The New York Jets improved to 2-0 in preseason, as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 24-16. This was almost a carbon copy of their preseason opener against the Eagles. The Gang Green went down 16-0 in the first half before they finally got on the board late in the 2nd quarter. Once the Falcons pulled all their starters in the second half, the Jets took over the contest and scored 21 unanswered points.
Head coach Robert Saleh decided to keep QB Joe Flacco on the bench, as he didn't want to risk his current starting quarterback after losing QB Zach Wilson in the first preseason game to a knee injury. So, it was third string QB Mike White who started the game with a backup offensive line and a bunch of rookies on offense. White seemingly struggled against Atlanta's starting defense, as he went 12 of 17 for 90 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. Just like in the first preseason game, it was QB Chris Streveler who finally got the offense going in the second half, granted it was against players most of whom would not make the opening day roster. The Jets are 6.5-point underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens in the latest NFL Odds.
If the offense led by Mike White just struggled, the defense looked flat out horrible facing Atlanta's starting offense led by QB Marcus Mariota. Mariota played three series and the Falcons scored on two of them, taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Third year CB Bryce Hall, who was competing for a starting job, had an absolutely abysmal game. He gave up a 52-yard completion on the game's opening drive before giving up a few more big plays, missing tackles and committing a penalty. Hall started all 17 games last season but with the additions of CB D.J. Reed and CB Ahmad Gardner he will now most certainly will be relegated to a nicker or even dime cornerback role.
Once again we did not see any pass-rush from the Jets whatsoever. They could not get anywhere close to Mariota or his backup Desmond Ridder. Both of the Jets' sacks in this game came against 3rd stringers and future cut day casualties in the final quarter. DT Jonathan Marshall recorded a sack and had two tackles for loss.
As far as rookies, WR Garrett Wilson caught all three passes thrown to him for a total of 15 yards. RB Breece Hall gained just one yard on four rushing attempts against Atlanta's starters. CB Ahmad Gardner had one tackle. TE Jeremy Ruckert was targeted once, coming up with a 4-yard reception. Fourth round draft pick, DE Micheal Clemons, had three solo tackles.
On Sunday the Jets will square off against their crosstown rivals, the New York Giants, in their final preseason game of the 2022 season. The Gang Green went undefeated in the 2021 preseason, as just like this year, they won their first two preseason games before tying the Eagles 31-31 in the final game.