TC Confidential

Here are some observations from the Jets’ second practice of training camp, including one concern for the Jets, and one very positive development.

So far, not so good.

I know it’s early, and they haven’t had a fully-padded practice yet, but the edge pass-rushing over the first couple of days has been pedestrian.

I just don’t see a special edge-rusher on this roster.

But like I have said many times, those special edge guys are hard to find. So many players are busts at that position. So many. For every Von Miller, there are a lot more guys that flame out.

And two of the best pass rushers over the last decade, James Harrison and Clay Matthews, have been accused by an Al-Jazeera report the NFL is investigating of using HGH. Make of that what you wish.

So I’m not going to be too critical of the Jets on this one. Finding one of those game-wreckers off the edge is a needle in a haystack proposition.

But there is a silver-lining for the Jets related to their lack of pass rush the first two days – the Jets new left tackle Ryan Clady is an unbelievable talent. Once he gets his hands on a pass rusher, it’s over. Ask Trevor Reilly, who has had the unenviable task of lining up over him the most.

From what I’ve seen the first few days, all those injuries he’s suffered in recent years, have not taken much, or anything, away from his game.

If Clady can stay healthy, this could turn into another steal of a trade for Mr. Coffee, up there with the Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick deals.

It’s early, and we will see how he holds up on the health front, but this trade could turn out to be a heist of biblical proportions. When healthy, and on his game, this guy is a Top Three left tackle. He’s a 6-6, 315-pounder with the feet of a dancing bear . . .

Maybe Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t need the off-season.

The work he has done the first two days of camp with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Kenbrell Thompkins has been pretty darn impressive.

And a lot of the plays have been timing routes, and considering they had no off-season work together, that makes it even more impressive.

Thompkins has looked really good the first couple of days. He runs great routes and has terrific hands . . .

Darron Lee has a lot of work to do. Very quiet so far. Shedding blocks a challenge so far . . .

Undrafted free agent defensive end Lawrence Thomas of Michigan State flashed today. He’s got some explosion . . .

Mike Maccagnan addressed the media today, and I can’t think of one memorable thing he said.

But that doesn’t mean a darn thing. He is in Florham Park to build a Super Bowl champion, not win press conferences.

I will give him credit for one thing. He was asked over-and-over if this is a playoff team, and he wouldn’t answer it.

Good for him.

This is a trick question and can drive a wedge between the GM and the coach.

If he says it’s a playoff team, then some writers will make it into an ultimatum to the coach.

Smart to stay away from this banana peel question.

July 29, 2016

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