Football is finally here, as the New York Jets took the field this morning for their first training camp practice. All eyes were, of course, on QB Mark Sanchez and rookie QB Geno Smith who began their battle for the starting quarterback position. Sanchez completed 8 of 11 passes and was sacked twice in team drills. Geno Smith went 4 of 7 with one sack. Smith looked good throwing long passes, showing impressive arm strength.
RB Joe McKnight was on the field after finally passing conditioning test earlier this morning. RB Chris Ivory rode the bike during practice, nursing a sore hamstring. RB Mike Goodson is not in camp and, according to Rex Ryan, his future with the Jets is uncertain.
WR Santonio Holmes is another player whose situation is uncertain. When asked whether he would play at all this season, Holmes, who suffered a season-ending foot injury last season, said "I can't answer that question." So, it was time for other receivers to grab the opportunity. WR Clyde Gates made a few good catches. Ryan later called him the offensive MVP of the first practice. WR Titus Ryan and WR Stephen Hill stood out as well.
Rookie DT Sheldon Richardson, who just signed a $10M contract, started in the base defense and recorded a sack on the fourth play of team drills.
CB Dee Milliner wasn't present, remaining the only rookie without a contract.
CB Aaron Berry became the first casualty of training camp, as he suffered a season ending ACL injury.
Check out all tweets from today's practice session.