After four practices, the most anticipated day of training camp happened on Monday morning when Jets players finally put on the pads for the first time this summer.
However, unlike most NFL teams, Jets coach Aaron Glenn had players participating in live tackling drills, where they were one-on-one in the open field and ball carries were being taken to the ground.
“The last time I went through that probably was college because we did tackling drills as well,” Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson said. “I think it’s important, though, as AG [Glenn] said, you gotta be ready to tackle.
“That’s how you get better at tackling by tackling at practice. We don’t do the drill too much, but when we do it, we do it at full speed and bring our best to the table.”
During Saturday’s practice, Jets players used a modified version of the tackling drill, which involved wrapping up and tagging the ball carrier. However, on Monday, defenders were actually tackling players by wrapping them up by their torsos and legs and bringing them down to the ground.
Actual tackling drills were largely phased out of the NFL years ago because coaches were concerned that significant players might suffer injuries during practices. However, since he became the team’s coach in January, Glenn has demonstrated a clear desire to build a formidable football club. The way to achieve this is by establishing mental and physical toughness.
“I think injuries are a part of this game and there’s no way to hide from it,” Glenn said. “Usually, when you try to hide from it, that’s when they usually pop up.
“But man, the principles of this game will never change. This game is about running, blocking, and tackling. If you don’t practice that, me as a head coach, how am I giving our guys a chance to win? And the only way to get better at something is to rep it.
“I’m not saying we’re going to tackle every practice, but the thing is we’re going to put ourselves in position to do it or we’re going to do it. I think I like about it is they bought into that and they understand that too. They understand I’m trying to do everything I can to help them help them win games.”
The tackling drill dates back to Glenn’s tenure as defensive coordinator of the Lions for four seasons under coach Dan Campbell. Although he has put his own spin on the drill, Glenn wants players to focus on the fundamentals of tackling before their preseason opener against the Packers on Aug. 9.
Some tackling drill highlights included safeties Jarius Monroe and Andre Cisco, both of whom exhibited excellent tackling skills. Cisco was opposite Braelon Allen, but he kept his shoulders squared and brought the running back down to the ground. Cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers also stripped wide receiver Arian Smith.
In addition to the tackling drill, the Jets also conducted one-on-one pass blocking/rushing drills, which are more common in high school and college football practices, but not in the NFL.
“What he’s stressing since Day 1 in the spring, physicality was No. 1,” Allen said. “That’s going to be our identity, and that starts upfront with the run game. So, he’s relying on us to set that tone. Given his defensive-minded approach, it naturally influences the offensive side of the ball as well.
Fields returns to 11-on-11 drills
After suffering a dislocated toe on Thursday, the Jets have eased quarterback Justin Fields back after saying he would be day-to-day. But on Monday, he participated in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since the injury.
Fields completed 6 of 7 passes, including passes to Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, and Breece Hall. However, his first pass of the day was knocked down by Byron Cowart.
Just a day after suffering the injury, Fields returned to the practice field, but he just observed as Tyrod Taylor ran the first-team offense. He practiced on Saturday doing positional drills and 7-on-7 work, but was held out of team drills.
“He was limited, but he was limited the way we wanted him to be limited,” Glenn said about Fields. “He made some good throws out there.
“When Justin gets on the field, we are going to let him be who he is and there were some things today that I was very pleased with. But there’s also some things that he has to get better at too and he knows that.
“He was out there with us and every day I look forward to him just maturing and getting better.”
Kicking competition is tight
The Jets have two inexperienced kickers, Caden Davis and Harrison Mevis, vying for the role during training camp.
If the last two days are any indication, the Davs/Mevis competition will be tight throughout the summer.
Davis converted 4/5 field goals on Monday, but he missed an attempt from more than 50 yards. Mevis was perfect, making all six of his attempts, including the 50-yarder Davis missed.
On Saturday, Mevis also made all seven of his field goal attempts while Davis was 6/7. Following April’s draft, the Jets signed Davis and released veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein a week later. Mevis was signed after the Jets released Anders Carlson, who was the team’s kicker at the end of last season.
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