Security is tight for the Mark Sanchez-led passing camp for New York Jets players in Mission Viejo, California this week (which is also known as "Jets West"), but that hasn't kept players from breaking the first rule of "Fight Club" by talking to media. One player who has spoken out: tight end Dustin Keller, who discussed how valuable these workouts have been.
"It's been a great way to avoid wasting the time off we have between minicamp and the start of training camp (later this month)," Keller told Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post on Thursday. "The guys that are here are really making the most of it...
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"All these people taking time out to come out here because our team leader (Sanchez) wanted them to is very encouraging. It speaks volumes."
Keller is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and the 2012 season is an important one for him. Keller's production has steadily increased since Sanchez arrived; he had 45 receptions in 2009, 55 in 2010 and 65 in 2011. He also set or equaled career highs with 815 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. How the change at offensive coordinator affects Keller and the rest of the passing game is a concern, as is the fact that the team has just had the duration of OTAs and minicamp to install Tony Sparano's system.
"The defense is definitely ahead of us at this stage, but that's to be expected. We'll get there," Keller said of the offense.