3 winners (and 3 losers) from Jets preseason finale loss to Giants

The New York Jets wrapped up their preseason Friday night with a 23-6 loss to the New York Giants, and there were some positive takeaways for fans to hang their hat on with the regular season on the horizon.

A good majority of New York's starters on offense and defense got the night off, but rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik got one last chance to shine before taking his spot as Geno Smith's backup heading into the regular season.

What other Jets took advantage of their opportunities, and which ones squandered them under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium?

Winners & losers from the New York Jets preseason finale

Loser: Aaron Glenn, HC

The Jets rested most of their starters for the preseason finale, with the exception of several injured players who were unable to suit up for the team's first two exhibition outings. Joseph Ossai, T'Vondre Sweat, and Nahshon Wright all saw their first action of the summer.

Ossai left the game early with a foot injury and did not return. The former Cincinnati Bengal was the Jets' big-ticket free-agent acquisition this offseason and is a projected starter across from David Bailey. After starting the summer on the PUP list, maybe Aaron Glenn should've opted to hold off on playing him in a meaningless preseason game despite his lack of reps.

Winner: Nate Lynn, Edge

One of the newest additions to the Jets' roster continued his streak of domination after last week's two-sack game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nate Lynn recorded one sack and one tackle for loss, proving to be a dynamic playmaker off the edge.

Despite joining the team less than two weeks ago, it's starting to feel like Lynn has a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster and may have carved out a role for himself on this Jets defense. His previous ties to Aaron Glenn certainly help his case as well.

Loser: Cade Klubnik, QB

Cade Klubnik has been the preordained backup quarterback behind Geno Smith all summer long and was given a starting opportunity in two different preseason games. Unfortunately, the fourth-round rookie hasn't inspired much confidence in his ability to step in the starting lineup in a disaster scenario.

In his final preseason appearance, Klubnik threw an interception, completed 6-of-13 pass attempts for 59 yards, and drew a delay-of-game penalty. The Jets need to seriously consider adding another veteran quarterback before the start of the regular season.

In fairness, his best throw of the night didn't count thanks to an illegal man downfield penalty on Xavier Newman just before the end of the first half.

Winner: Chip Trayanum, RB

With Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis all inactive for the Jets' preseason finale, undrafted free agent Chip Trayanum received the bulk of the workload out of the backfield for New York and did just about all he could with his touches. He exited the game right before halftime with a scary-looking neck injury, and was taken to a local hospital per ESPN's Rich Cimini.

The Toledo standout still carried the ball 12 times for 38 yards and even managed to score the Jets' only touchdown of the night. He's unlikely to make the team's 53-man roster, but could have a spot on the practice squad thanks to his performances throughout the summer.

Winner: Azareye'h Thomas, CB

The Jets have had a heated competition throughout the summer for the starting cornerback job opposite Brandon Stephens and Azareye'h Thomas, and Thomas took an early lead thanks to Nahshon Wright's hip injury. The free-agent signee missed the team's first two preseason games.

Thomas didn't suit up for Friday night's preseason finale, and it may be an early sign that when the Jets' starting defense takes the field in Week 1, he'll be there. Without even playing a snap, Thomas is a winner.

Loser: Jason Sanders, K

The Jets named Jason Sanders their starting kicker this past week, cutting ties with his main competitor, Cade York. Despite that, Darren Mougey may still want to keep his eyes peeled on the veteran free-agent market. Maybe another option will pop up after Sunday's roster cutdown day.

Sanders rewarded the Jets' trust in him with a missed extra point after their opening touchdown drive. Those are supposed to be layups for veteran kickers, and the former All-Pro couldn't convert. He also missed a 54-yarder midway through the fourth quarter, solidifying the fact that the Jets desperately need to find another kicker.

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