Friday Morning Quarterback: Preseason Opener, New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

By Alan Schechter | Aug 8, 2014

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets kicker Andrew Furney (8) kicks the game winning field goal defended by Indianapolis Colts defensive back

Johnny Adams

(25) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Colts 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Typically, this will be the “Monday Morning Quarterback” during the regular season. But when the game is on Thursday, we bring our thoughts on Friday. Here we go.

As they said on the broadcast, what a night for Andrew Furney! I don’t care that it was the preseason. Can you imagine, being asked to nail a 51 yard field goal to win the game, and it’s your first kick as a pro? That is what happened to Furney last night, and he nailed it. There is really no chance for him to make the team, but so what? He gets it on tape for other teams, and it is a night he will remember the rest of his life.

Congratulations to Andrew Furney.

All in all, it was a pretty good night for our New York Jets. Overall, the first team defense did allow only 10 points, which will win games 90-95% of the time. The backup defense looked pretty good as well, holding the Colts scoreless so the Jets could win it in the end.

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For a first game, the offense did move the ball a little bit. In the first half, the offense only posted one “three and out”, and didn’t record a single one in the second half, putting the team in position to win the game late.

The drive of the night was engineered by Michael Vick in the second quarter, when he led the Jets on a scoring drive that was 14 plays and 80 yards, capped off by a Chris Johnson one yard touchdown, tying the game at 10.

The Jets’ defense gave up a lot of pass completions. They seemed to be playing a form of “prevent defense”. they gave up yards, although they only allowed the Colts into the end zone once. Although the defense did not “break”, it sure did bend a lot. It’s early, but the reason I mention it is thas it’s a continuation of how the defense looked last year. If that were to continue, we will all be in trouble, including coach Ryan.

We didn’t get to see Tajh Boyd last night, as Matt Simms played the entire second half. Despite the fact that he was running for his life on more than one occasion, Matt was efficient, completing 13 out of 18 passes. He has a good command of the offense, as does Geno Smith. It’s hard to get on a roll when you are running around trying to keep large people from hitting you.

Chris Ivory hurt his ribs last night, and left the game. Coach Ryan said that Chris will be fine. It is early, so it shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is worth keeping an eye on. The top running backs weren’t very good, and need to get better. 16 carries for 44 yards for Ivory and Johnson is not going to cut it. It’s early again, and typically the offense is behind. But, keep an eye on things there.

Stephen Hill had his one target go right through his arms. If Hill doesn’t turn it around, any preseason targets he receives this season might just sit. Amaro had a better night, catching two passes for 18 yards, but had one target go through his hands. Amaro showed excellent quickness after one of his catches, and refining his talents to be effective at the NFL level might make him “unstoppable”.

So that’s the story for game number one. What did you guys think, see…etc?