Jets Training Camp Recap: Offense Still Searching, Defense Finding Takeaways

On Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, we had the privilege of observing New York Jets training camp as members of the WMSC sports team. It was a light practice, players were without pads, with a lot of walkthrough as the team geared up for an intense intrasquad scrimmage the very next day.

Some key takeaways from practice:

First, the offense and how stagnant it has been. There have been days throughout training camp where we will see QB Geno Smith light it up, and days where he looks lackluster. That is especially notable considering the defense was without both rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (calf strain) and veteran linebacker Demario Davis (veteran rest day). Despite that, the defense managed to intercept the Jets quarterbacks and pile up multiple pass breakups.

That is worth something coming off last season, when the Jets defense was historic in the worst way. New York finished 2025 with zero interceptions, the first team to go a full season without one since the NFL began tracking the stat in 1933. The unit also ranked 31st in points allowed and 25th in yards allowed. The front office spent the offseason on it, bringing in Nahshon Wright, Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joseph Ossai.

Second, offensive coordinator Frank Reich had some high praise for Smith.

“Although he’s 35, like he plays like he’s 28, maybe 29 and still in his prime.”

Reich compared this Smith to the one we saw with the Seahawks, where he essentially resurrected his career before a down year in Las Vegas with the Raiders. Smith threw for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 15 games for the Raiders in 2025 before the Jets acquired him in a March trade.

Third, the weather could have been a factor. With the heat blazing all morning, players could have been fatigued, especially after another full week of practice.

The team holds joint practices this week with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before opening preseason play on Friday, Aug. 14 at home against Tampa at 7 p.m. Eastern. Gang Green looks to improve on their 3-14 finish from last year, and it all starts Friday night in front of the home faithful.

Coach Aaron Glenn said “everybody’s playing” on Friday, which means we will see Geno Smith lead the offense out for their first preseason tune-up. As for the results on the field, time will tell, but the New York Jets look to take flight and it all starts now.