Jets get ready for . . . nobody
Like other teams this year, the Jets won’t be having fans at MetLife due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They practiced what it would be like playing in that scenario on Sunday.
While the Jets were warming up, it at least sounded like a real game. The latest rap songs were blaring through the speakers. The rumble of crowd noise was evident. The Jets even ran out of the locker room as though it was a normal game with cornerback Brian Poole leading the charge.
At first the crowd noise sounded like a gentle rainstorm, but the sound crew eventually found a set of crowd noise that sounded like a real NFL game. It was a bit jarring without seeing anyone in the stands, but that’s how this is going to be done in the coronavirus era of football.
After practice, the Jets ran through what their post game availability will potentially look like. The Jets had separate podium “rooms” to click on, which was an attempt to simulate the freedom of walking up to players in the locker room.
All things considered, Sunday’s practice and game simulation went smoothly.
“The majority of us enjoyed today because it was so different from what we’ve been doing,” Adam Gase said. Gase said coaches and players will meet to see aspects of Sunday’s dress rehearsal they’d like to see improved.
Linebacker Avery Williamson, who is practicing again coming off of an ACL injury last preseason, said he wishes the crowd noise could’ve been a little higher. Defensive tackle Steve McLendon said he’s going to miss the energy and the “light” that fans bring to the game.
MIXED DAY FOR OFFENSE
The offensive line struggled for part of the day, but did have some solid moments. When the first-team offense scrimmaged against the second-team defense in the later portion of practice, the offensive line was able to get some bodies moving. Le’Veon Bell ripped off a few nice runs and obviously benefited from productive blocking toward the end of practice.
On the final drive by the first-team offense, the Jets leaned heavily on Bell and wide receiver Jamison Crowder as their primary playmakers. Tight end Chris Herndon, who has put together a stellar training camp, had a rather quiet practice on Sunday.
“I think we played better,” Sam Darnold said when asked to compare this performance to Wednesday’s performance, when the offense struggled mightily against the secondteam defense. “Our energy was really good, guys were ready to go. It just felt better out there. That first scrimmage, that first time, kind of trying to get drives together. Whether it’s OTAs or training camp, it’s usually always kind of a struggle at first. I feel like the second go around was good.”
Offensive guard Greg Van Roten, whom Gase confirmed to be the starting right guard, missed practice with an oblique injury. Jonotthan Harrison started in his place.
INJURY REPORT
Running back Kalen Ballage failed his physical and the trade with the Dolphins, in which the Jets gave up a conditional seventh-round pick, was voided.
Wide receivers Lawrence Cager (knee), Denzel Mims (hamstring), Breshad Perriman (knee) and wide receiver Jeff Smith (shoulder) missed Sunday’s practice. Rookie running back La’Mical Perine limped off the field with an ankle injury after an awkward tackle. Gase also said starting safety Marcus Maye was taken out with a calf injury.