As the weather cleared up during the afternoon session of day 1 of Camp Cortland, so did the tempo and enthusiasm.
Fired Up
Kellen Clemens had an impressive afternoon practice. Playing with an
invigorating passion, [he followed through with a light block on Kerry
Rhodes, who had crossed the line of scrimmage, at the tail end of a
broken play] Clemens could be heard barking audibles at the line, in
total command. He also kept his emotions under control; a difficult
balancing act, smartly dropping off passes to his H-Backs when no
receivers were open down field. The apex of his performance occurred
when he hit Brad Smith for a long completion down the left sideline, a
no doubt touchdown. It will be interesting to see if Clemens can
maintain that high level of play throughout camp.
Clemens speaks
“It means a lot going into it. I think it gives me more time with thewide receivers and tight ends and the offensive line to develop more
chemistry.” – On being named number one on the Q.B. depth chart at the
outset of camp.
“It’s not my concern because it’s not my decision. The coaches are
making the decision.’ -- On Sanchez getting more reps with the firstunit as training camp continues.
On the short Mark
Mark Sanchez’s accurate arm could prove absolutely deadly if the Jetscan execute a short seam game with their pass catchers. Sanchez’s
quick release, poise, and confidence all make him a perfect candidate
to operate a high tempo offense predicated on rhythm and timing. And
while Sanchez certainly displayed this talent during the second
practice of training camp, he also showed a rookie’s impatience,
attempting to force a few passes through closed windows. He was
slightly outplayed by Clemens when taking the full measure of the day.
Here he is…. There he goes
It was speculated that Leon Washington would hold himself out of
training camp should he not receive the new deal he desired. Those
fears were allayed today when Washington showed up for work, despite
his contract situation being unresolved. And, in the afternoon
practice, Leon demonstrated his case for a raise, utilizing his
breakaway speed to turn a well-executed screen orchestrated by Erik
Ainge into a high-speed chase toward the end zone. Washington received
a warm ovation from the Jet fans assembled at SUNY Cortland as he
returned to the huddle. In an on-field press conference after the
game, Washington, clearly agitated by the situation, intimated that his dispute is far being settled and despite his dispeasure of not having a contract extension, he is here to play. Coach Ryan told the media today that negotiations are ongoing.
Scary Good
It’s not exactly breaking news to report that a football player is inexcellent physical condition upon the opening of training camp. But,
in the case of David Harris, a hulking linebacker who has been plagued
by injuries early in his promising career, it may be heartening for
some Jets fans to hear the tackling machine appears in peak form,
darting all over the field, appearing svelte, seemingly ready to cause
mayhem behind the D-Line as training camp begins.
The Jets return tomorrow for two practice sessions at 8:15 and 4PM and the weather forecast is for sunny skies. Be sure to check back to JI often for all the latest breaking training camp news!
OVER 120 EXCLUSIVE CORTLAND TRAINING CAMP PHOTOS! **New Photos From The Afternoon Added** For the largest gallery of exclusive Jets training camp photos on the internet: CLICK HERE
