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Florham Park, New Jersey – It’s time for a heaping helping of Dan’s Website Whispers from Jets Training Camp . . .
Jets tight end Eric Tomlinson, who they signed last September off the Houston Texans practice squad for his blocking (remember, the Jets wanted their tight ends to block last year – they didn’t throw to them much), and has been blocking on a very high level in this camp.
For instance, today, he did a nice job of locking up linebacker Jordan Jenkins, and tailback Eli McGuire ran behind him for a nice gain on the left side. A few minutes later, he pancaked another linebacker (didn’t catch the number) on another run to the left side.
Tomlinson is going to be a huge asset for the Jets’ rushing attack with his run blocking acumen . . .
One of the things that makes WR Robby Anderson so tough to cover is his cutting ability. He has really loose hips, and has a tremendous burst when he changes directions. In a one-on-one drill with wide receivers facing off with defensive backs, Anderson cut away from the Jets’ best cornerback, Mo Claiborne, on a route down the right seam. Anderson is a very slippery receiver. He reminds me a lot of former Cleveland Browns standout Webster Slaughter . . .
On every successful play in a football practice, there is usually a negative aspect to that play on the other side of the ball.
I’m sure many of you have heard about Christian Hackenberg hitting Anderson on an 80-yard touchdown down the left side.
The pass protection was great, the throw was great and the catch was great.
Now to the downside. There was no pass rush. Hackenberg had forever to throw.
And down the field, Anderson was being double-covered, and he beat both cover guys – cornerback Justin Burris and safety Rontez Miles.
A couple of points here.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again – the Jets are getting very little edge pass rush pressure in this camp. Now, I think the Jets defensive line is outstanding, and those guys, led by Leonard Williams, do get pressures and occasional sacks. But in a 3-4 defense, you should not be getting the bulk of your pressure from the defensive linemen, it should be coming from the outside linebackers, and that isn’t happening enough for the Jets.
As for Burris and Miles, they are both tough as nails, but neither is a blazer, so if you make them hold up too long, they often get exposed . . .
I think the x-factor for the Jets are receiver is Marquess Wilson. He’s quietly having a very good camp. One of the reasons he’s a little quiet is the Jets are limiting his reps. Let’s not forget he broke his left foot three times in Chicago, so the Jets are being careful with him.
But the guy is a very good football player. He’s 6-3, 205 pounds, runs good routes, has solid hands, and gives the Jets another big-bodied receiver who can help replace Quincy Enunwa.
I’ve said this many times – the Bears loved this guy. They had big plans for him, but he got hurt too much. The Bears moving on from him had nothing to do with the talent, and everything to do with the health.
So when talking about the Jets’ wide receiver position, don’t forget to include Wilson. If he can finally stay healthy, he’s their diamond in the rough.
August 8, 2017
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