On April 16th, the Jets will officially open off-season camp for all players. Most of the public, as well as the news media, will most likely be focused on Tim Tebow and how he adjusts to his new teammates. But there’s a lot of more subtle things to watch for.
How will quarterback Mark Sanchez and wide receiver Santonio Holmes interact with each other after last year’s troubles between these players? Remember last year when Holmes called out Sanchez, saying he’s not getting the ball enough. In the last game of the season against Miami, Holmes was actually benched by the coaching staff in the fourth quarter for not being “fully engaged” in the game.
It looks like things have already taken a positive turn as this past week, Sanchez and Holmes, along with tight end Dustin Keller and receiver Patrick Turner were in Orlando, Florida working out together. It looks like Sanchez and Holmes are on the same page and want to help this offense get where it needs to go to contend in the tough AFC East.
Keller said, “Workouts went very well and the players are excited about new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.” Keller feels that former coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who is with the Rams now, needed a change as well as the Jets. He said he “wishes Schotty well” and is excited for this new offense.
The new season starts this Monday!
Grab Bag…
Jets were approached about returning to HBO’s hit series “Hard Knocks.” Owner Woody Johnson likes the idea, which gives the Jets a high profile presence. Coach Rex Ryan, however, does not want to do it again. He doesn’t want a “circus” around camp after last year’s problems with the team in the locker room, calling out other players. With Tim Tebow on the team, it could get really crazy, even for Ryan who likes a lot of attention. HBO has contacted the Falcons, as well as the Ravens and 49ers together. It would be interesting to feature the Harbaugh brothers (John with Baltimore and Jim with SF). And this seems more likely at the moment that Jets II.
The Jets are one of three teams interested in free safety Yeremiah Bell. The former Dolphin is a free agent and has more than 100 tackles in each of the last four years. The other two teams in the mix are the Patriots and Eagles. The Jets did sign LaRon Landry in the off-season, but he is coming off an Achilles injury. He signed a one year contract.
By Gabi Sankowski
Some information from Brian Costello from the New York Post and Jets Confidential Magazine.
