The New York Jets defeated their cross-town rivals, the New York Giants, 20-12 but the game raised only more questions about the Jets’ starting quarterback and entire first team unit.
The Gang Green got off to a flying start as QB Chad Pennington connected with RB Leon Washington for a 79-yard touchdown pass on the very first play from scrimmage. Unfortunately, it went only downhill from there on. The Jets finished the first half with only 66 yards of total offense and just one first down, losing 13 yards since the first play touchdown. The Giants, on the other hand, were moving the ball down the field without any problems and only their inability to score in the red zone, along with kicker problems, allowed the Jets to stay in the game. The Gang Green were totally dominated at the line of scrimmage – Pennington got sacked twice and felt the pressure on almost every passing play. The running game was absolutely nonexistent. Hopefully, it was just due to the absence of RB Thomas Jones, but most likely the problem lies in the offensive line that’s just too green to produce.
Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t much better. Just like last season they were unable to pressure the quarterback without resorting to safety and cornerback blitzes. But even then Eli Manning had plenty of time to throw to his wide open receivers. The Jets allowed a total of 210 yards in the first half – quite an alarming sign with just one preseason game left.
QB Kellen Clemens took over on the second Jets’ possession in the second half and the Gang Green scored six plays later. RB Danny Ware ran six times in a row, gaining a total of 44 yards, as the Gang Green took the lead, 13-12.
On the next Jets’ possession it was Clemens’ time to shine. First, he threw a 45-yard bomb to WR Justin McCareins. Then, without a huddle, he connected with WR Brad Smith on another 34-yard gain that put the Jets’ on the 1-yard line. Then, again with no huddle, Clemens ran up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown, 20-12.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game 5 out of 11 for 89 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. If you, however, take out the first play touchdown pass, Pennington’s total was just a miserable 4 out of 10 for 10 yards. QB Kellen Clemens was 6 out of 8 for 122 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT. RB Danny Ware led the team with 57 rushing yards on 15 carries, 1 TD. RB Leon Washington, who started the game in place of injured RB Thomas Jones, gained just 6 yards on 7 carries. He also had 3 receptions for 86 yards, 1 TD.
SS Erik Coleman made the team-high 8 tackles (6 solo). LB Victor Hobson and DE David Bowens had 6 tackles a piece. Bowens also recorded a sack in the second half. CB Darrelle Revis finally played his first game was the Gang Green. He looked pretty solid, finishing with 5 tackles and 1 pass defense. LB Andre Wadsworth, who’s trying to get back in the NFL after a 7-year absence, forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter.
The Jets will play their final preseason game on August 30th against the Philadelphia Eagles. The kickoff time is at 7:30 PM EST.