Jets' Training Camp Countdown Series Asks Nine Important Questions Heading into NFL Preseason
The Jets Country Training Camp Countdown, a series of nine questions, runs from July 10 through 18, counting down the days until rookies and veterans report to the New York Jets' facility on July 19.
Gang Green will go to work with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at the controls on offense and key returnees from the league's fourth-ranked defense.
The Jets' report date is one week earlier than that of 30 other NFL teams due to the team's participation in this year's Hall of Fame Game. The Green & White will kick off the NFL Preseason game schedule in an exhibition against the Cleveland Browns on August 3 in Canton, OH.
"We have the first preseason game that everybody loves, the Hall of Fame Game, which means we come back a week early," said Rodgers on the final day of OTAs.
QB Aaron Rodgers glances toward HC Robert Saleh during OTAs
© Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
1. Potential No-Shows and Absence
Will there be any no-shows?
After not attending voluntary OTAs, All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams was viewed by some as training camp holdout candidate. Any speculation, however, was silenced when the Jets awarded Williams a massive four-year contract extension on July 13.
2. Offense Installation Timeline
How quickly can the Jets' upgraded unit come together and begin to operate at a high level?
The Jets' offense features a new quarterback, a new mix of skill position players and a new offensive coordinator. They'll have six weeks to get the engine revved and everyone moving in lock step together.
3. Plugging New Pieces into Defense
How efficiently will the replacement parts fit into a defense that operated at a near-optimal level last year?
Gang Green experienced turnover at defensive tackle and safety this offseason and will feature a different starting lineup as a result.
4. Starters' Post-Surgery Health Status
Who will return to their pre-injury form by the conclusion of the NFL Preseason?
The Jets are banking on contributions from a group of key offensive players who suffered season-interrupting injuries that required surgery last year.
5. Finding the O-Line Starting Five
How will the pieces fit across the front five and how quickly will they develop the necessary chemistry?
"That o-line, you want it to gel. In a perfect world, the same five play 17 games and then you’re rolling," said Saleh.
6. Role of the Rookies
How much will Gang Green's rookies contribute in 2023?
There are multiple potential contributors among the group of draftees, but none are as highly-touted as Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson were coming out of college.
7. Potential Preseason Stock Risers
Who will make a name for themselves this summer in Florham Park?
Looking to turn untapped potential into on-field results, these four players —Mekhi Becton, Micheal Clemons, Jeremy Ruckert, Jamien Sherwood— are candidates to boost their stock during training camp.
8. Acing the 'Hard Knocks' Assignment
How will the Jets respond to the increased attention and scrutiny that comes with starring in a reality show?
The Jets are unquestionably facing an important training camp this summer as they introduce a new starting quarterback and offensive coordinator, meaning added distractions are not needed.
9. Hottest Position Battles
Which players will take control of the important position battles during camp?
Jets Country identified six competitions to watch as the Jets kick off practices in Florham Park — starting center, starting offensive tackle, backup running back, starting outside linebacker, starting free safety, primary return specialist.
