
Fans returned to Jets' training camp Saturday for the annual Green & White practice, and the action-packed day featured a "pseudo-scrimmage" with plenty of live game situations.
"I thought there were a lot of good things that happened out there when it comes to both sides of the ball," HC Aaron Glenn said. "Even on the special teams side. But there were a lot of things that we've got to clean up."
Ground Game Gets Going
Saturday's offensive attack was highlighted by a strong run game featuring the three-headed monster of RBs Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis and dual-threat QB Justin Fields.
"I want to make sure this is clear -- I thought our running backs today did a hell of a job," Glenn said. "And it's expected. I think Breece -- I think this year you're going to see a guy that's going to really turn it up a notch. Because of what we're going to do, who we're going to be and because of who he is also. Braelon had a couple of reps in there today which were good. Isaiah did a really good job. I expect a number of good things from those guys, and I just want to make sure those guys get praise for what they did today."
Davis' versatility was on display as the second-year back made plays all over the field. During the first drive of practice, Davis had a strong run through CB Michael Carter IIon third down to move the chains. On the ensuing play, QB Justin Fields handed off to No. 32 again and he broke a tackle for another solid gain. Later in practice, he caught a 25-yard pass down the sideline from QB Tyrod Taylor in tight coverage.
"He brings everything," Glenn said of Davis. "I mean, he is a guy that we have to make sure we get him on the field as much as possible also. Pass protection, his ability to run, his route tree, he's a very, very smart player. He's tough and he's aggressive and the thing is, he's a guy that plays on every special team that we have. So, he's a valuable piece of what we're trying to do."
Hall also had several impressive runs, including an 8-yard touchdown, and Glenn said he is "a guy that can do a lot" and will open up the game for the Jets offensively. Allen saw a significant workload in his second practice back after experiencing knee soreness, and Glenn praised his size, noting that he is "going to be hard to bring down."
"That's two different dynamics that you have to get ready for when it comes to our defense getting ready to play against those guys," Glenn said.
Glenn said there could have been even more chunk ground gainers without some of the offensive penalties that negated the gains -- including a touchdown run by RB Kene Nwangwu that was called back for offensive holding. As training camp presses on, eliminating these mental mistakes will continue to be a point of emphasis.
"We had some great runs on a number of those penalties, and what? It doesn't matter now because they bring them back," Glenn said. "So, we've got to do a good job of coaching, and the players have to do a good job of accepting the coaching and going out there and executing."
Fields Uses His Feet
Justin Fields also got involved with the ground game Saturday, flashing his potential as a multi-dimensional QB. No. 7 took off several times -- avoiding pressure and scrambling as well as on designed runs -- and he found the end zone twice.
Facing a first-and-10 from the plus 25-yard line, it only took one play for the offense to score. Fields took off against a defense that mostly had their backs to him in coverage, marching into the end zone untouched.
"I thought Justin did a really good job," Glenn said. "I think we saw exactly what he's going to create when it comes to him using his feet. There are some balls that we have to catch that he threw to some guys, and there's some throws he's got to make too that were out there. I really want to look at the tape to get a real evaluation of that, but just from the naked eye, I thought he did a pretty good job."
During a red zone period later in practice, Fields found the end zone with his legs again. Facing a first-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Fields first attempted a pass to WR Josh Reynolds who was unable to haul it in for the score. On the ensuing play, Fields scrambled left and leapt into the end zone with the help of a Jeremy Ruckert block at the goal line.
Defense Continues to Make Plays
The defense has had the edge during recent training camp practices, and the unit delivered again on Saturday with several highlight-worthy plays.
CB Sauce Gardner looked like his dominant self with consistent tight coverage throughout practice and had multiple PDs including one on a Justin Fields ball intended for TE Mason Taylor. CB Brandon Stephens also continued his strong camp performance with a pass defense of a Fields ball intended for WR Tyler Johnson.
Up front, LB Quincy Williams had several key stops, including a few of RB Breece Hall. He was especially dominant in the red zone, where he had a would-be sack of Fields late in practice. DL Byron Cowart also had a likely would-be sack of Fields during the first drive of practice, and DL Tyler Baronadded a would-be sack of QB Brady Cook. Will McDonald IV continued to show off his athleticism, chasing down QB Tyrod Taylor for another likely sack.
Special Teams
Following an impressive drive from the first-team offense to open the scrimmage, Sauce Gardner forced a field goal attempt when he blanketed Josh Reynolds and Justin Fields' third-down pass fell incomplete. The field goal unit took too much time to set up their operation and was flagged for delay of game. Then Nick Folk, who had a perfect round on Thursday, misfired on his kick and the result was no points. Aaron Glenn pointed the thumb at himself after practice.
"It was me more or less being a hardass on those guys because they were actually on the other field, and I didn't care," he said of the specialists. "And when you get lined up, let's get ready to go. So, that was more on me just creating a statement for the most part to be honest with you. But we have to be ready to go in that situation."
Kris Boyd, a special teams stalwart who signed in free agency, made a fantastic punt coverage grab of an Austin McNamara boot that would have resulted in a drive start inside the 10. Unfortunately for the Jets, Boyd departed moments late with a shoulder injury.
"He's just somebody who's seen a lot of football," said coordinator Chris Banjo this week of Boyd. "In terms of playing it the right way at a high compete level, I think it's been huge. He's been doing a good job, challenging the young guys as well. Also while trying to sharpen his sword and get better in his own areas as well too, so it's been good so far."
Late in practice, WR Xavier Gipson also sustained a shoulder injury. With Gipson also doubling as the Jets' top return man, rookie Jamaal Pritchett could see more reps as well as veteran Kene Kwangwu. The Jets also could take a longer look at Arian Smith, who figures to be a core special teams player early in the season.
During a kicking period, Nick Folkconverted on four of five field goal attempts, including one from 50-plus yards. Harrison Mevis converted on two of his five attempts.
See the Jets best players go head-to-head on the fields at the Atlantic Health Training Center during the annual Green & White practice.












































































Jetcetera
TE Stone Smartt had two touchdown receptions, both from QB Tyrod Taylor. … S Jaylin Simpson sustained a hamstring injury during practice. … DT Quinnen Williams (calf), LG John Simpson (back) and rookie S Malachi Moore(oblique strain) did not participate.