Jets roster battle will get intense after both QB3s shine in preseason debut

The NY Jets did not throw out many of their best players in their preseason debut against the Washington Commanders. Aaron Rodgers did not play, and Tyrod Taylor played so little he managed -1 passing yards in two series. The backups fighting for the fabled QB3 spot both put up some impressive performances.

The two main competitors for the QB3 spot have incredibly different backgrounds. Wyoming product Andrew Peasley spent four years as a Utah State backup and two in a Cowboys offense that can generously be called archaic. Adrian Martinez was a much-hyped college star and UFL MVP trying to earn one last NFL chance.

While the Commanders were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, both Martinez and Peasley had success in the Jets. Peasley went 8-11 for 73 yards and a beautiful touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee. Martinez finished 6-of-10 for 104 yards and added 24 more on the ground.

According to EPA per dropback, Martinez was the fifth-most efficient quarterback in the first slate of preseason games. The only ones above him were three projected Week 1 starters and a No. 10 overall pick in J.J. McCarthy. Peasley was eighth overall in an equally impressive showing.

Adrian Martinez, Andrew Peasley impress in NY Jets QB3 battle

Peasley completed just 56% of his throws in college and was only a starter for two seasons, but he rarely played alongside NFL talent in Logan, Utah and Laramie, Wyoming. While he doesn't have the greatest arm talent, Peasley drew praise for his mobility, playmaking out of structure, and ability to avoid turnovers.

Martinez, once hyped as the savior of Nebraska football, totaled 51 passing touchdowns and 45 rushing touchdowns across four seasons with the Cornhuskers and a graduate year at Kansas State.

He joined the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, where he led the league in rushing and threw 15 touchdown passes in 10 games. Martinez was named league MVP and Championship Game MVP.

While both of these quarterbacks will need to show more if they want a shot at making the Jets' roster, the fact both of them were not only able to prove they belonged in the pros but were making exceptional plays that went beyond the call of duty speaks volumes.

With two more exploitable defenses in the Panthers and Giants coming to town, both Martinez and Peasley will be given an opportunity to show the Jets they are worth holding on to.

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