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A few observations from the practice . . .
Sam Darnold and a running back had a fumbled hand-off exchange. Sorry, for some reason I didn’t write down the number of the running back, and there is not tape for reporters to watch back of practice. But you know what, it doesn’t even matter to the point I’m about to make.
This play is illustrative of why the Jets need Le’Veon Bell here in the spring. This time a year is good for getting timing and chemistry.
For instance, the Jets’ new slot receiver Jamison Crowder and Sam Darnold had a couple of misfires between them on Wednesday. And that is okay. That’s what this time of year is for – to work out the kinks and experiment.
Let’s not forget that Bell is going to be a huge part of the Jets’ passing game as well, so just like Crowder, he has a lot of work to do to get on the same page with his QB on routes.
Let’s be blunt – Bell not being in the Jets off-season program, especially in his first year with a new team, with a new QB, in a new offense is pretty hard to comprehend.
People can make all the excuses they want, but it’s somewhat mind-boggling to be honest . . .
While Mr. Coffee had a lot of misses in the draft, but one pick he hit out of the park was 2018 fourth-round pick Chris Herndon, who looked really good at Wednesday’s practice, and obviously had a terrific rookie year.
He is a first-round tight end talent . . .
The Jets current cornerback situation is far from ideal.
Trumaine Johnson wasn’t at practice on Wednesday, which was surprising, because after his struggles last year, perhaps he needs the work.
But then again, part of his problem is related to having pedestrian recovery speed, so practice can’t do anything about that.
Considering his speed limitation, the former GM, and his right hand man, who was also fired, probably overpaid the player.
But to play the way he did last off-season, and miss a chunk of the off-season program, is beyond the pale.
But one thing you can take away from Bell and Johnson not being at practice is that once you give a player a boatload of guaranteed money, they have the power over you, not vice versa. They’re the boss over the Jets, not the other way around. They’re beyond reproach. They have the Jets by the you know what’s.
But getting back to cornerback situation, you could make a strong argument their most stable position now is at nickel back with Brian Poole.
We already talked about Johnson’s speed issue, and Darryl Roberts is a nice reserve cornerback, but doesn’t seem to have “starter traits” as scouts like to put it. Yes he has good speed, yes he’s super-tough and a willing tackler, but his instincts are a little inconsistent at a position where instincts are of the utmost importance.
2018 draft pick Parry Nickerson had a tough practice on Wednesday.
This situation bares watching. It’s not a great one right now . . .
May 30, 2019
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