All eyes were once again on QB Brett Favre as the 3-time NFL MVP played his first game in a New York Jets uniform. Favre played two series, throwing a touchdown pass to rookie TE Dustin Keller to cap the second Jets' possession of the game.
Favre finished the game 5 of 6 for 48 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. His longest completion was a 19-yarder to WR Jerricho Cotchery. Favre was replaced by QB Kellen Clemens who once again struggled behind the center. Clemens was 5 of 12 for 63 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. Two of his passes were batted down, four were dropped, and he also stumbled and fell down twice. QB Brett Ratliff continued to impress. Although all of his playing time occurred against players who most likely will not be in the league in a couple of weeks, Ratliff nevertheless showed plenty of good decision making and poise to challenge struggling Clemens for #2 QB spot. One negative observation about Ratliff is that on at least a couple of plays, he clearly telegraphed his throws, locking on his intended received right after the snap. Had he done that against better opposition, his passes would have most likely been picked off or at least defended. Ratliff finished the game 13 of 19 for 148 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. He also completed the first three passes in the last minute of fourth quarter, as the Jets were trailing 10-13. Rookie TE Jason Pociask broke a tackle and took a short pass for 30 yards and into the Skins' territory. Six plays later, facing a 2nd and goal from Washington's 5-yard line, Ratliff threw a perfect pass to WR Paul Raymond but the latter dropped what should have been a sure winning touchdown. On the next play, with 5 seconds remaining, the Jets unexpectedly decided to kick a field goal but PK Mike Nugent missed a 23-yard chip shot. Nugent had also missed a 43-yard attempt earlier in the game.
Overall, the starters looked good. They did give up one sack but it was mostly due to RB Leon Washington being unable to block a Skins' linebacker, rather than an offensive line error. Run blocking struggled once again, as RB Thomas Jones gained only 7 yards on 2 carries, while Washington picked up just 6 yards on 4 attempts. WR Laveranues Coles and DE Shaun Ellis sat out again. WR David Clowney, who's been making splashes in training camp and impressed in the first preseason game, caught 4 passes for 59 yards but had to leave in the 3rd quarter with a shoulder injury. Rookie WR Marcus Henry finally got involved in the offense - 4 receptions for 42 yards.
LB Kenwin Cummings was again all over the field, as he lead the team with 6 tackles (5 solo). MLB David Harris was back in action and had one solo tackle. LB Cody Spencer had 5 tackles (4 solo) and 2.0 sacks. DB James Ihedigbo intercepted a pass in the first half but also made a crucial mistake late in the game that allowed Washington to take the lead. Ihedigbo boldly went for an interception, instead of concentrating on making a tackle, and missed - there was no one behind him, Washington's receiver caught the pass and untouched ran to the end zone for a touchdown. The biggest problem on defense, however, was the inability to stop the run. The Redskins amassed 181 yards on the ground (8.2 yards per carry), which included a 73-yard run.
Next Saturday the Gang Green will take on their crosstown rivals New York Giants. The kickoff is at 7:00pm et.