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Takeaways from the third episode of Jets 'Hard Knocks'
New York Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb. Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Takeaways from the third episode of Jets 'Hard Knocks'

By Matthew Neschis  |  Last updated Aug 23, 2023 12:46 AM ET

The New York Jets possess one of the most special rosters they've fielded in over a decade. A talented young nucleus of wide-eyed rookies and second-year players are now joined by seasoned veterans hoping to win a Super Bowl alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

In episode three of "Hard Knocks '23: Training Camp with the New York Jets," viewers got an inside look into how these different groups are meshing on and off the field.

Here are three takeaways from this week's episode. 

Veteran leadership is invaluable 

The offseason acquisition of Rodgers kickstarted an influx of his former teammates into New York. The Jets actively sport nine former Green Bay Packers players under contract, with many likely to make an immediate impact in Week 1.

As young players on the Jets adjust to the high expectations that Rodgers and the coaching staff place upon them, several veterans are lending a hand by expounding their knowledge from years of catching passes from the future Hall of Famer.

Following a disappointing practice for the wide receiver room, wideout Randall Cobb shared what he's learned over ten seasons playing alongside Rodgers.

"If he don't trust you, he not gonna throw you the ball," Cobb said. "He do not like throwing interceptions, so if he can't trust that you're gonna run the right route, he not gonna throw it."

Garrett Wilson, who will likely become one of Rodgers' favorite targets this season, is extremely grateful for the veteran presence.

"Having Aaron, and Cobb and Allen [Lazard], they make it easy on me too, just being able to bounce my thoughts off them and have a translator between Aaron," Wilson said. "Some of the stuff and the lingo he uses, you know Cobb and Allen work as those translators."

Zach Wilson has benefitted most from Rodgers' presence

Wilson looks like a completely different quarterback from a year ago as he continues to develop under Rodgers' wing. While the game appeared to be moving too fast for the 24-year-old last season, he's now learning how to keep up in the NFL.

"The first two years were obviously tough, man," Wilson told quarterback Kyle Trask. "Having Aaron — and I'm sure you know with Tom [Brady] — they kind of give you the short cuts a little bit of how to get through things a little quicker."

Rodgers and Wilson have additionally developed a strong relationship off the field, with the pair playfully wailing on the other's signature headband look and old-age play style. 

The Jets are smart not to rush Breece Hall

Running back Dalvin Cook's signing last week indicated Hall's unreadiness to begin the season as a workhorse back. The 2022 second-round draft pick suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos last season, bringing an end to his strong rookie campaign. 

"It's been a long 10 months," Hall said. "The rehab process, it sucks. You have a really good day and then you'll have a day where you feel like you can't do anything."

Hall is a team player, and as such is willing to whatever the Jets ask of him. But with Cook now in the mix, New York can take their time before unleashing the 22-year-old back onto the field. 

"Obviously I want to play the first week," Hall said, "but I'm just gonna keep doing what I gotta do."

The Iowa-State product already seems to be making great recovery strides, allegedly reaching 21 mph on a catch and run in practice.

Matthew Neschis

Matthew is a New York City-based sports journalist and long-suffering Mets, Jets and Knicks fan. He has seen his fair share of butt fumbles, wild boar attacks, draft busts and gridiron ghost sightings. You can find him on Twitter at @MNeschis

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