Things to Watch at 2013 New York Jets Training Camp Not QB Related

Jun 11, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws a pass during the New York Jets minicamp session at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Training camp can’t come soon enough, can it? The Mets are, well the Mets, and the Yankees have had their injury troubles, so it hasn’t been a “Yankee-like” season for their fan base either. Baseball season is not going well for any of us, which only makes us more anxious for football season.

Well, workouts are almost here. As we all know, the most attention will be on the quarterback competition, as well it should be. It’s the most important position, so it should get the most attention. But, this afternoon I wanted to talk about a few situations to watch during camp, that don’t involve the quarterback position. Let’s get started:

RUNNING BACKS IN THE PASSING GAME

We have talked extensively about the workings of the West Coast offense. The most important characteristic of the system is options. The quarterback has a litany of options as the pass routes have flooded the football field. That litany of options typically includes the running backs. The greatest example was Roger Craig of the 49ers, who was the first back to rush for 1,000 yards, and receive 1,000 yards in the same season.

Watch in camp which backs are more adept at catching the football. How do they use Ivory in the receiving game? Can Powell prove his worth by being an adept wide receiver? How will Mike Goodson fare? Can Joe McKnight move his way up the depth chart and finally earn the playing time that the entire fan base wants to see? This will be interesting as camp goes along.

WHO WILL STEP UP AT WIDE RECEIVER?

We know this is a big issue. It is looking more and more like Santonio Holmes will not be ready for the start of training camp. Heck, there are signs that he may not be ready for the start of the regular season. Obviously, this is a problem.

Jeremy Kerley is set to play well again. He was the breakout member of the unit last year, and there is no reason why he won’t be able to step up and take care of business again in 2013. The question is, who else is going to help? Will Stephen Hill’s hands change from stone to soft? Is Clyde Gates going to stay around and make an impact? What about veteran Ben Obomanu? Will another veteran come in? How about Zach Rogers, or another of the UDFAs? Can’t wait to see what happens here.

PASS RUSH

It’s a simple question….will the pass rush be there? We know that Mo Wilkerson will lead the charge from the inside. Will the outside pass rush finally be there, making the Rex Ryan defense complete? Who will bring it?

Quinton Coples recorded 5.5 sacks in 2012. Now he will be playing outside linebacker as well as defensive end. Will that help him increase his number? How about Antwan Barnes? Antonio Garay? Will someone else step up, like Garrett McIntyre? Maybe someone we won’t think of. Ricky Sapp could surprise us all. It will be fun to watch.

Aug 4, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (left) carries the ball against defensive back Josh Bush (32) during a scrimmage at SUNY Cortland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

THE SAFETY POSITION

Josh Bush and Antonio Allen have a year under their belts in the Jets’ system. However, they are still very young. Can they get the job done, are they ready? How will Dawan Landry fit in? Will he fill the role left by his brother? How about Jaiquawn Jarrett? What’s his role?

This will all be something to watch up at camp.

What are you all looking forward to watching, that isn’t related to the QB’s?