One of the great football analysts in today’s game, Mark Schlereth says, “preseason may not count, but it does matter”. The Jets are going to use every opportunity before the season starts to make sure they are on the same page.

The Jets will have four preseason games this year, thanks to being selected to participate in the hall of fame game on August 3^rd against the Cleveland Browns. The preseason switched from four games to three before the 2021 season when it added the 17^th game.

While some teams would be happy with one more opportunity to test their skills and scheme vs another squad the Jets did not stand pat there. They added two more preseason tests for themselves.

The Jets agreed this week to hold 2 joint practices with the Carolina Panthers ahead of their matchup in Carolina on Saturday, August 12. The joint practices allow both teams to battle each other on the field but allows the coaching staffs a certain degree of control. Some coaches even view these joint practices as a replacement of the fourth preseason game.

For the Jets, it gives them an opportunity to face off against the top quarterback in the 2023 draft in Bryce Young and a good offensive line.

Earlier, it was reported that the Jets also agreed to joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those practices will be in the days leading up to their preseason matchup on August 19.

The Jets will face off against a familiar face in Todd Bowles, who is the head coach of the Bucs. The Jets were 24-40 under Bowles in 3 seasons, none of which included a playoff berth. In fact, Bowles has never made the playoffs as a head coach in the NFL but is considered a very good defensive coordinator.

The Jets will also have the luxury of not seeing Tom Brady on the sidelines for the Bucs as he plans to stay retired this offseason. Instead, the Jets will face off against Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask and John Wolford.

It is also worth noting that of the Jets 4 preseason games, 2 of them will be against teams they will see again in the regular season. The Jets face the New York Giants in week 8 and the Browns in week 17. 

The Jets will likely not trot out their 39-year-old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers for any significant playing time in the preseason games. It would not be surprising however, for Rodgers to see a lot of time in the joint practices. The practices are far more controlled and will adhere to the “red jersey rule” where any player in a red jersey is considered untouchable. That being said, accidents do happen, and in the heat of battle sometimes mistakes are made.

Still, the joint practices might be the most important part of the preseason, especially for the offense. With Rodgers trying to develop chemistry with his new teammates, but unlikely to see much playing time in the real preseason games, those practices will be the best opportunity for Rodgers to get on the same page with his new crew. 

Coach Saleh and GM Joe Douglas are wasting no opportunities to make sure this team doesn’t get off to a slow start. With the hardest part of their schedule being the first 6 weeks, it will be important for this team to be on the same page early. 

With four preseason games and two joint practice sessions scheduled, the Jets will certainly be able to get a good idea of where they stand heading into a season that has them thinking of a deep run in the playoffs.