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Monday, July 30, 2012

Practice report: Tim Tebow enjoys best day - ESPN (blog)

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- For the second straight day, the Jets practiced in full pads. Observations on the 2 1/2-hour session:

TEBOW TIME: Quarterback Tim Tebow enjoyed his best day, completing four of five passes (plus a sack) in team drills. Once again, he worked exclusively with the second team -- and there were no Wildcat plays. The Jets have yet to run anything out of the Wildcat package in camp.

Tebow's lone incompletion was a deep post to receiver Chaz Schilens, but he got an earful from coordinator Tony Sparano for not throwing to the check-down receiver. On a third-and-medium play, Sparano wanted him to take the higher-percentage option.

Tebow received a huge ovation from the crowd when he escaped pressure and scrambled for about 25 yards.

Overall, it was a much better day for Tebow and quarterback Mark Sanchez, both of whom were 1-for-7 on Sunday. Sanchez went 6-for-10, plus a sack -- and he was victimized by two drops (Schilens and tight end Dustin Keller). Sanchez was upbeat after practice, saying he's pleased with the overall progress of the offense under Sparano. He had a couple of near hiccups, almost getting intercepted on back-to-back passes. Linebacker Calvin Pace dropped one ball and safety Eric Smith let a pass sail through his hands.

Not every quarterback shined. It was a rough day for third-stringer Greg McElroy.

HERE'S CRO: Well, the Jets said they'd have a "Cro Package," and we got a small glimpse of it. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie played one play at wide receiver. He ran a 'Go' route and didn't get the ball, but he got open deep. Afterward, Sanchez joked that the offense wondered why Cromartie was in the huddle and the players tried to throw him out.

MEN IN BLACK: Rex Ryan unveiled the coveted black jerseys for the first time in camp. Let the record show that the defense, by virtue of its recent performances, was rewarded with the black jerseys -- a motivational ploy by Ryan.

SUMMER HEAT: The defense generated good heat on the quarterbacks, with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, Mike DeVito and Ricky Sapp generating sacks. In fact, Sapp had two against the second-string offense. Nose tackle Kenrick Ellis also had a strong day, with two tackles-for-loss. No. 1 pick Quinton Coples has been conspicuously quiet in camp.

KICKING COMPETITION: It was a perfect day for Nick Folk (4-for-4 in FG attempts) and challenger Josh Brown (2-for-2).

ROSTER MOVES: Rookie linebacker Demario Davis (hamstring), rookie receiver Jordan White (foot) and guard Terrence Campbell (hamstring) were activated from the PUP list. They will be eligible to practice on Wednesday. Tuesday is a day off ... Former Panthers offensive tackle Jeff Otah remains on the PUP list. He must pass a physical by Tuesday, or the recent trade with Carolina is voided.

THIS AND THAT: Rough day for Schilens. The Jets' depth is receiver is a question mark ... Third-string running back Bilal Powell turned some heads, especially in one-on-one blocking drills. After a non-descript rookie season, Powell is starting to get some quality reps ... Solid practice for receiver Santonio Holmes ... Cornerback Ellis Lankster and safety LaRon Landry dropped interceptions. Landry remained with the second team ... Running back Joe McKnight showed some giddy-up on outside runs.

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