Aaron Glenn on quest to fix Jets’ penalty woes

Aaron Glenn’s emphasis on discipline and avoiding penalties isn’t exactly new for the Jets. 

“Our last coaches preached discipline,” defensive back Tony Adams said after Friday’s practice. “And we weren’t listening. We didn’t take heed to what they were saying.” 

The Jets paid dearly for their indifference to Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich’s messaging, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams in penalty yardage and in total penalties committed on their way to a 5-12 season in 2024. 

Glenn has brought in referees to every training camp practice so far to try to drive home the message, but the rent-a-refs have been plenty busy. 

“We started the day with too many penalties,” Glenn said Friday, while noting the practice was largely positive. “Those are pre-snap penalties. You guys have heard me talk about that. I’m gonna hone in on that. I told the guys, ‘Yes, take it personal when I get mad at you in that situation because those things lose us games, which I already talked about,’ and the guys understand that.” 

It’s not the first time Glenn has said something like that just a couple of weeks into camp. The Jets have plenty of time before the season opener against Pittsburgh, but there is clearly also a lot of improvement needed, particularly prior to the snap. 

Though Adams said he thinks the message is being received, he admitted the Jets have a ways to go. 

“We’re getting better, and some days we slack off,” Adams said. “On those days, you gotta lock in even more. It’s hot, it’s gritty out here, but you have to lock in on the details.” 

Quinnen Williams (calf) missed a second straight practice. Glenn said he’ll be out for “a week or two” as a precautionary matter. 

“He’s actually had this injury before,” Glenn said. “He understands exactly how he needs to operate and make sure he goes through the process of getting it healed.” 

John Simpson (back) missed practice and will also be held out for a week or two as a precaution, Glenn said. Malachi Moore (oblique strain) didn’t practice. 

Braelon Allen returned after missing two practices with knee soreness. 

The Jets will hold a “pseudo-scrimmage” on Saturday, Glenn said, with the goal being a more game-like practice.