Jets scrimmage: What to watch for
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
11:10
AM ET
By
Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
CORTLAND, N.Y. -- A few storylines that deserve attention in Saturday night's annual Green and White scrimmage at SUNY Cortland:
1. Tebow Time. Naturally, Tim Tebow will be the focal point for reasons that transcend football, but let's stick to X's and O's. I doubt they will use him in any Wildcat plays, but I'll be curious to see how he reads the field and how quickly he can deliver the ball. That has been an issue in camp, prompting the coaches to use buzzers to speed up the process for all the quarterbacks, but especially Tebow.
2. Rookie show. DE Quinton Coples (No. 1 pick) is having a quiet camp, so you'd like to see him flash some of the ability that prompted the Jets to draft him 16th overall. WR Stephen Hill should get a chance to work with the first unit, so he'll see quality reps against CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Mind you, this is a controlled scrimmage, not a game. It'll be No. 1 offense vs. No. 1 defense, etc.
3. Defensive scheme. The Jets have employed a lot of 4-3 in camp, more than ever under Rex Ryan. In that front, Coples plays outside with former No. 1 pick Muhammad Wilkerson. It'll be interesting to see how much 4-3 they use in a public setting, where the entire world, so to speak, can see how they've tweaked their scheme.
4. Backfield battle. Second-year RB Bilal Powell is making a strong push to overtake Joe McKnight as the No. 2 back, behind Shonn Greene. Powell and McKnight also are battling for the third-down job. Rookie RB Terrance Ganaway hasn't received a lot of reps in camp, so this will be a good chance to show his stuff.
5. New-look line. The Jets will be down two starters on the offensive line -- RG Brandon Moore (in Canton to attend Curtis Martin's Hall of Fame ceremony) and C Nick Mangold (traveling to London to see his sister in the Olympics). They probably will be replaced by Vladimir Ducasse and Caleb Schlauderaff, respectively. RT Wayne Hunter (back) also could sit out, creating an opening for Austin Howard. Without Mangold making the line calls, there could be some hiccups in Mark Sanchez's pass protection. Don't worry, the Jets aren't "live," meaning the quarterbacks will have red jerseys and can't be tackled. That could change if Ryan decides to go live with Tebow in a situational drill, as he did the other day in practice.
6. Safety dance. This will mark the debut (sort of) of S LaRon Landry, who has missed significant practice time because of an old Achilles' tendon injury. They're being cautious with Landry -- no need to push him this early in camp -- but he told the coaches he wanted to play in the scrimmage. Look for Yeremiah Bell and Eric Smith to start at safety, with Landry rotating in.

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Embattled RB Mike Goodson will return to practice next week, per source. #Jets http://t.co/gLCYPie3at
about 6 hours ago
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- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Filed to ESPN: Mike Goodson, who pleaded not guilty Wednesday to drug and weapons charges, will return to practice next week: source. #Jets
about 6 hours ago
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I'll be chatting #Jets at 2. Please stop by. Bring questions. http://t.co/nimKaFyp51
1 day ago
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It's early, but ... Rex Ryan not pleased with Mark Sanchez's 3 INTs today. #Jets http://t.co/lOaHWpdPWw
1 day ago
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Xs, Os and Z -- Jay-Z, that is. Geno Smith hires Roc Nation Sports. The story: http://t.co/C8Dhrgh1K4
2 days ago
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Sanchez said QB coach David Lee is stressing footwork drills. He said Lee considers proper footwork "an art form." #Jets
2 days ago
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Sanchez sounds like he's really bought into Mornhinweg's system: "I just really feel like this coaching staff will get the best out of me."
2 days ago
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Regardless of who represents him, Geno Smith will sign a four-year contract for $5 million, give or take a few thousand. #wagescale #Jets
2 days ago
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I'm wondering if Jay Z makes it to Cortland this summer for training camp. I'm sure he'd be a big hit at Doug's Fish Fry. #Jets
2 days ago
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Geno on Jay Z's Roc Nation: "Being in NY, from a standpoint of what they can do in the city, connections they have, it's a good move." #Jets
2 days ago
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Geno Smith said he has hired Jay Z's Roc Nation as his agents. #Jets
2 days ago
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Some perspective required: #Jets are learning new offensive system, WR corps depleted, defense always ahead of offense this early.
2 days ago
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- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Early thought on #Jets QB comp: Ugh. Sanchez 6-for-11, 3 INTs, 1 sack. (1 INT may have been a sack.) Geno Smith 3-for-10, 1 INT, 1 sack
2 days ago
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Sanchez intercepted by NT Damon Harrison on a screen. One play later, Sanchez picked by Jarrett on poor throw to Kerley on deep seam. #Jets
2 days ago
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TE Hayden Smith, former rugby player, looks much improved. Has made a few catches. #Jets
2 days ago
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In first team period, Sanchez and Smith get 6 reps apiece, Simms 2, McElroy 1. #Jets
2 days ago
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Geno Smith in first period: 6 plays, 0-for-4, 1 INT (1 drop), 1 penalty. #Jets
2 days ago
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Geno Smith intercepted by McIntyre. Came on deflection/drop by Mayo. #Jets
2 days ago
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Sanchez intercepted by Cromartie on third play. #Jets
2 days ago
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- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Mark Sanchez drops back, looks downfield and throws to ... me? #Jets http://t.co/mXMXnsA94K
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini





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