FLORHAM PARK — The first practice of training camp is over for the New York Jets and there was plenty of excitement all around the facility at 1 Jets Drive. Whether it was the growing group of fans cheering them on, or the increased intensity of camp, Gang Green opened the third training camp under head coach Robert Saleh with plenty of energy to start the 2023 season.
That being said, not everyone was able to shine under the added cameras throughout the team facility. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from Day One of camp:
Pass Rush Dominates
New York’s defense easily won the day consistently Thursday afternoon. While their secondary certainly made some solid plays, it was the Jets pass rush that made life difficult for the offensive line. Whether it was Will McDonald and Bryce Huff getting by Mekhi Becton, or John Franklin-Myers dominating against the first-team, the Jets pass rush as a group was the best unit on the entire field.
If they play anything close to this when the pads come on, they could easily be among the leaderboards for sacks this year.
Secondary stifles Rodgers & Co.
The pass rush may have highlighted the day, but the Jets’ secondary certainly held their own as well. DJ Reed and Michael Carter made a number of impressive pass breakups during team scrimmages. Throughout the practice, Rodgers and the other quarterbacks didn’t really challenge any of the corners deep, but that was usually because they had a complete blanket covered against most of New York’s top receivers.
It’s also important to note that Sauce Gardner was not even tested much during practice – something that he could be dealing with a lot in his second NFL season.
Injury Updates
New York did not sustain any injuries during the light practice on Thursday. There was clarity though given to the four players placed on the PUP list Wednesday evening.
While Breece Hall continues to work back into the fold from his ACL injury last season, the Jets continue to say that they’ll take a patient approach with their young running back. Head coach Robert Saleh said Hall was clocked at 23 on his GPS and is doing well in his recovery.
Outside of Hall, both Randall Cobb and CJ Uzomah were placed on the PUP list due to nagging injuries, but both should be on the practice field within the next couple of days. Only Jarrick Bernard-Converse (who walked around practice in a boot) was seen as a player dealing with a longer-term injury.
Offensive Line Shuffle
One of the big surprises from Wednesday’s injury announcement was that both Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown would not be placed on the PUP list and would be at practice to start camp. While Becton ran mostly with the 2s Thursday, Brown was actually an excused absence from the first day of camp due to a personal matter.
In their place, free agent acquisition Billy Turner ran as the starting left tackle while Max Mitchell was placed on the right side. Connor McGovern was working as the starting center while second-round rookie Joe Tippmann was his immediate backup.
The positions players were in Thursday were not set in stone though according to Saleh. The Jets third-year coach acknowledged that most of the tackles will be rotating on the right and left side and that he wants to give everyone a chance to show they can start for the team once opening day rolls around.
In short, for those who expect a quick end to the tackle training camp battle will be disappointed. This is a position battle that could be going on for weeks.
