Whenever rookies come into an NFL training camp, it can be overwhelming with a lot to learn in a short period of time.
It wasn’t any different for Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore last season. But the former Ole Miss star feels different entering his second year in the league.
“Hearing the play over again, understanding my assignment and being in different scenarios in practice,” Moore said. “I take it one day at a time and I’m going to get better.
“I feel more confident. Adding days on days just allows me to get more reps. I can’t thank God enough for that. I feel good. I’m blessed and the only worries that I have is how I’m going to win at practice.”
Despite playing in just 11 games as a rookie, Moore was the Jets’ third-leading receiver. He recorded 43 catches for 538 yards and five touchdowns. But a quad injury cut his first campaign short as he was placed on injured reserve in late December.
Throughout training camp, Moore has shown his ability to make plays and separate himself from defenders. On Gang Green’s touchdown drive against the Atlanta Falcons during Friday’s joint practice, Moore made a couple of huge catches, including a 50-plus yarder that set up the eventual score.
“He comes to work every day and he is a professional,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said about Moore. “He approaches every single day like a professional, he takes care of his body like a professional, he studies like one.
“He is a guy that has a great mindset, loves football and he hasn’t even sniffed the surface, let alone scratched it of what we think he’s going to be capable of. He’s running his routes and knows exactly what he needs to do. I love the progression at where he’s at.”
BOTH UNITS SOLID VS. FALCONS
Moore wasn’t the only player with significant plays against the Falcons’ defense. Running back Breece Hall also stood out as he recorded a 75-yard run for a touchdown against Atlanta’s first-team defense. Undrafted free agent wide receiver Irvin Charles made key catches during 11-on-11 drills.
It wasn’t just the Jets offense who made significant plays against the Falcons, so did a few defenders. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner registered his first interception in training camp as he picked off his former Cincinnati Bearcats teammate Desmond Ridder.
Jermaine Johnson also got into the action as he sacked Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota on a fourth-down play to end the 11-on-11 drill. Saleh said it was a good tune-up for the Jets leading toward Monday night’s game at MetLife Stadium.
“It was a good competitive atmosphere,” Saleh said. “Especially finishing the two-minute [drill] and moving the ball.
“It was a very productive practice as it was different coverages for our offense. Seeing a much different offense tempo and shifting from their guys. It was exactly what you want as it was very productive and they probably got a lot out of it.”
QUINNEN STILL OUT; CURRY HURT
Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has missed the last week of practice because of an ankle injury. During Friday’s practice, he was on the field, but worked individually with a trainer.
Although he could practice on Saturday, it is unlikely the Jets would risk playing Williams when he is less than 100%. Williams isn’t the only defensive line injury the Jets now have to worry about as Vinny Curry also suffered an injury in practice.
Curry limped off the field during team drills as he slammed his helmet on the field in frustration. Saleh said the team believes he suffered a hamstring injury.
Throughout training camp, Curry has been fighting for a roster spot as he missed the entire 2021 season after he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that resulted in having his spleen removed after he developed blood clots. With the Jets’ depth on the defensive line, a long-term absence from the field could lead to Curry potentially being cut before the 53-man roster deadline on Aug. 30.
()