Jeremy Ruckert eager to learn from mistakes in NFL debut
Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert speaks to the media during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J., on Aug. 9. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jeremy Ruckert’s first NFL game didn’t go exactly how he wanted, but he and his coaches know better days are ahead for him.
Ruckert, who was inactive in Week 1, played 29 total snaps in the Jets’ win against the Browns last Sunday. The rookie tight end from Lindenhurst dropped his only target and missed a block. Ruckert said that after watching film and seeing his mistakes, he went right back to work “to eliminate those out of my game."
“I didn’t really do a great job of executing to how I can, so just understanding that it’s going to take a lot more during the week and a lot more preparation,” Ruckert said. “When you think you’re doing enough there’s always a little more that you can do. I just need to keep getting that experience and learning what it takes to be successful.
“That’s how I feel I’m made up: just wanting to get better every day, wanting to continue to grow. With that experience I’m going to be able to learn a lot more and understand what it does take.”
Ruckert missed all of OTAs with a foot injury and the first week-plus of practice. "It’s been like playing catch-up from the start," he said.
Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said that definitely set Ruckert back in his adjustment to the NFL game, but he’s confident that the Ohio State product will find his way in this system.
“He’s going to be a very good player,” LaFleur said. “He wants it too much. He’s too good of a guy. He’s too hard of a worker. He’ll improve tremendously going into this next week and there’s still going to be things he’s going to have to fix. Then it’s going to continue to build. I’m excited. The future is really bright for him.”
Tight ends coach Ron Middleton said Ruckert has such great hands that his drop was "the most shocking thing I've seen him do ... This guy can catch a BB in the dark."
Too much passing
When hearing the Jets lead the NFL with 104 pass attempts, LaFleur said, “I don’t like it.”
LaFleur wants a more balanced offense. The way the first two games went – the Jets were down double digits in the second half of both – they were forced to throw the ball. Joe Flacco attempted 48 passes in the two fourth quarters alone.
“I didn’t know that,” LaFleur said about where the Jets ranked. “It’s obviously not shocking, but not something you want.”
Special ending
Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said Will Parks' hit on Amari Cooper on the onside kick just as the ball was about to get to him “was awesome.” Justin Hardee recovered it, setting up the game-winning touchdown drive.
Boyer also praised punter Braden Mann. He executed the onside kick and also threw a 17-yard pass on a fake punt. Boyer said Mann is “one of the most talented players on the team.”
Two-minute drill
Receiver Corey Davis was added to the injury report. He was limited Thursday with a knee issue … Quinnen Williams (foot), George Fant (knee), John Franklin-Myers (toe/quad), C.J. Uzomah (hamstring), Jordan Whitehead (calf) and Zach Wilson (knee) were all limited.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
