Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Jets Camp Report: Day 9

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of New York Jets training camp: 

  • For all his struggles last season, Geno Smith was a fairly effective on deep pass attempts. In fact, he completed 39 percent (23-for-59) on throws of 21-plus yards, which isn't bad. He demonstrated that skill Friday, unleashing a 60-yard strike to Stephen Hill. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg likes to take deep shots, probably more than most that run the West Coast offense. The Jets should be able to improve their efficiency this season, especially if the running game takes off. That will force opponents to play eight-man boxes, creating opportunities on the perimeter. Friday was an encouraging step.

  • It's too early to be concerned, but the Jets can't be thrilled with their cornerback play. It was a rough practice for Dee Milliner, who got beat twice by Hill. If he can't cover an unproven player such as Hill, how will he handle Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall, receivers he probably will cover in the first month of the season? Milliner is having an okay camp, but he hasn't done anything that would make you to think he's the best cornerback in football. Oh, wait, he already said that. Rookie Dexter McDougle, a minicamp star, was slow out of the gate in training camp and is now nursing a groin injury. On Friday, the defense surrendered a handful of long balls. By the way, Darrelle Revis continues to dominate in the New England Patriots' camp. Just saying.

  • Injuries continue to pile up for the Jets, but they haven't been hit with anything major yet. So there's that.

  • Rookie tight end Jace Amaro continued to take baby steps, showing signs of improvement since that awful practice a couple of days ago. Mornhinweg believes the second-round pick should start to get comfortable in another week or so. The tight-end position is complex in Mornhinweg's system; it takes time to master.

  • Another impressive day by Hill, begging the question: Real or mirage?

  • Moment of the day: In straight "man" coverage, Hill torched Milliner up the left sideline, hauling in a wonderfully thrown ball by Smith for a 60-yard touchdown -- one of the best plays of camp.

  • Quote of the day: "Making sure everyone is on their deal, making sure I'm on mine, we'll be unstoppable" -- Hill on the potential for the offense.

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