Why Robert Saleh gave Jets heavy workload during preseason

One day after Aaron Rodgers labeled this year the hardest training camp he’s been through in the past several years of his career, Jets coach Robert Saleh explained why that was by design.

“I made the comment, ‘We’re not trying to revisit the Junction Boys,’ but at the same time, this country-club style that’s kind of taking on all of sport, not just football, but all of sport, there’s a fine line,” Saleh said before a joint practice with the Giants. “They’ve got to be ready to play football.”

The Junction Boys refers to the famed 1954 Texas A&M football team, which endured a grueling summer training camp under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Garrett Wilson catches two deep touchdown passes in Jets-Giants joint practice

“We’ve made an effort to kind of be a little bit more efficient, how we work day-to-day with our guys, because of it our workload is significantly more this year than it’s been in the past,” Saleh added. “Obviously, I think it’s very beneficial anytime you can practice playing football you’re going to get better at playing football, and I think our guys have responded awesome to it.

“I think they’re starting to feel the difference and how important all these reps have been, and I think they’re feeling it especially as we’ve gone through these joint practices. They’re leaving those practices feeling more and more confident.”

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First-round pick and rookie offensive tackle Olu Fashanu sat out practice with an elbow strain, but Saleh called it “nothing to be concerned about.”

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Rookie cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers was back after missing Tuesday’s practice to attend to a personal matter.

Asked about Fashanu’s progress during camp, veteran left tackle Tyron Smith said “he’s come a long way since the beginning when we first got started. He’s a great kid and he’s coming along pretty fast.”

The 33-year-old Smith added he does not expect to play in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Giants.

“For years, I’ve been used to going straight into the season,” the eight-time Pro Bowler said. “It’s been a while. I can’t remember the last time I did a preseason game. But we’re getting as much work as possible out here, getting ready for the first game.”

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