May 23, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up during OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
The offense took a big step forward today with Aaron Rodgers leading the way. Kevin (KRL) was at practice again on Sunday, here is his Jets Camp report.
General Notes
– First practice with fans in attendance, and they generated good energy.
– Practice ran for 2 hours.
– Players remain in jerseys and shorts as the “ramp up” period continues.
– I didn’t see Duane Brown or Will McDonald in attendance.
– Jermaine Johnson changed his jersey to 11 (his college number). He was also in the first two “fights” of camp as he scuffled with Kenny Yeboah on back-to-back reps.
– There was a third “fight” towards the end of practice as I believe Adam Pankey(?) pushed Michael Clemons from behind.
Special Teams Notes
– The players trying out for the returner spot are Mecole Hardman, TJ Luther, and the new WR Alex Erickson.
– Greg Zuerlein got into the action today and was a perfect 6/6. As he hit FGs from 53, 47, 40, 35 and two PATs from the 33.
Defense Notes
– The defense lost the day for the first time in camp, so they finished practice doing “punishment pushups”.
– Al Woods flashed his interior speed again as he knifed into the backfield to get a TFL on Zonovan Knight.
– Under the radar DB Marquise Waters showed up again today as he had a PBU on a 20+ yard pass from Tim Boyle to Zack Kuntz.
– Sauce Gardner was involved in the two most intriguing/exciting plays of practice. In back-to-back reps during 11 on 11, he lined up opposite Garrett Wilson with Aaron Rodgers at QB. On the first rep, Wilson ran a go route (30+ yards), but Gardner mirrored him step for step and knocked away Rodgers pass. But in the second rep, Wilson got separation on a slant, caught the ball from Rodgers (10+ yards), and put a serious “wiggle” on Gardner to get YAC.
Offense Notes
– Good performance by the offense as they used more multiple TE sets and spread formations to push the ball into the intermediate area.
– Allen Lazard was effective in catching multiple 20+ yarders from both Rodgers and Zach Wilson. He also showed his GB chemistry with Rodgers in the red zone by adjusting his route and catching a quick out.
– Tyler Conklin was moved around the formation and caught multiple balls in the intermediate area. His “flashiest” play was catching a bullet from Rodgers in the red zone for a TD.
– With multiple TEs being used, it gave Kenny Yeboah and Jeremy Ruckert extra reps. And they were reliable outlets for Wilson as he completed multiple passes to both of them.
– Jason Brownlee almost had the catch of practice as he laid out for a 40+ yarder from Wilson. But he couldn’t control it as he hit the ground.
QB Notes
– Aaron Rodgers was sharp today, particularly in the red zone, as he had 3 TD against the defense. We mentioned the first that he had to Conklin. Rodgers second was to Corey Davis, as he used his ball-handling/play action to fake the defense to the left while he sprinted right to find Davis. Rodgers third was to Mecole Hardman as he put the ball high where only he could catch it. It’s fascinating to watch Rodgers process the field after the snap. As he drops back, you can see him eliminating routes where he won’t throw the ball. So when Rodgers finally plants his back foot to throw the ball, he knows where it’s going.
– Good day for Zach Wilson as he was quicker in his decision making, more accurate, and piled up completions. His favorite receivers today were Lazard, Ruckert, and Yeboah. Small steps, but encouraging.
Standouts
– Aaron Rodgers
– Zach Wilson
– Allen Lazard
– Tyler Conklin
Concerns
– It’s only three days into camp, we shouldn’t be having three fights in one practice.