Full concentration: Heavy security keeps out distractions at New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez's practice camp
It seems that the New York Jets were serious about concentrating entirely on football and practice during the offseason and removing any distractions.
Most of the Jets offensive units are currently practicing with quarterback, Mark Sanchez at his annual Jets West practice camp taking place at Mission Viejo High School.
One thing that stood out from the practice session though was not the football but the over-the-top security detail tasked by Sanchez to keep out reporters and photographers plus any other distractions that might take the players attention away from the
football.
The two-hour workout session that took place on Wednesday had according to the
New York Post more police officers and security staff being on the lookout for trouble than fans hanging out to see their favourite stars practice.
Some fans also were invited inside to get autographs from the players but the numbers were few.
Security though was not, with five uniformed officers from the Orange County Sheriff Department with one moving around with an open shotgun guarding the stadium while a number of other plainclothes officers were also monitoring the area as the players practiced.
Only one player tight end, Dustin Keller talked with the press after the practice session and he said that Sanchez wanted to keep all distractions out and he wants his offence teammates to be completely focussed on the football.
Keller told the New York Post:
“Mark just wanted to keep the distractions out.
He added further:
“After what happened last year [an 8-8 finish and home for the playoffs], he wants all of us totally focused on football and the job at hand. [No media allowed] is not what we’re used to back in New York, but it makes sense here.”
It makes sense to us as well.
After last season’s dramatic failure and the public feuds that followed the Jets do not need more drama to distract them from practicing.
The franchise is looking to once again return to the playoffs after missing out last year and this is the right way to go about it with full concentration on getting better in the offseason.
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