Some Thoughts and Observations from New York Jets’ Training Camp Day One

Jul 26, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Not too soon, football is back. Day one of practice is in the books from Cortland, NY. Here are some thoughts and observations, based on the reports of media members that were in attendance:

JOE MCKNIGHT WAS ON FIELD: That didn’t take long. Last night, Joe McKnight was placed on the non-football injury list after failing his conditioning test. Well, today he was off the list and back on the field. Nobody noted him doing anything in particular, but he was back.

CHRIS IVORY WAS NOT: Chris Ivory was off the field on the bike today, but don’t be too alarmed. He slightly tweaked his hamstring last week, and was held out as a precaution. He should be back after missing a practice or two tops. The man who runs like he is mad at the grass will be OK.

RICKY SAPP AND JOHN GRIFFIN LOOKED SHARP: It was a good first day for our good buddy Jake Steinberg. From all accounts, both Ricky Sapp and John Griffin looked sharp. Both were performing well last summer before injuries derailed their chances to make the team. Sapp could be the dynamic pass rusher the Jets have been missing, and Griffin would add some speed on offense.

CLYDE GATES AND TITUS RYAN SHINE: A couple of surprising players today. Clyde Gates, by all reports, looked good for the first team. He dove for a pass and made a brilliant catch, thrown by Mark Sanchez. Geno Smith also had a great deal of success hooking up with Titus Ryan on the second team. It was a good start for both of those players today.

GENO SMITH LOOKED SHARP: Don’t worry guys, I am not going to list the specific stats for the quarterbacks, as they go through the competition. Ultimately, the exact statistics are not going to make a difference. The competition will be won by who makes the best decision, and who, by the “eye” test, is the best leader for this team right now.

Geno played exclusively with the second team today, but all accounts said he looked good while doing it. He and Titus Ryan were the adept duo out there, connecting on some high quality throws. He also placed a beautiful bomb to Stephen Hill for approximately 40 yards. He had a bit of trouble with ball placement, hitting receivers in stride, but all in all, not a bad start.

Mark didn’t look bad either. The competition is on.

DEE MILLINER A NO SHOW: How is this for deja vu? A cornerback, looking for a contract, doesn’t have one yet, and is not in training camp. Maybe I am crazy, but haven’t we seen this movie before? I didn’t enjoy it the first time, and I don’t like it now. Get your rear end up here Milliner.

That’s it for today’s observations.