New York Jets: Geno Smith, Jace Amaro & Other Mini-Camp Takeaways

Jun 17, 2014; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass during minicamp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets finished their second of three practices of the week and most importantly, according to Rex Ryan, they remained virtually injury-free. Chris Ivory slightly turned his ankle today but it was not labeled serious by Coach Ryan and he will be ready to go for training camp. Willie Colon, Antwan Barnes and Chris Johnson are all on pace for training camp debuts, although Colon and Johnson went through individual drills this week.

Marty Mornhinweg spoke today and had some important things to say. First of all he said that Geno Smith will get 70-75% of the 1st team reps in training camp thus confirming that Vick was brought in to be used in case of emergency only if Smith fell flat on his face. Mornhinweg doesn’t feel that Smith has done that at all and is very pleased with Smith’s progression:

Mornhinweg: “My responsibility right now is to continue to progress Geno’s play… I’m impressed. He’s a talented, smart young man.”

— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) June 18, 2014

Jets OC Marty Mornhinweg on Geno Smith: “He’s had an outstanding offseason… Very confident. Very sure of himself with each play.”

— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) June 18, 2014

Marty said this offseason has been much different for Geno given his experience. “He’s got the bull by the horns and he’s driving it.”

Marty on Geno: “He’s had an outstanding offseason … He’s quite different than last yr with 16 games under his belt.”

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) June 18, 2014

Quarterbacks Coach David Lee was also lauding Geno Smith for his offseason work both physically and mentally:

Lee on Geno: “Physically, he’s gotten faster, he’s gotten stronger, he’s lost body fat. When you do all of that, your mind is right.” #NYJ — Chris Lopresti (@CLoprestiWFAN) June 18, 2014

Lee on Geno: “He knows the offense so well that he now knows where everybody is when things break down and he has to move or scramble.” #NYJ

Lee on Geno: “He’s not counting steps in his head. Those are all natural and now he can go and play. That’s what we’re starting to see.”

— Chris Lopresti (@CLoprestiWFAN) June 18, 2014

More from Jets News

Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jace Amaro (22) looks for a penalty call against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

During Rex Ryan’s press conference, Rex praised Jace Amaro for his versatility and his ability to block effectively in space, which is a tough skill to learn, and he said it portends well for his future as an in-line blocker. Rex then went on to praise his tight end group, which includes Amaro, Cumberland and “Sasquatch” Zach Sudfeld. He went on to say that in addition to Amaro’s skill set, that Jeff Cumberland and Sudfeld have experience splitting out in the slot and out wide. Ryan then said that with the flexibility of Mornhinweg’s offense that there was an opportunity to be creative with that group. Imagine a 3rd and short and the Jets bring in a 3 tight end set, presumably to ground and pound their way for a key 1st down, and then the tight ends all split out. At that point the defense has the wrong personnel on the field and has to either take a timeout or be vulnerable to the run or pass. Their extra players to stop the run will have to cover the tight ends and the linebackers covering the tight ends are in a mismatch. Or imagine Amaro split out wide and Cumberland in the slot with a screen pass to Chris Johnson to that side. Those two tight ends blocking cornerbacks should get Johnson to the next level and let the lineman get out in front to lead the way. In other press conference news, Rex Ryan said he hasn’t spoken to recently cut Mike Goodson in 2-3 months despite trying to reach out. It was also reported that Sheldon Richardson, a friend of Goodson, also could not reach the running back. Ryan also praised Kyle Wilson for attacking the ball more, as well as being more confident and taking on more of a leadership role. Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey said that he is not trying to be Mike Westhoff but merely himself. He also added that they drafted Jalen Saunders in part because they believe that he will be special on special teams. He also added:

McGaughey said Rontez Miles is ‘a hard-working kid,’ but there’s competition everywhere. Adds, Jeremiah George has to “earn his stripes.” — Kimberley A. Martin (@KMart_LI) June 18, 2014

New STC Thomas McGaughey said Calvin Pryor will be used on ST. …Said of the speedy Jalen Saunders: “He’s tough.”

— Kimberley A. Martin (@KMart_LI) June 18, 2014

Home/Jets News