Jets training camp: 3 takeaways from second week

Here are three takeaways from the Jets’ second week of training camp:

1. The offensive line is getting stronger.

The Jets had their Week 1 starting offensive line together for the first time in team periods on Friday, putting them way ahead of last year’s pace. Keeping Aaron Rodgers healthy is crucial for the Jets’ success. The more time Tyron Smith, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses have to jell and develop chemistry and continuity — and get used to Rodgers’ cadence — the better.

Last year’s starting O-line went through team drills together for the first time on Aug. 30. Left tackle Duane Brown, coming off double shoulder surgery, had only a few full practices before the Jets’ first game, and the same was true for the starting group. The plan for the O-line was doomed from the start. Rodgers was injured on the Jets’ fourth offensive snap on a failed cut block by Brown.

The Jets upgraded the line, and now they have to practice together more, not just in walk-throughs. It won’t be every day, with Smith on a maintenance plan and Moses just back from a pectoral tear. The two didn’t practice Saturday, but they should be back Monday with the other three starters.

2. The Jets have to hope Joe Tippmann doesn’t become Joe Yippmann.

Tippmann and Rodgers exchange a big bear hug before every practice. It’s more important that they have a better center-quarterback exchange.

Tippmann’s high snaps have been troublesome in camp. In one practice last week, he had three high snaps, and Rodgers clearly was frustrated. In Saturday’s Green-White scrimmage, after the offense drove to the 8-yard line, Tippmann sailed a snap over Rodgers’ head for a 22-yard loss.

The Jets say they’re not concerned that Tippmann could have a case of the yips. Coach Robert Saleh said, “It’s not mental. He’s not flustered,” and added that Tippmann has to work through some “technical” things. “He’ll get it under control,” he added. “It’s one of the least things I’m worried about.” Still, it has to be fixed — and fast.

3. Braelon Allen is making his mark and leaving some.

It’s easy to see why the Jets loved Allen’s size and physicality when they took the running back in the fourth round. He uses his 6-1, 235-pound frame to run through people and will be tough to stop when he picks up speed and runs downhill. “The expectation for me is to be that bruiser and run with more power and low pads and just impose my will on people,” he said. “As I’ve grown over the years, that’s become more, more of the emphasis.”

Breece Hall is the Jets’ workhorse back, but he will need a breather. Allen could be used in short-yardage situations or around the goal line.

Other rookies also have had positive moments. Left tackle Olu Fashanu has looked good in pass protection, receiver Malachi Corley had a three-touchdown day and cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers has made plays on the back end.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.