Three Positives, and Three Negatives from the New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts

Dee Milliner

had himself a very impressive first game of the 2014-2015 season” width=”300″ height=”218″ /> Dee Milliner had himself a very impressive first game of the 2014-2015 season

Positives–

1. The Play of Dee Milliner– While the Jets first team defense was not on the field for long, the Jets 2013 first round pick had himself a very strong first game of the 2014-2015 season. Earlier this offseason, Milliner was quoted in saying he felt he was ” The best cornerback in the NFL”, while one preseason game certainly can’t prove that, Milliner had himself a very strong game. The Jets number one corner was able to breakup two passes which resulted in incompletions for the Colts offense. Milliner showed excellent play recognition, and broke quickly on the ball, which he did very well at the end of last season. This was an impressive game for Milliner.

2. Mike Vick and Geno Smith– While the Jets only scored 13 points on the night, both Geno Smith and Mike Vick lead the Jets to scoring drives while they were on the field. Vick led the Jets down the field, with the end result being a touchdown run by Chris Johnson from the one yard line. Smith led the Jets down the field but the drive stalled and Nick Folk rattled in a 51 yard field goal to end the drive. All in all, I was very impressed with Geno’s pocket awareness, and it is obvious he has a much stronger grasp on the offense heading into his second year. As for Vick, he showed off his legs running for a few first downs to move the ball down the field.

3. No Injuries– Arguably the most important thing of the night for the Jets was that they did not have any serious injuries once the game was over. While David Nelson had a hand injury, and Chris Ivory had an injury to his ribs, both seem to be fine according to coach Rex Ryan. While the Jets hope to look impressive during the preseason, staying healthy has to be on the top of their list. Through one game they were able to escape the injury bug, lets hope they can do the same for the next three games.

Negatives–

1. Dimitri Patterson– Patterson did not have himself a very impressive first game as a New York Jet. Patterson was beaten consistently by Colts wide receivers, the biggest play resulting in a forty five yard completion down the right sideline to Colts receiver Da’Rick Rogers. While Patterson is the favorite to start opposite Dee Milliner as the Jets second cornerback, he will have to have himself a strong next game or his job could be in jeopardy from rookie Dexter McDougle, or veteran Darrin Walls. Is it possible Patterson just had an off game? Yes, but he needs to prove that next week against the Bengals.

2. Pass Rush?– This is really not big deal at all to me, but I would have liked to see the Jets first team defense get some pressure on Colts star QB Andrew Luck. While it was pretty clear that Rex Ryan was playing a very simple defense and not really blitzing much at all, I still would have liked to see the Jets star-studded D-lineman Sheldon Richardson, Mo Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, and Quinton Coples putting pressure on Luck and the Colts offensive line. Hopefully they get the pass rush back next week.

3. Stephen Hill– While Hill has had a very impressive training camp, and impressing coaches in the Jets Green and White scrimmage, Hill did not have a catch in the game against the Colts. Hill was targeted once, and was able to draw a defensive holding call on a Colts corner, but aside from that play, Hill was quiet the rest of the game. Hill really needs to have himself a strong rest of the preseason if he wants to earn a fair amount of playing time this season.

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