Tuesday was the longest practice of Jets training camp, a 2-hour and 25-minute workout that was by design.
Coach Robert Saleh felt it was important to push his players at this point in the summer. The practice was heavy on 11-on-11 team drills.
“That was a good one,” he said. “I think we scripted the equivalent of almost three quarters of football for the first and second group. It was good because we didn’t flinch, so we’re in pretty good shape.”
Saleh is planning to have another long practice again soon, as the Jets continue to get ready for the Sept. 9 opener at San Francisco.
It’s a different philosophy compared to how Saleh has run training camp in past years.
“It’s all a progression, so we’ve been stair-stepping and trying to add all the mindfulness to be ready for Week 1, and so we just keep adding the load on top of our players to get them ready to play a full game,” Saleh said. “So right now, I feel confident that we can play a full game even though we repped the equivalent of about three quarters, but we’ll have another long one coming up.”
The absence of new addition Haason Reddick and departure of Bryce Huff have created question marks on the edge for the defense.
That means more responsibility for third-year pro Jermaine Johnson, who had a big season last year in notching 55 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
“I look to myself to make every play, if I’m being quite honest. That’s not even to be corny,” Johnson said. “I think I can do that. If it’s coming my way, I think I can make [the play]. There’s no more pressure anybody can put on me than I do on myself.
“Just a lot of confidence. I’ve been here, I’ve done it. Now I’m just looking to take my game to that next level.”
The biggest hit of practice was delivered by an offensive player.
Running back Breece Hall bowled over linebacker Quincy Williams after making a short catch during team drills.
It drew a big reaction from the crowd.