Passing offense responds, other takeaways from NY Jets practice

For the last few practices, the New York Jets’ offense looked out of sync, inconsistent, and downright bad. Fans had begun to worry that Gang Green’s passing offense would never be of the caliber of a competent group.

Things changed on Thursday, though.

Justin Fields and the Jets offense responded in a big way Thursday morning at Florham Park. New York’s quarterback looked decisive, accurate, and in command of the organization.

It was the kind of practice that should quell many of those concerns…at least for now.

Fields wasn’t the only takeaway, though. The Jets continue to get plenty of production from players on both sides of the ball.

Jets Thursday Takeaways

Thursday was the last practice before the organization travels to Wisconsin for their preseason opening matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With a fully-padded practice, fans in the stands, and the usual competitive spirit running through the field, there was plenty to like.

It’s time to break down some of the biggest notes from practice.

Passing Offense Bounces Back

Fields looked accurate, decisive, and confident when throwing the football on Thursday. It was the kind of practice that got some fans to believe the Jets can actually trust the former first-round pick.

Fields’ best throw of the day came in team drills when he threw a perfect touchdown throw to Garrett Wilson over the middle of the field. New York’s starting quarterback put the ball in a place where only Wilson could get it, and still protected him from an impending hit.

The best way to describe how Fields looked throughout the day was that he seemed freer than ever before. He played loose, he made the right decisions, and he seemed like a legitimate starting quarterback.

We’ll see if that transfers over to Saturday’s game.

Struggles from Ruckert

While most of the offense played well on Thursday, one noteworthy player did not. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, who is currently penciled in as the starter at the position, struggled mightily.

He had a key drop that ended up being batted into the air for an interception by Brandon Stephens. While he was respectable as an overall blocker, it’s clear that he hasn’t made as much of a receiving impact as he needs to.

With a rookie right behind him, it’s hard to see Ruckert continue his pace as a legitimate starter on this team.

Underrated Linebacker Shines

While New York’s defense clearly did not win the day, they did have one specific standout throughout practice. Marcelino McCrary-Ball was around the play at all times as the Jets’ third linebacker.

His best play came in a team drill in which he jarred the ball loose from Garrett Wilson as he came down with a pass. While the play did not result in a fumble, the incomplete pass was something to highlight because of the athleticism and physicality McCrary-Ball played with.

It will be interesting to see how he fits into the linebacker room over the next few weeks, but he seems to be in a comfortable spot as the third player in the room.

New York’s Twin Tackles

Outside of the improvements made by New York’s passing attack, Thursday’s most important takeaway came from the organization’s two young tackles.

Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou were excellent in pass protection and even came through with some great run blocking as well. This was easily the best practice of camp for the seventh-overall rookie in Membou, but it’s even more important that both players looked as good as they did.

If Membou and Fashanu play well this season, the Jets will be a lot better than people expect.

Injury Update

Thursday’s practice welcomed the return of Will McDonald. The edge rusher has been dealing with back spasms and made a few strong plays in run defense over the day.

Other members weren’t so lucky.

Defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Byron Cowart both remain out of practice with their injuries. Tight end Mason Taylor and quarterback Tyrod Taylor were both not in attendance either.

While left guard John Simpson did show his face in street clothes during practice, he was another starter who did not participate during team drills.

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.