looks against Washington’s skilled wideouts.

However, there are some fun and interesting aspects that are flying under the radar. This article will aim to highlight those things so that you will be the most prepared starting on Thursday morning.

 

room

Among the Jets’ defensive units, the defensive line and secondary will likely garner the most discussion heading into the joint practice and preseason game against Washington.

Many people, and rightfully so, will want to see how the Jets’ defensive line battles against Washington’s offensive line, or how Sauce Garnder, Qwan’tez Stiggers, and the rest of the secondary cover a talented Commanders wideout room.

However, the linebackers should be monitored closely, specifically the depth options.

Starters C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are already NFL mainstays; fans should expect to see top-tier performances from both of them. The interest should surround Jamien Sherwood, Zaire Barnes, Chazz Surratt, and Sam Eguavoen.

Sherwood has been the best of the bunch, locking down receivers and swarming downhill in the running game. Barnes has not been far behind him, looking like a missile flying around the field. He had one of the biggest tackles of camp with his hit on Izzy Abanikanda. Surratt and Eguavoen have also looked the part, each providing decent coverage and becoming heat-seeking missiles downhill.

 

Facing Washington, who offers some interesting personnel at slot receiver, tight end, and running back, will be a new kind of test. Keep an eye on this group’s consistency. If they can stay productive against Washington, it will show that the linebacker room is extremely deep. If they falter, it may show that they have not improved as much as believed.

Wide receiver musical chairs

The Jets need to see where their room stands behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, who was recently activated off the PUP list. This should mean that Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, and Allen Lazard will see plenty of reps.

Corley should be monitored for his usage and ability to separate against a different team; depending on his progress in this regard, he could start to see more work on the first team. Gipson needs to show if he’s improved his route running and if he is reliable enough as a separator. Lazard must prove that he can return to being a reliable red-zone and situational threat for Rodgers.

 

In addition to those three, Jason Brownlee needs to show that he has taken steps to improve his separation and contested catch skills. The other depth options, such as Malik Taylor, Irvin Charles, Tyler Harrell, and Isaiah Winstead, must find ways to stand out and prove they belong on the 53-man roster.

Beyond the top two spots, the Jets’ wide receiver unit remains up in the air. Depending on who capitalizes on their opportunities against Washington, there could be some shifts in how the pecking order is perceived.

Diamonds in the rough in the trenches

In both the offensive and defensive trenches, keep an eye on some possible diamonds in the rough.

Potential defensive gems are highlighted by Eric Watts, Braiden McGregor, and Takk McKinley. These three players have displayed the most upside among the bubble players. Going up against another team, they will have a chance to prove if they should challenge for a roster spot or be relegated.

 

On offense, keep an eye on Kohl Levao as a possible find for New York. Signed out of the UFL, Levao has shown some nice anchors in pass-protection reps and has flashed in the running game. For a unit seeking out interior depth, Levao might be the exact piece New York was looking for.

Running backs getting to roll

Specifically for the preseason game, keep an eye on how the running backs look with full contact.

Braelon Allen could get the chance to show off his skills in a live-game format, meaning that fans should watch to see how much of his success in practice translates to the field. The same can be said for Isaiah Davis, who has seemingly solidified himself as the team’s RB3.

Behind Davis and Allen, the battle for a possible RB4 should provide clarity on Izzy Abanikanda’s roster status. The former University of Pittsburgh running back has to stave off Xazavian Valladay and the recently signed Deon Jackson. Valladay has arguably looked better than Abanikanda.

 

Izzy needs to truly get busy in the preseason to prove that he can make an impact on the Jets. Otherwise, he is seemingly in danger of losing his spot on his hometown team.

Hints toward the future of the Jets’ offense

Outside of specific player storylines, keep an eye on possible hints toward the Jets’ 2024 scheme.

New York is unlikely to reveal anything significant, but the team’s personnel and player usage may dictate how the offense will look in Week 1.

Is Corley getting more touches? Is Allen sharing the field with Breece? Where is Garrett lining up in the formation? The answers to these questions will not provide concrete answers, but they could create a blueprint for how the Jets plan to win games in 2024.

 

 

[Rhg1084]

Hopefully these guys take it easy today, it’s pouring out!

[Larz]

 

[The Crusher]

12 minutes ago, Bronx said:

Next man up!

You are being overly obnoxious, just wanted to tell you before  I have to miss you for a bit. 

[Claymation]

 

[slimjasi]

4 minutes ago, Claymation said:

 

Depends on Rodgers still being Rodgers

[ARodJetsFan]

3 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

Depends on Rodgers still being Rodgers

I don't think Rodgers ability as a QB is in question @slimjasi 

It's his ability to stay healthy for the entirety of the season, that's somewhat of a concern.

[Claymation]

2 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

Depends on Rodgers still being Rodgers

I have not seen anything this TC to tell me otherwise.

[jetspenguin]

2 hours ago, The Crusher said:

Jamal Adams is somewhere wondering how to get around the tapestry over the fence thing. 

NOW he wants in hahaha

 

[Larz]

 

[Larz]

 

[Larz]