New York Jets Offense Shows Signs of Life at Training Camp

Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) is tackled by Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

After two miserable days for the offense in practice it seems the unit wanted to make an impression before the annual green and white scrimmage tonight. Although Eric Decker, the Jets star free agent receiver signing, was limited in practice the rest of the receiving corps stepped up in his absence and the end zone was found repeatedly.

Battle of the Burners

In the NFL speed can kill, and the Jets have lacked speed on the outside for some time. Stephen Hill was drafted two years ago to help remedy this and he is showing signs that he is ready to play at a consistent level. The Jets also brought in Jacoby Ford in the off season to compete for a receiving spot with his track team speed. Both found the end zone today, Stephen Hill showed off his speed on a long touchdown and displayed good use of his frame on a quick 10 yard TD. Jacoby Ford went on to make a good adjustment on a ball thrown by Michael Vick put only where Ford could get it, shaking Darrin Walls and breaking free for 65 yard TD. It is good to see Hill making progress as well as Ford getting acclimated to a new system.

Mr. Consistency

Jeremy Kerley, who has been one of the Jets more consistent receivers in the past few seasons, also displayed some of his skills today in practice. Coming in on a crossing route Kerley showed his scrappiness and willingness to fight for the ball resulting in TD. Although he might never have the athleticism to be the leagues best receiver he has shown a consistency and a reliability at the position that the Jets will appreciate going forward.

Let there be Competition

…and on the first day the Idzik said there will be competition. This mantra seems to be working, and the cream seems to be rising to the top. Bringing Ford in seems to be pushing Hill, meanwhile Ford is himself battling for a roster spot competing against guys who don’t have his athleticism but do have a familiarity with the system. This bodes well for a receiving corps that was considered one of the worst in the league last season, a unit that will need to improve if we are to have any chance to gauge Geno Smith‘s progression as a signal caller.