Day 1 of Jets training camp is finally here. The players are on the field at 10 a.m. this morning for the first practice of camp.
Here are three things that interest me this morning:
1. QB BATTLE – What else could we start with? All eyes will be on Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith as the quarterback competition begins for real today. No more talk. No more OTAs when there was a lot of hand holding from the coaches. Now, it’s time to put up or hit the bench.
2. RBS ARE MIA – The news yesterday that Mike Goodson did not report and Joe McKnight failed his conditioning test leaves the Jets thin at running back. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell will get the bulk of the carries. This also opens the door for John Griffin, who was impressive in spring.
McKnight has always had a problem staying in shape. Remember him vomiting on the field as a rookie? No one around the Jets is surprised at this development, just saddened that McKnight still doesn’t get it. There is no guarantee McKnight will make this team, so he better pass that conditioning test soon.
Goodson’s agent said he is not here because he’s taking care of some personal matters. We’ll see how long this lasts, but the Goodson signing is not looking too great right now.
3. DEE, OH DEE – Rookie Dee Milliner remained unsigned as of early Friday morning. Rex Ryan expressed his disappointment that Milliner is not here on Thursday.
I still have to believe the two sides will find a compromise sometime Friday and get Milliner to Cortland. It is crucial that he get here. He had no reps in the spring program because of his shoulder surgery. He can’t afford to miss more time.
The two sides reportedly are hung up over offset language, which basically allows the team to recoup some money if a player is cut and signs with another team. I don’t understand why this is such an issue for teams. Are you really planning on releasing a player you took in the top 10 of the Draft in the next four years? And if you do, he’s probably going to be such a bust that no other team will touch him and you won’t get the money anyway (see Gholston, Vernon).
Just get the deal done.