New York Jets vs. New York Giants Quick Hits

Preseason game number 3 is known as the dress rehearsal for the regular season. The starters usually play into the 3rd quarter and the game is played with intensity as close to a regular season game as the preseason gets. Positional battles and roster spots are up for grabs in the last game before the 1st roster cuts. How did the Jets do?

Tonight the Jets beat the Giants 24-21 in overtime in a game that was very sloppy and tough to watch at points. The offense moved the ball well at times but were their own worst enemy by having 5 costly turnovers. Geno Smith had some good moments but looked like a rookie and Mark Sanchez was injured. The defense played really well for the most part making up for last week’s poor performance and showing the promise that Rex Ryan was talking about when he predicted a top 5 defense. They still have work to do with communication issues in the secondary and coverage from the linebackers but with Coples and Milliner back this defense should be stout.

1. Geno Smith looked like a rookie who has the skill to start but is just not ready yet. He might have to learn on the job depending on the severity of Sanchez’s injury. Smith led a nice touchdown drive culminating in a touchdown pass, led a second touchdown drive to start the second half, threw a nice deep ball to Hill, had a couple of well executed screen pass and looked poised for the most part but he threw 3 interceptions, 2 of which were very poor decisions in the face of pressure and stepped out of the end zone for the safety. Smith was late on a few passes and seemed to stare down receivers. Smith was 16-30 for 199 yards 1 TD (2 touchdown drives) 3 interceptions 13 first downs 3 by penalty 1 safety.

2. Sanchez came in with 12 minutes left in the game and played behind the second team offensive line which was a risk that might prove costly. He took a sack and lost a fumble on the first drive then took two huge hits the last one knocking him out of the game with an apparent shoulder injury. 5/6 72 yards 0 TD 0 Int 2 first downs 1 fumble.

3. The offense had 5 turnovers and a non-exisent running game but there were some bright spots. Obamanu looked good again having 3 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, Hill did well also catching all 4 balls sent his way for 56 yards including a 32 yard catch but did fumble his final catch. Winslow still can make plays and had 4 catches for 35 yards. The running game did not do Smith any favors as they ran for only 33 yards on 24 carries (1.5 yards per carry) in the first half. Overall Powell had 11 carries for 16 yards, Ivory had 8 carries for 15 yards and Bohanon had 1 carry for 2 yards. Massaquoi had a couple of catches and didn’t look bad for someone who came to the team yesterday. Spadola had 3 catches for 110 yards including a laser touchdown from Simms with 2 minutes left in the game and a 70 yard grab on a scramble play in overtime.

4. The starting defense was very good outside of the first play from scrimmage which was an 84 yard touchdown run by Wilson who exploded through the line and no one could catch him. Terrible angles and no speed to catch him he outran Landry down the sideline. Manning was held to 8-20 for 83 yards and looked very uncomfortable. After the 84 yard run the Giants only had 21 yards on 10 carries the rest of the half including a goal line stand. The Jets 1st team defense were much better against screens and outside runs. The second unit kept up the momentum and stymied the Giants despite the offense’s 5 turnovers although allowing the Giants to drive for a tying field goal in the last two minutes was not good at all.

Could D-lineman Mo Wilkerson be the ” MVP” of the Jets defense?

5. The Jets line especially Wilkerson, Harrison and Richardson were able to get consistent penetration and blow up running plays as well as get pressure including a sack by Richardson. Demario Davis played much better today as well blowing up a screen and stopping a run as well he looked more focused. Kyle Wilson was awful he had 3 penalties and did not look competent covering Nicks. Safety play was spotty Allen had a nice pass breakup but then got beat over the top by Nicks for what should have been a touchdown. Landry played well and had a 4th down breakup of a fade to Nicks in the end zone. Landry failed to take a proper pursuit angle on Wilson during his touchdown run. Walls had a very nice half with consistently tight coverage as well. Douzable has been generating consistent pressure all preseason including a nice sack tonight. Trufant tackled well tonight especially against the run.

6. Malone was the better of the punters averaging 57 yards per kick including a 60 yard beauty. Quigley had a shank and an average of 37 yards per punt. Wilson should not be returning kicks as he has no burst as a returner. Mike Edwards has some burst and showed it in his only return. Kerley had his array of 5 yard returns and fair catches as a punt returner he is still below average. Folk missed a game-winning 39 yard field goal in overtime.

7. Santonio Holmes was activated last night from the PUP list to the active roster and before the game was running routes and catching balls from Greg McElroy. According to those in attendance he was cutting hard and his foot looked good. More good news as Holmes makes a push to be ready for Week 1.

8. Injuries – Ducasse left this game early, Sanchez was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, Stephen Hill was taken for x-rays for an unknown injury. No other key injuries.