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Florham Park – Time for a boatload of Jets Whispers from Sunday’s training camp practice. Let’s get right into it . . .
Ryan Fitzpatrick does a nice job of drawing defenders off-sides with his cadence . . .
It’s pretty apparent that defensive back Javier Arenas, who the Jets signed after they released IK Enemkpali, is now being used as a safety by the Jets.
Arenas was a cornerback at Alabama, and for most of his NFL career.
But after seeing him throw is body around in his limited time with the team, I can understand why Todd Bowles has moved him to safety.
He had big hits today on T.J. Graham on a pass over the middle, and Zach Stacy on a running play.
He’s very, very tough, and close to 200 pounds. He can hold up there, and clearly, after the injury to Antonio Allen, that is where he is needed. The Jets have plenty of corners . . .
Speaking of safeties, rookie free agent Durell Eskridge looks like a nice find for the Jets.
He’s a got nice size (6-3, 208), covers a lot of ground, and isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He had a nice play today on a blitz where he tipped a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass at the line.
The Miami-native, who played at Syracuse, would have been drafted in not for medical concerns regarding concussions on the college level.
But it’s pretty apparent watching him in practice – the guy has a lot of ability . . .
While Leonard Williams didn’t wow anybody in his first game, you consistently see flashes in practice of his rare talent.
Early in practice, he shot into a gap, and stopped Chris Ivory in the backfield. He has an amazing first step for a guy his size . . .
Watching Ryan Fitzpatrick every day, I really think he can get the job done for the Jets.
I know there are concerns about his arm strength, and while it’s a problem at times, most of the time he figures out how to work within his limitation.
I think at the age of 32, now in his 11th season in the league, he knows how to play within himself.
I think when Fitzpatrick gets into trouble, like he did at times in Buffalo, is when he forced into shootouts, where he has to throw the ball too much.
If you play good defense, special teams and can run the ball, which I think the Jets can do, and you ask him to judge manage games, he can be effective.
If you ask him to throw 40 times, you are asking for trouble.
But what I see is a smart, even-keeled quarterback, who has seen basically everything opposing defenses can throw at you, and sees the field well.
And obviously he’s very comfortable in Chan Gailey’s offense from their time in Buffalo together.
I think this can work . . .
Backup ILB Joe Mays has a nose for the ball, and if he doesn’t make the Jets, he’s going to play in the league this season . . .
August 16, 2015
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