What an entrance by QB Mark Sanchez! On his first ever play in the NFL the high prized Jets' rookie connected on a 48-yard pass with WR David Clowney. Sanchez followed with a couple of nice completions to TE Dustin Keller and the Jets took an early 10-3 lead on a Thomas Jones' TD run.
QB Kellen Clemens started the game and lost a fumble on the opening drive. He finished 4 out of 4 for 24 yards. The revamped defense looked very aggressive in the first quarter, recording two sacks (D. Harris and C. Pace).
QB Erik Ainge entered the game in the second quarter. So, Sanchez' night is over. He was 3 out of 4 for 88 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
UPDATE (8:18pm): The Jets are up 10-9 at the half. The Rams scored all of their points on field goals, while the Gang Green scored on the short TD run by Thomas Jones and field goal by Jay Feely. The defense recorded 3 sacks in the first half: Harris, Pace and Strickland.
Sanchez obviously outperformed Clemens tonight, but it's too early to call this contest over. He did look impressive in his only drive, but let's face it this was just one drive against a poor defense. Let's see how they both do next week against the solid Raven's defense before jumping to conclusions.
UPDATE (9:21pm): What a beautiful play action pass from Erik Ainge to David Clowney!!! Touchdown Jets! The Gang Green take a 20-16 lead in the 4th quarter. Clowney is shining in preseason again. This was a 50-yard pass.
UPDATE (9:28pm): WR Paul Raymond just fumbled a punt in the Jets territory. This was his only touch of the evening. Will he be the first one to get cut? The Rams scored a touchdown a few plays later. They now lead 23-20.
UPDATE (9:55pm): Jets 20, Rams 23