News and Notes from the Opening of New York Jets’ OTAs

May 22, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (left) and general manager John Idzik (right) during the New York Jets organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some news and notes, based on observations made from Florham Park yesterday, at Jets’ OTAs:

• The defense is ahead of the offense: This is no surprise, it’s just truth.  Remember, the offense is once again learning a new playbook.  The offense is typically behind the offense early anyway, but add the new playbook to it, and the difference will look even larger.
• Mark Sanchez through too many INTs: OK, maybe most of you expected this and I am the only it bothers.  Reading from the reporters in attendance today, I was able to locate at least 3 interceptions thrown by Mark, punctuated by two thrown in back-to-back plays.  DT Damon Harrison picked Mark off on a screen pass, and then a deeper ball was picked by safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.  Obviously it’s early, but coach was not thrilled, and this is not how you want to see things get started.
• Hayden Smith shows improvements: This is what a lot of Jets’ brass had been waiting for.  Even Mike Tannenbaum, just before his ouster, talked about the leaps and bounds that Hayden Smith had improved.  Again it’s early, but maybe he’ll be ready to make an impact on this team?  Time will tell.
• The defensive line has the need for speed:The Jets reporters were treated to a younger and faster defensive line today, with Sheldon Richardson at nose tackle, Muhammad Wilkerson at DT, and Quinton Coples along the end, although he will be doing the bulk of his work at linebacker.  Antwan Barnes and Calvin Pace were at OLB.  How can you not be excited about a young defensive line?
• Chris Ivory looks good early: Ivory showed early, a bit of what we have all been waiting for when he was acquired.  He put a spin move on David Harris today, so brilliantly it caused him to fall.  We all have been expecting this.  Anyone that has watched Chris Ivory work in New Orleans, knew we were getting someone with special talent.  This is only day one of what should prove to be a beautiful relationship.

Like I said before, it’s early.  It’s not at a point where we should be taking a ton of stock in what is going on.  But, it’s good to start seeing who is ahead of the learning curve.  And, it’s just fun to talk about football being back, am I right?