NY Jets Training Camp Day 1 Recap

The New York Jets took the field today at SUNY Cortland for the first time this season.  Training camp is officially underway and throughout the offseason we heard about what Tony Sparano wanted out of this offense.  The term ground and pound was used often but Sparano made it clear that he would also make sure this team took long shots down the field.  They wasted no time in proving that to be an accurate description.

On the first play of the day, Mark Sanchez connected with Stephen Hill on a 40 yard pass.  Sanchez had this to say about the play…

It was awesome and right out of the gate too. Rev made a good play to tip it and Stephen (Hill) stayed with it. It was another encouraging play and something fun, something all of us could rally around. It was big for Stephen. He didn’t show it much, but I know he was nervous. For a first day, for a first-timer like that, that’s big and it gives him a lot of confidence. You could tell that weight was kind of lifted off his shoulders. He got a catch. He was into the groove of practice and started rolling, so that was fun.

One mild surprise involves the Offensive Line but not the Right Tackle position.  Rex Ryan told the media that Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse will battle for a starting position at guard.  Rex added…

I think it will be a good competition. We’re looking at Vlad (Vladimir Ducasse), who’s had a tremendous offseason. The fact that Matt (Slauson) unfortunately had the surgery, allowed Vlad to get some work with the ones.

Right tackle Jeff Otah told the media when the Jets traded for him he was told he would have a shot at competing for the Right Tackle position.

The team was not in pads today but according to Manish Mehta they will be in pads on Sunday.

We will have updates throughout camp and be sure to check out our New York Jets training camp photo gallery.