Friday Morning Quarterback: New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Aug 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Matt Simms (5) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a preseason game at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets finished the preseason with a 3-1 record, topping the Philadelphia Eagles in their annual matchup, 27-20. It was the 13th time in a row that the Jets have finished up the preseason with a game against Philadelphia. While the result takes a backseat, there were plenty of good signs. Let’s talk about the game.

Overall, Matt Simms had an excellent football game. Yes, he had a few plays that he would like to have back. There were a couple of throws that should have been intercepted, if they hadn’t been dropped. There was the safety on the intentional grounding penalty in the end zone. But for a guy making his first NFL start, he did an excellent job.

Matt was 33-44 for 285 yards. At one point in the game, Simms found his groove, completing 21-23 in a stretch after the first quarter. Ironically, those numbers are very similar to his Dad’s performance in the Super Bowl. Yes, this was a preseason game, but still, interesting. You guys know how I feel, I would have no problem if Matt Simms was under center against Tampa Bay. But, I am not naïve enough to think it will happen, but he should make the team as the third string.

Incidentally, despite the fact that Rex commented that they will consider carrying 4 QB’s, don’t count on it. Not likely.

Kahlil Bell ran like a man possessed last night. Talk about a guy that takes advantage of his opportunities. He ran the ball 21 times for 80 yards, scoring twice. His runs also “looked” impressive. He was carrying bodies all over the football field. On the first TD, it looked like he carried several guys to the end zone. Bell should have locked up a roster spot with that performance, especially with the Mike Goodson situation.

Ryan Spadola finished up his solid training camp with 6 receptions for 47 yards on the night. He should make the final 53, otherwise the word competition means very little. Michael Campbell had an excellent game as well with 5 catches for 90 yards.

Aug 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Ricky Sapp (55) bats down a pass by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) during the first half of a preseason game at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

On defense, Ricky Sapp played exceptionally well, showing us the type of pass rusher that he is when healthy. He recorded one sack, and one forced fumble, and was in the backfield on several plays. Don’t expect him to start, but Ricky will see plenty of action in pass rush situations.

Another guy who played an outstanding game was Leger Douzable. He recorded a sack as well, and put nice pressure in the backfield as well.

After the game, Rex Ryan said that the safety competition was still too close to call. If you saw the game, you understood why. Jaiquawn Jarrett was throwing some wood around, laying out the hits on a night where he recorded 4.5 tackles. Antonio Allen added 3.5 tackles, and a pick six.

We’ll talk about the other side of the coin on the next page.

Aug 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Zach Rogers (9) runs after a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a preseason game at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Now, for the other side of the coin.

Zach Rogers squandered any opportunity he had of making the final 53. He could possibly have played his way off of the practice squad as well. He had passes go through his hands, and he muffed a punt at the end of the game that could have cost the Jets the game. Not that the result of a preseason game is a big deal, but Rogers definitely lost the confidence of coaches last night, and I think he knows it.

Ben Obomanu had a suspect game as well. He has had a pretty good preseason, and did catch 3 passes for 24 yards. However, he did have a couple of passes go through his hands as well. He really did very little to distinguish himself, as we move to the final cutdowns, due by 4 PM on Saturday.

On the offensive line, Brian Winters had a rough night. When Matt Simms wasn’t completing passes, he was taking hits and running around back there. A lot of that had to do with missed blocks by Brian Winters. He will get better, and will be nice depth on the line, but I am thankful he is not being counted on to play yet.

Onward and upward. Next up is the Tampa Bay Bucs in the season opener!