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So what did we learn during the Jets three weeks of training camp in Florham Park? Dan takes a look back in a two part series . . .
Mark Sanchez was inconsistent in the team’s regular offense, but shined in the hurry-up and two-minute drill, very much like last season . . .
A big reason Sanchez struggled so much in the team’s convenational offense was because of the corners he was facing – Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Revis was unreal this summer, and Cro wasn’t far behind him. There were so many plays were both sides of the field were locked down, and Sanchez didn’t have many options in the passing game (in the two-minute offense, he had more receivers, so he could stay away from Revis and Cro) . . .
Jamaal Westerman looks like he’s going to take a quantum leap this year. He’s in great shape (can run all day), and really has the eye-of-the-tiger right now. I’m not saying he’s going to turn into DeMarcus Ware or Clay Mathews, but he should have a real nice impact on the Jets pass rush. He’s not fastest pass rusher around, but he smart and has a great motor. Jamaal had a terrific summer . . .
There is too much hype surrounding Mo Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis right now. Wilkerson had too many off-sides penalties this summer and Ellis was on the ground too much, and needs a lot of work on his technique. You can see the enormous potential in both, but they should both be much better next year than they are right now. Wilkerson is further along than Ellis, and should do okay in an end rotation with Mike DeVito and Ropati Pitiotua. Don’t be shocked if Ellis is inactive at times . . .
Speaking of Ropati, like Westerman, he should take a quantum leap. There don’t seem to be any lingering effects of the torn Achilles than ended his 2010 season before it started. 6-8, athletic defensive ends are hard to find. This guy is very underrated. He isn’t just a guy – he can be special. Don’t be shocked if he leads the league in blocked passes . . .
Vlad Ducasse didn’t have a great summer, but you have to blame the Jets coaches a little for this because they moved him around too much. He played every position aside from center.
In the long run, this is the kind of guy you want on the right side, either at guard or tackle because he can be such a mauler in the running game. Mixed in with his rough summer was some very impressive run blocking. At times, he just tosses defenders around . . .
Josh Mauga is a very good football player, and gives the Jets a terrific backup at both inside linebacker positions, and he will be a core special team’s player. Mauga is good at all aspects of the position – stopping the run, coverage and blitzing . . .
The Jets need Cortland. The focus in Florham Park, with a lot of players living at home, wasn’t as good. There were too many distractions. There were some awfully sloppy practices . . .