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One of the more impressive plays in this morning’s Jets practice was a long run up the middle by Braelon Allen. A massive hole was opened up by center Joe Tippmann, who mauled a defensive tackle.
I asked Tippmann if this play brought back memories of their work together as Wisconsin Badgers.
“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Tippmann said with a smile. “I love seeing Braylon run downhill.
He’s a big guy and, you know, just want to see what he can do when he makes 1 cut and vertical. I mean, it’s just awesome. You know, there’s not many people that can tackle him one-on-one when he’s going downhill full speed.”
You get the sense that the Jets are going to run more power runs than zone compared to last year. In other words, more downhill. That fits both of these guys very well . . .
Not putting him in Canton just yet, but Jets rookie wide receiver Arian Smith is a hard guy for Jets defenders to keep up with. You could see that in the spring, and today, in the Jets’ first training camp practice of the summer.
Look, the NFL has a lot of fast players, but some players take it to another level few reach, and he’s one of those guys.
His speed is rare, and when a defender tries to follow him on a crossing route, it’s hard for them to keep up . . .
Aaron Glenn was asked today about why the organization decided to extend wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner now instead of waiting.
He gave a long answer that he started off by saying, “The film don’t lie.”
In other words, he feels Wilson and Gardner put together some great film over each of their first three years in the league.
When he brought up that age-old coaching/scouting line – “the film don’t lie” – it triggered my mind to ask him about Michael Clemons film from last year. He has not discussed Clemons film from last year in a press conference yet.
“Big, strong, tough,” Glenn said. “I tell you what, me and (Chris) Banjo were making a joke about this yesterday when they were doing the conditioning test. If there is any player that I would like to look like, it would be him. He is built the way that you want to have a football player built, but there are things that he knows he has to get better at. I mean some of the penalties that he had last year, we talked about that, he has to improve on that. But he’s a big, strong, defensive end that can set an edge, and he does have some rush ability. The way that he rushes is probably different than the way other guys rush. He is a power player, so I expect him to go out there and play with power.”
At least Glenn was candid about the player needing to cut down on penalties and stating that “there are things that he knows he has to get better at.”
The coach mentioned that with this size and strength Clemons can “set an edge.” Perhaps, but the player clearly needs to set better, more consistent edges moving forward. There were too many runs where runners took the edge on his side the last couple of years.
There is no doubt he looks the part at a chiseled 6-5, 290 pounds, but looking the part will only get you so far. There is an old scouting saying, “Looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane.”
Honestly, that quote doesn’t apply to Clemons. He plays with a high level of toughness and with an edge.
He just needs to learn how to shed blocks better, whether it’s as a pass rusher or against the run . . .
On a pass play today from Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson, in real tackle football, where the pass was placed, the receiver could have been lit up by linebacker Jamien Sherwood. Obviously, players pull up in camp and aren’t looking to lay out teammates.
But this perhaps points out a slight concern for the Jets – some of Fields’ passes are late and sometimes put this talented, but slender receiver in dangerous spots.
Whether you liked Aaron Rodgers or not, one thing he’s very good at is throwing passes in spots trying to keep receivers out of harm’s way.
This is something Fields needs to work on a little
July 23, 2025
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