FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- What we learned on Tuesday, Day 6 of New York Jets training camp:
1. Geno Smith isn't perfect: OK, calm down, no laughing in the peanut gallery. The turnover-prone quarterback was turnover-free for four-plus practices, but that streak came to an end. No, it wasn't an interception, it was a strip sack. He held the ball too long, unprotected, as he looked downfield for a big play. Defensive end Leger Douzable slapped it out of Smith's right hand and pounced on the fumble. You didn't expect an unblemished training camp, did you? Todd Bowles offered perspective: "It was just a bad decision. It was his first turnover of camp. You don't blow it out of proportion, but you talk about it." The silver lining: The interception streak still is alive. In case you're wondering, Smith completed 13 of 25 passes on a windy day. His best throw was a 40-yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall, who made the catch over Antonio Cromartie.
2. No rush for Mo: As expected, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson -- two days removed from a hamstring injury -- didn't practice. It made no sense to rush him back, not even after an off day. What would be the point? The No. 1 objective is to make sure he's ready for opening day, not practice in early August. Interestingly, veteran Stephen Bowen -- not Sheldon Richardson -- took most of Wilkerson's reps with the first-team base defense. Richardson, facing a four-week drug suspension, continued to work primarily with the backups.
3. Bryce Petty has a lot to learn: The former Baylor star may turn out to be a terrific quarterback some day, but he's scuffling right now. He threw two interceptions in a 7-on-7 drill, both of which were telegraphed to the left flat and probably would've been returned for touchdowns in a real game. Petty's transition to the NFL will take time, considering he played in an up-tempo, spread offense in college. This is a different ballgame. Smith can empathize, saying, "I've been there." Linebacker Quinton Coples (yes, Coples) and cornerback Keith Lewis made the interceptions.
4. Everybody has hiccups: Eric Decker dropped two balls in a one-on-one drill and another in team drills. Hey, it happens.
5. The DBs need work on the JUGS machine: Too many would-interceptions have been dropped in this camp. Cromartie and safety Jaiquawn Jarrett had drops, continuing the trend. A year ago, the Jets had only six (six!) interceptions, which is hard to believe. Is there something in the New Jersey water?
6. Jets go high-tech: A small camera atop a tripod, maybe five feet off the ground, was positioned in the backfield during the 7-on-7 drill. At times, the quarterback -- in shotgun -- was lined up adjacent to the camera. What gives? The Jets are experimenting with virtual-reality technology designed to help in the development of quarterbacks. They're not the only team; others are checking into it. Instead of watching traditional practice film, quarterbacks can get a 360-degree view of the field, plus sound. The Jets are test driving, so to speak, one particular product.
