Nearly everything is new around the Jets, with rookie head coach Herman
Edwards and rookie general manager Terry Bradway having taken over for the
retired (for the moment) Bill Parcells.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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Vinny Testaverde struggled in 2000, throwing 25 interceptions. |
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Location: Hofstra University (Hempstead, N.Y.)
Rookies report: July 28
Veterans report: July 28
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 11: Atlanta
Aug. 18: Baltimore
Aug. 25: at N.Y. Giants
Aug. 30: at Philadelphia
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There is a fresh sense of hope because of these two men, who are emphasizing
fun to go along with trying to win.
Man in the spotlight
Without question, all eyes are on quarterback Vinny
Testaverde, who threw an NFL-high 25 interceptions in 2000 coming off his '99
Achilles injury. Testaverde, who had his differences with former coach Al
Groh last year, is thrilled with new offensive coordinator Paul Hackett and
the West Coast offense, believing it's the best system for his skills.
Key position battle
The starting receiver position opposite Wayne Chrebet
was an Achilles' heel for the team last year with Dedric Ward misused as a
starter. Unproven but potential-rich Matthew Hatchette was signed as a free
agent from Minnesota and the hope is he'll step right in as an above-average
starter. Also in the mix are second-year speedster Laveranues Coles and
rookie Santana Moss.
Biggest adjustment
The Jets are praying that Moss, the dynamic receiver and
punt returner out of Miami, makes the transition from college to pro
seamlessly. If he does, it probably translates into two more wins in 2001,
because their receiving corps was merely average and their punt return game
was anemic.
Rookie report
Moss, of course, will be an immediate factor. So, too, could
second-round pick, running back Lamont Jordan out of Maryland. The Jets need
Jordan to keep in shape and he could be a key changeup back to spell Curtis
Martin, whose production has sagged at the end of recent seasons because of
too much work. Penn State tackle Kareem McKenzie and Georgia cornerback Jamie
Henderson could, too, be a help soon.
Jets' complete offseason moves