With a clean pocket Monday morning, Sam Darnold spotted a streaking Jamison Crowder down the middle of the field. Known more for the damage he can create underneath, it's become increasingly clear that Crowder is a deep threat who can flat-out run by defenders. Crowder, who again was busy for much of the early practice, hauled in a 40+yard touchdown pass before being held out of the rest of the session due to a foot injury.
"Everyone knows how quick he is, but he's fast too," Darnold said of Crowder. "I think he can hit another gear too."
Jets head coach Adam Gase said Crowder was being evaluated this afternoon. But the man who replaced Crowder in the lineup — Deontay Burnett — also had a good performance himself, hauling in a pair of scoring passes from Trevor Siemian.
"He had a really good day today. He was aggressive to the football, made some good plays," Gase said of the USC product. "We had some situation work where we were doing move the ball and he made a nice catch on a fourth-down play."
The Jets completed a five-practice stretch over the course of that many days and will have a rest day before resuming on-field workouts Wednesday. Darnold, who has spread the football around quite a bit to an interesting group of skill position targets, likes the speed the group is operating at.
"We're getting the offense and we're moving at a really good pace right now," he said. "We're moving through the installs and guys are absorbing it and performing it out on the field. I feel the guys aren't thinking that much. They're just hearing the calls and they're going."
The 22-year-old Darnold continues to impress his teammates with his playmaking ability and command.
"He's taken full control of the huddle and his confidence is real high as it should be," said RG Brian Winters. "He's a great player. Every day, he's just stacking it and he's building on his potential. I think he can be amazing."
Swag Stands Out
Coming off a season in which he recorded career highs of 16 games and 10 starts, Darryl Roberts is penciled in as the starter across from Trumaine Johnson. After Quincy Enunwa made a couple of terrific plays on Roberts early in camp, the veteran corner has responded with some quality work the past few days.
"To me, it feels the same because I've always thought I could be a starter on any team," he said. "Every day I come in the building, I prepare the same whether if I was a nickel corner, dime or backing up. I always go about the game the same way and prepare the same way as if I were up or going to start."
The 6'0", 182-pound Roberts possesses good speed and he was often matched up with Robby Anderson today. He is frequently getting his hands on the ball and moving well in the backfield.
"I feel like I'm doing pretty good right now," he said. "I'm really trying to hone in, focus on my technique and try to be consistent, try to be sound every day."
Injury Report
Tight end Ryan Griffin was held out due a throat problem, but Gase indicated he will be back Wednesday. Wideout Jeff Smith and cornerbacks Jeremy Clark and Montrel Meander are dealing with hamstring issues. Reserve tackle Brent Qvale, who was carted off the field Sunday, will miss a significant amount of time.
"It look like he's going to be out for a while," Gase said. "This doesn't end his season, but we're going to lose him for a while."
Jetcetera
Rookie defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has made a favorable impression on his teammates. "He's asking questions, he's asking leaders what he should be doing and how he should take care of his body and what he should do on the field," said DL Leonard Williams of the Alabama product. "He's doing his rookie dues and carrying pads. He doesn't have a problem with anything. You tell him to do something and he tries to get better at it."… When asked about blocking for Le'Veon Bell, Winters talked about the new back's unique approach. "That's a whole different style for us. His patience is obviously huge. It's one of those things where you have to stay on your blocks longer. With him, Bilal and the other guys in the backfield, it's going to be dangerous."… The return spot(s) are wide open and won't be decided for some time. Greg Dortch, an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest, has looked the part at punt returner. "He just has a natural feel," Gase said. "He looks like a centerfielder getting under that thing catches it smooth and he's fearless."… Cornerback Derrick "Bones" Jones and wideout Josh Bellamy have bad some interesting conversations during camp. "Bones" chirped loudly after picking off a Siemian vertical ball intended for Bellamy… Before he exited, Meander had a long return on a pick-six that followed a batted ball.
