Green & White: 4 x 4
After yesterday's Green & White scrimmage which we broke down in detail here, let's summarize some of the more interesting performances:
Four up:
Here are four players who really helped themselves. Is it possible the Jets could have found their quarterback, running back AND tight end of the future in this year's draft?
RB Trenton Cannon
Everyone is raving about the rookie Cannon's performance as he showcased his speed on a few nice runs and was a weapon in the passing game. He also looked comfortable catching punts and in blitz pick-up in a solid all-round display.
TE Chris Herndon
Herndon had a productive day, catching several passes in the scrimmage and team periods. Jets Confidential's Dan Leberfeld said Herndon would have been the MVP of the scrimmage and that he caught more passes than anyone else.
DL Xavier Cooper
Cooper isn't a lock to make the roster but helped himself with a strip sack on Sam Darnold in team periods and another sack in the scrimmage.
DL Foley Fatukasi
Fatukasi has been overshadowed by fellow rookie lineman Nathan Shepherd in camp, but showed out last night with a sack in team periods and an explosive third down run stuff in the backfield during the scrimmage.
Four down:
Now let's look at four guys who had nights to forget. All of these are on offense because the main problem on defense was penalties and a lack of turnovers rather than any individual being exposed. In fact, the defense only gave up one touchdown on nine drives in the scrimmage and even that could arguably have been a sack.
C Spencer Long
Long didn't necessarily do a bad job as a blocker, but worryingly had a couple of bad snaps with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. He and Josh McCown also had issues with the center exchange at practice a few days ago, so that's something he really needs to clean up before opening day.
G Ben Braden
The needle was pointing up for Braden after he saw first team reps the other day but he had some issues in pass protection, including surrendering a sack to Leonard Williams.
T Antonio Garcia
With Kelvin Beachum out, Garcia got a chance to work with the second unit, but didn't make the most of it, as he gave up two sacks during the scrimmage. Ben Ijalana and Dakota Dozier reportedly saw first team reps ahead of him.
WR ArDarius Stewart
Already suspended for the first two games, Stewart has yet to show much in camp so far. During drills, Stewart had multiple drops and then only had a couple of short catches during the scrimmage.
Four missing:
By our count, 15 players missed the practice. While players coming off injuries like Terrelle Pryor and Marcus Maye were just rested, some of the other guys may lose ground through their absence.
T Kelvin Beachum
Worryingly, Beachum showed up with a walking boot on his right ankle and is described as "week-to-week" by Todd Bowles. As noted, Ijalana started in his place.
TE Jordan Leggett
After missing a lot of time last year, including all of the regular season, Leggett - who has missed the last few practices and had a wrap on his lower leg - has fallen behind Herndon in the fight for a starting role. Clive Walford and Neal Sterling each made plays too, so he might find himself on the bubble if he doesn't get back soon and show something in preseason.
K Cairo Santos
Santos was simply rested according to Todd Bowles, but his competition - the inexperienced Taylor Bertolet - was impressive in his absence. However, he did miss once, from 46 yards.
CB Parry Nickerson
Nickerson has reportedly had a great camp so far but was the only draft pick not to practice yesterday having tweaked a hamstring. This doesn't sound serious but he needs to get back soon with plenty of competition for playing time at his spot.
Four sleepers:
OLB Brandon Copeland
Copeland was one of the biggest surprises yesterday as he was impressive with his speed off the edge. That's not somewhere he's produced much over the course of his career but he saw some first-team reps and generated pressure multiple times, including at least one sack.
WR Jonah Trinnaman
Trinnaman was one of the last guys added to the offense but he flashed yesterday with two nice downfield catches - although one was negated because he pushed off. While a roster spot remains unlikely, this helps his chances of making the practice squad.
TE Neal Sterling
Sterling isn't out of the race for a tight end role yet, as his 30-yard catch on a throw over the middle was arguably Darnold's best pass. He also had a couple more catches in the scrimmage.
DT Mych Thomas
There was only one turnover in the live scrimmage, as Thomas - a back-up nose tackle - recovered a fumbled snap by Darnold, helping his cause.