Jet corners, OL face big test against Pack

The Jets will get a taste of what playing a Super Bowl contender feels like as they travel to Green Bay for joint practices with the Packers today and tomorrow.

This week will reveal more than any week of training camp would. Joint practices allow for teams to battle in ways they don’t in an actual preseason game.

Teams don’t show much from a schematic standpoint in the preseason games since starters don’t play much. But in joint practices, coaches are more likely to disclose more. These practices expose what a team’s strength really is and what its weaknesses are.

Here are two key matchups worthy attention.

PACKER WRs VS. JET CORNERS

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The Jet corners are still a work in progress, so they will be tested by this loaded group.

The Packers have arguably the best receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and was first-team All-Pro in 2020 after leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns (18).

Adams’ game has zero holes. He creates massive separation with excellent routes as he’s fast and quick in his route. He’s a nightmare at the line of scrimmage with his quick feet, which can make defensive backs look silly trying to press him.

Add in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard and you get a dynamic group. And, oh yeah, they have Aaron Rodgers slinging the rock.

Jets Bryce Hall and Bless Austin are the main starters and both played well against the Giants in the first preseason game, but they didn’t face the Giants starters, so nothing was learned. Brandin Echols and Jason Pinnock also played well.

The Packers, however, are a different beast. The main reason why this matchup matters most is because the easiest way for the Jets defensive line to be neutralized is for the corners struggle in coverage. How can the unit get to the quarterback if the ball is already in the hands of his wide-open targets?

JETS OL VS. PACKERS DL

The Jets’ offensive line has had some struggles in pass protection during training camp.

A part of that has been because of the Jets’ talented defensive line. So it’s been a tough read.

How much of the pressure created from Carl Lawson and company is a product of dominance? And how much of it is the Jets offensive line just having issues?

There have been times when Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff got in the backfield incredibly fast.

Mekhi Becton has admitted that the Jets’ defensive line has a tough matchup in practice. So this week will test that hypothesis because the Packers’ defensive line is also talented.

NOTABLE MENTIONS

Corey Davis versus Jaire Alexander is a must see. Davis views himself as a No. 1 wide receiver and if that’s the case he must have moments of success against Alexander. Whether it’s during 1-on-1, 7-on-7 or 11-on-11, Davis has to win his fair share.