Top 5 takeaways against Redskins

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson (83) scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets took their first loss in preseason football thanks to the Washington Redskins, it exposed some of their overall flaws that must be addressed before the regular season arrives.

Even though it’s meaningless preseason football, a loss is a loss. The New York Jets fell to the Washington Redskins to the final score of 22-18 in a game that saw their defense not live up to expectations.

Related Story: Robby Anderson dazzles in preseason loss

The Jets’ defense didn’t resemble what everyone saw just a week ago against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were unable to stop the run or pass, didn’t have a consistent pass rush and well, were unable to get the job done.

The quarterback situation of the Jets took a different turn against the Redskins which has now sparked yet another debate as to how the final depth chart should look like. As the Jets were sent packing with a loss, it’s back to the drawing board to make sure they work out the kinks now before it becomes a problem later.

Without further ado, here are the top five takeaways from the Jets’ Week 2 loss to the Redskins.

Next: 5. A sudden rash of injuries

Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) gains yards during the first half of the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

5. A sudden rash of injuries

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. As the game was getting too much to handle for the Jets, they started to see a rash of injuries to some of their key players.

Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa suffered a concussion, cornerback Dee Milliner had a sore bicep injury and linebacker Erin Henderson had a stinger kind of injury. All of which reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Injuries are a part of football but Enunwa’s concussion should hopefully not be anything serious as he’s been making a strong case this summer to be the No. 3 option at wide receiver. As far as Henderson and Milliner are concerned, they shouldn’t miss any time going forward.

It’s important the Jets continue to maintain high standards when it comes to player conditioning and ensuring everyone knows how to protect themselves from injuries. Especially in preseason football when it’s best to save the extra efforts for when the games that actually matter are here.

Next: 4. Robbie Anderson makes his case

4. Robby Anderson makes his case

Wide receiver Robby Anderson put on quite the show against the Redskins. He totaled 131 receiving yards, six receptions and a touchdown.

Anderson had a beautiful 50-yard long reception and showcased his speed in the receiving game. It’s important the Jets add talent to their wide receiver corps since there is no guarantee that Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker can continue carrying such a heavy workload.

If Anderson can continue to put up nice games like this in preseason action, he will continue making his case that he belongs on the final roster. Since the Jets have a plethora of wide receivers battling it out in training camp to earn final spots, Anderson is doing a nice job proving his worth.

Anderson led all receivers in receptions and average yards per catch at 21.8. At the rate he’s going, he will solidify himself as someone worth keeping for the upcoming season.

Next: 3. Jace Amaro continues to be abysmal

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jace Amaro continues to be abysmal

Yet again, tight end Jace Amaro failed to deliver when it mattered most. It is more than likely chalked up to mental issues because for whatever reason, Amaro simply can’t haul in easy receptions for anything.

It’s a bizarre situation for Amaro who seems to make plays and be consistent in training camp but can’t replicate it come game time. For a tight end that’s looking to be a producing starter, having a game against the Redskins with just two receptions for 11 yards isn’t going to cut it.

Amaro once again looked confused on the football field and continues to let the mental aspect of the game get in the way of him making plays. With tight end Zach Sudfeld having a much better outing to the tune of three receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown, Amaro might be delegated to backup duties in 2016.

Amaro does well in blocking schemes but at the end of the day, fails to make easy receptions he’s supposed to make. At the rate Amaro is going, he’s on the outside looking in.

Next: 2. A sloppy defense

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) runs with the ball in the first quarter against the New York Jets at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

2. A sloppy defense

From the starting unit to main backups, the overall defense of the Jets left much to be desired. They were sloppy in all aspects, unable to stop running backs and allowing backup quarterback Colt McCoy to light them up.

For a defense with major potential to be a top five unit this upcoming season, they sure didn’t act like it. They had a plethora of missed tackles and allowed the Redskins’ offense to march up and down the field against them.

Of course it’s just preseason football but this defense needs to step up in all aspects of the game if they’re to be a formidable unit in 2016. They have many key veterans and talented young defenders that shouldn’t have allowed the Redskins to easily control the line of scrimmage and set the tone of the game.

Expect to see head coach Todd Bowles fire this defense up royally this week in practice. Their performance was inexcusable and should be treated as such.

Next: 1. The battle at quarterback for No. 2

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) attempts a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

1. The battle at quarterback for No. 2

Quarterback Bryce Petty put up another good consecutive game to prove his worth to the Jets. Against the Redskins, Petty totaled 242 passing yards, 16 completions, two touchdowns and most important of all, no interceptions.

Quarterback Geno Smith however, had a game he’d like to forget. Smith totaled 47 passing yards, six completions and an interceptions. The Jets are set at the starting quarterback spot with Ryan Fitzpatrick but his backup spot is still up for grabs.

For the most part, Petty has outperformed Smith if you go based on stats and his overall decision-making on the field. Even though it’s just preseason football, Petty is giving the Jets more reasons to keep him around due to having the ability to effectively run their offense well.

must read: Bryce Petty needs to be traded immediately

Overall, it will be very interesting to see how these two quarterbacks continue to battle out to end training camp and preseason football. Could the Jets actually stick with all four quarterbacks for 2016? It remains to be seen but at this point in time, besides Fitzpatrick, Petty is looking like the better option as the main backup quarterback for the Jets.