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Zach Wilson was
inconsistent today, just like many other days, but that is totally understandable. It’s early in the training camp of his rookie year. He’s trying to get comfortable in the Jets’ system and with his receivers, so media QB stats are misguided. This time of year is about learning and experimenting, not practice stats.
One area in practice that has been a big challenge for Wilson is in the red-zone, which is always hard on young quarterbacks, because things are so condensed down there, with very small throwing windows . . .
Slot corner Javelin Guidry looks like a player who has really improved from his rookie season. He’s making a lot of plays the ball in camp, including a PD on a quick out to Jamison Crowder late in practice . . .
People are making a big deal about Denzel Mims not starting, but let’s keep a few things in mind. First of all, he was a late second-round pick, not a first-round pick. Secondly, it’s his second offense in two years, and last year, he seemed to take a while to pick things up, after coming out of a Baylor offense where they basically drew plays up in the sand with a very limited route-tree.
I’m not making excuses for Mims, just dealing with reality. He’s a late second-round pick, if he’s in a reserve role, why is that the end of the world? And keep in mind, the Jets are pretty loaded at wide receiver right now, with Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder and Keelan Cole, all three experienced, polished NFL receivers, along with precocious rookie Elijah Moore. Manasseh Bailey has been a revelation and there are other guys doing some good things as well like Braxton Berrios . . .
Tight end Daniel Brown was back at practice today from the injury list, and the thing about this guy is, whether it’s in practice or games, the rare opportunities he gets, he makes plays.
He had a nice catch-and-run today on a pass from James Morgan.
Brown is a speedy tight end, who was a college receiver, who runs good routes and has very good hands.
But everywhere he’s been, he’s had a hard time getting on the field because of depth at the position, but he’s the kind of guy, who if he ever got significant action, he likely wouldn’t disappoint . . .
While right tackle Morgan Moses is a long-time starter in the NFL, and extremely bright, he has not been in this system for a while, so it’s no surprise to see assistant line coach Jake Moreland giving him a lot of coaching in practice today on techniques of the wide zone blocking scheme. This scheme is very detailed and nuanced.
It’s interesting to see Moses and George Fant, who are competing for the same job, looking to help each other in drills. They are not just high character guys, but have worked out at the same facility in Florida the last couple of off-seasons, so they are friends.
Moses is of these people who always has a smile on his face, and brightens up any room he enters. He is a beloved teammate wherever he’s been, whether it was with UVA, the Washington Football Team or the Jets . . .
Safety J.T. Hassell continues to make plays on the ball. He had a near pick in the end zone, jumping a pass from James Morgan to a tight end (couldn’t make out his number).
With Ashtyn Davis still rehabbing a foot injury, Hassell could be the Jets’ third safety entering the season. But even when Davis comes back, he has a lot of prove, so he probably shouldn’t be handed the #3 safety job. Davis was rushed into action last year, and wasn’t much of a factor in pass coverage. He played in 10 games, starting six, and had just one PD the entire season. Davis is a very talented athlete (sub 4.4), but needs some polish . . .
August 9, 2021
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