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Jets Training Camp Morning Update: Baker Being Good Soldier, QB’s Struggle

Here is a report on what went down in this morning’s practice, the first of the year for the Jets, along with analysis:

- Chris Baker isn’t going to become Pete Kendall part 2. He was very calm and subdued when talking to reporters today. Baker confirmed that he did actually tweak his back and he should be back on the field in a few days. He said he was encouraged that his agent and Mike Tannenbaum are currently having discussions. Most people are assuming that the Jets are going to re-structure his contract in some way to placate him for the rest of the year. Baker spoke the company line today and it looks like he may be the starting tight end against Miami after all.

This is good news. Nobody wanted to hear Baker ripping the organization on a daily basis. Beyond that, with Baker on the team the Jets are very deep at tight end and won’t have to overuse Bubba Franks. It will also allow Dustin Keller to play to his strengths as a pass catcher.

- Vernon Gholston has signed his contract. The Jets are just waiting for the paperwork to go through the league offices. He may be on the field for tonight’s practice, and if he isn’t then he will definitely be on the field tomorrow morning.

More good news. The less time that Gholston misses, the better.

- Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith were both placed on the non football injury/reserve list. Jehuu Calcrick apparently looked a beast this morning on the field.

This likely means they both didn’t pass the conditioning test, which certainly isn’t a good thing. Calcrick could be a pleasant surprise and steal a roster spot.

- Both quarterbacks struggled in the rain today. Kellen Clemens first pass of 11 on 11 drills was intercepted by Eric Barton. Both were fairly inaccurate and neither could complete any deep balls. Pennington ran with the first team today.

It is obviously only one practice in crappy conditions but still you hope that at least one of the quarterbacks could string together some strong practices. Hopefully, they both can bounce back tonight.

- Kris Jenkins was an absolute beast. He destroyed Nick Mangold in one on one drills and beat up on everyone else, as well. Justin Miller ran with the first team at corner, and Darrelle Revis shut down Jerricho Cotchery all practice.

- If Jenkins stays healthy, I think he could be a pro bowl player for the Jets this year. The guy is immensely talented and is now in shape and motivated. If Miller plays well consistently, the starting job is his. Cotchery needs to learn how to deal with opposing teams sending their best defensive back at him. He is the number one receiver now.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm and is filed under Jets Sites, The Cockpit, Blogroll, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.