Football is finally back Jets fans as the green and white had their first preseason game of the 2018 season yesterday and beat the Atlanta Falcons 17-0, which was their first shutout since 1990. Not only that but it was also the first time seeing first round pick Sam Darnold in action as well some other new faces. I know it’s only preseason but there was a lot to be excited about from yesterday’s game and I’m going to break it down from both sides of the ball.
Quarterbacks: Josh McCown started the game and went 1-1 with 4 yards as his day was done after the first series. Teddy Bridgewater was the next quarterback up and looked like the Bridgewater of old before he had that crucial injury. He finished the day ⅞ with 85 yards and touchdown to new acquired Isaiah Crowell.
For the most part, I thought Bridgewater looked good, he got the ball out quick, didn’t seem flustered at all, and made some really nice throws from inside the pocket. From a decision point, he didn’t make a lot of throws down the field because there was pressure but he didn’t hold the ball too long as he got the ball out quickly even though they were short throws.
Sam Darnold got the majority of the snaps as he played from late second quarter to the fourth and although he only played with the second and third strings, he showed flashes of what we thought we were getting from him being the franchise quarterback. He had a great day completing 13 of his 18 throws for 96 yards and a touchdown. Even though he did play against the second and third strings, he was picking apart the falcons defense making long sustainable drives; I really can’t wait to see what he can do with the first strings. My favorite highlight from him was the touchdown series, the falcons only brought a four man rush and dropped everyone else dropped back into coverage. The reason why this was my favorite highlight is because it demonstrated how calm and cool he was in the pocket. He stepped up and moved to the right, keeping the play alive with his feet before finding Johnson in the end zone. He didn’t make too many bad throws overall but he needs to do a better job getting the plays and reading out to the team, but he looked tremendous on his debut.
Jets discovered a new position; the tight end: The tight ends have been a non existent for the tight end position. But newly offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates have been working to bring the position back to life, and they did just that. Both Neil Sterling and Cliff Walford had a combined total of 6 catches for 65 yards, rookie Chris Herndon didn’t play due to an injury and from what I have heard has been really impressive throughout training camp.
Running backs and offensive line: Aside from the lone touchdown by new jet Isaiah Crowell, the running backs didn’t put up much of a show. However, rookie Trent Cannon has been making most of the reps since Mcguire has been hurt, and although his talents are raw he has shown a lot of potential with his quick moves. As for the offensive line, they only gave up one sack and have been opening up holes for the running backs all game and providing time for the quarterbacks.
There was a lot of good to take away from the first preseason game and although there was also a lot of things they need to clean up, There is a lot of positives and be hopeful for the upcoming season.