5 winners (and 3 losers) from the NY Jets' preseason Week 2 win over Panthers

The NY Jets emerged victorious in their second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night, improving their exhibition record this summer to 2-0. It wasn't the most exciting of preseason matchups, but a number of players managed to make strong impressions.

From rookie standouts to underwhelming duds who are sliding down the depth chart, let's take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from the Jets' latest preseason victory.

Winner: Will McDonald, DE, NY Jets

Will McDonald was one of the few notable players who took the field for the Jets in this game, and while he didn't dominate against a bad Panthers offensive line, he popped up with a nasty second-quarter sack.

McDonald toasted backup right tackle Ricky Lee with a disgusting spin move, picking up the sack on third-and-long. The Jets would love to see him add to his pass-rush arsenal and become a more well-rounded player, but that spin move is lethal.

Loser: Andrew Peasley, QB, NY Jets

With Tyrod Taylor sitting out, Saturday's game was a golden opportunity for both Andrew Peasley and Adrian Martinez to prove their worth in the battle for QB3. Martinez had his ups and downs, but Peasley ultimately came out as the loser.

The undrafted rookie finished 7-of-11 for just 33 yards as he looked hesitant and afraid to throw the ball down the field. Peasley missed rookie running back Braelon Allen on a 4th-and-1 dump-off and never seemed to regain his confidence.

Martinez had his issues as well, most notably an air-mailed pass that led to an interception, but the UFL MVP still flashed and showed the ability to extend plays. Peasley needs to show more if he's going to earn a practice squad spot.

Winner: Olu Fashanu, OT, NY Jets

Olu Fashanu received the start at right tackle after practicing at that spot most of the week, and if this was a test to see if he could be the Jets' primary backup swing tackle this year, he passed with flying colors.

Fashanu more than held his own at right tackle, looking sound in pass protection and springing open a few runs. A highly questionable holding call aside, Saturday proved Fashanu could handle that role. That's massive for the Jets' offensive line depth.

Loser: Jason Brownlee, WR, NY Jets

Jason Brownlee was one of the biggest standouts of the Jets' 2023 summer, which helped him earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie. The second-year wideout is in need of a similar performance this summer to help solidify his roster status.

Unfortunately, Brownlee hasn't impressed much in the preseason. The former UDFA had a brutal drop on an impressive throw by Martinez, who scrambled to his left and found his receiver on the run. Brownlee also failed to haul in another Martinez pass that was thrown behind him on the same drive.

Those are the plays Brownlee needs to make if he's going to make the 53-man roster again. Hauling in one of five targets for six yards with a notable drop isn't going to cut it.

Winner: Brandon Codrington, CB/RET, NY Jets

It's going to be tough for Brandon Codrington to earn a spot on the Jets' roster, but the undrafted rookie made a name for himself on special teams in this game.

Codrington flashed as both a kick and punt returner, taking back a kickoff for 63 yards to set up a Jets field goal. He also returned a pair of punts for 46 yards, including a 31-yard return in which he made a pair of would-be tacklers miss.

Codrington was a standout returner at HBCU NC Central and is originally from the Raleigh area. It's hard to see him making the 53-man roster, but he might have secured a practice squad at the very least with his hometown performance on Saturday.

Loser: Isaiah Winstead, WR, NY Jets

Isaiah Winstead was targeted one time in Saturday's game, a short pass from Martinez for what should have been a six-yard touchdown. Instead, the ball hit Winstead, who was wide open, square in the hands, and fell incomplete.

Winstead is trying to earn a practice squad spot as one of the final wide receivers on the depth chart. This did nothing to help his case.

Winner: Shemar Bartholomew, CB, NY Jets

The Jets' cornerback room is arguably the deepest and most talented in the NFL, which makes it incredibly difficult for someone like Shemar Bartholomew to make a name for himself. He did just that on Saturday, however.

Bartholomew was the Jets' most impressive defensive back in the game, knocking away a Jack Plummer pass in the end zone to prevent a touchdown before flashing his coverage skills later on. He also blew up an attempted screen pass earlier in the third quarter.

The Jets signed Bartholomew as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Southern shortly following this year's draft, and while he's a longshot for the 53-man roster, tonight's performance may have helped him secure a practice squad spot.

Winner: Austin Seibert, K, NY Jets

Austin Seibert isn't going to be the Jets' kicker this season, but he's sure making a case to find a home on some NFL team. Seibert connected on all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 52-yarder, to account for 12 of the Jets' 15 points.

Don't be surprised if some team scoops him up after final roster cuts.

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