Reports coming out of the New York Jets first live scrimmage are uninspiring to say the least. It lasted about one hour Saturday morning and ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes that it might have provided a sneak peak of what’s to come in the Justin Fields era.
“Formidable running game, dazzling scrambles by Justin Fields and (get ready to groan) an ineffective passing attack,” Cimini wrote.
“And sloppy, too. ”
There were evidently twelve penalties on the day, including four committed by Fields’ group of ones. Fields scored twice on the ground, albeit in a red jersey, but through the air the 26-year-old was less than stellar.
“Fields completed only two of 10 passes for 12 yards (two drops), took three sacks and was flagged for a delay of game,” Cimini recounts. “The crowd of more than 2,000 got restless as the offense sputtered, negating some long runs with ill-timed penalties.”
Head Coach Aaron Glenn Speaks On Justin Fields’ Struggles
Good news for Jets fans, bad news for sports writers, Aaron Glenn is good at talking to the media. When asked about his quarterback’s performance, that by the numbers undeniably left some to be desired, Glenn was complimentary.
“I thought Justin did a really good job,” Glenn said. “I think we saw exactly what he’s going to create when it comes to him using his feet. There are some balls that we have to catch that he threw to some guys, and there’s some throws he’s got to make, too, that were out there.”
The Jets picked up right where they left off on Saturday, committing a number of penalties after leading the NFL in penalty yards last season. Glenn spoke on the team’s miscues.
“There’s no excuses,” he said. “Our players understand that because we know penalties are discipline issues, and we have to make sure we are more disciplined in that aspect on both sides of the ball. So we will get those cleaned up, I promise you that, but there is a lot of work to do.”
Glenn Praises Team’s Back Field By Committee
One thing Jets fans did know before today’s scrimmage, they have a good backfield. Breece Hall is looking to once again prove that he is one of the premier talents in this league as he fights for a contract extension. While Braelon Allen might be quietly challenging for a bigger role in the offemse.
Aaron Glenn praised both backs during his press conference.
“I want to make sure this is clear — I thought our running backs today did a hell of a job,” Glenn said to the room of reporters. “And it’s expected. I think Breece — I think this year you’re going to see a guy that’s going to really turn it up a notch. Because of what we’re going to do, who we’re going to be and because of who he is also. Braelon had a couple of reps in there today which were good. Isaiah did a really good job. I expect a number of good things from those guys, and I just want to make sure those guys get praise for what they did today.”
Isaiah Davis was the team’s second rookie running back last season. While Braelon Allen got much of the attention for his bruising run style, Davis quietly posted an alright rookie season.
Davis only carried the ball 30 times, but average more than five and a half yards per attempt. He scored two touchdowns, one on the ground and one on one of his nine receptions on the year.
“He brings everything,” Glenn said of Davis. “I mean, he is a guy that we have to make sure we get him on the field as much as possible also. Pass protection, his ability to run, his route tree, he’s a very, very smart player. He’s tough and he’s aggressive and the thing is, he’s a guy that plays on every special team that we have. So, he’s a valuable piece of what we’re trying to do.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jets’ Passing Game ‘Ineffective’ In First Live Scrimmage appeared first on Heavy Sports.